Student Transitions
WMU instructor teaching in class

Teach for First-Year Experience

FYE instructors are WMU faculty and staff who are invested in the success of first-year students. They are hired as part-time instructors to teach FYE 2100, a two-credit hour course designed to help new students make a successful academic and social transition to life at WMU. FYE instructors are instrumental in facilitating first-year students’ paths towards academic success as they learn about the array of resources available at WMU. The course includes exploring diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of belonging, developing personal strengths through the CliftonStrengths assessment, planning for careers and academics, and setting meaningful goals.

Office of Student Transitions
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5263 USA
(269) 387-2167

FAQs

There are a number of rewarding reasons instructors choose to teach FYE each year, which include:

  • Making a difference by supporting, guiding, and connecting with new students as they learn how to be successful during this significant transition.
  • Working with a current student co-facilitator one-on-one to further their growth and career readiness.
  • Getting to know 20-25 students in a small learning environment.
  • Part-time instructors for this course are paid at the rate of $1,332 per credit hour in compliance with PIO contracts, for a total of $2,664 over the course of the semester.  

Instructor Responsibilities and Expectations:
These responsibilities support the mission of Merze Tate College, which emphasizes student success and retention.

Training and Preparation

  • Attend all required professional development sessions:
    • Friday, Aug 28 | 8 AM - 4 PM
    • Friday, Oct 2 | 3:30 - 5 PM
    • Friday, Nov 6 | 3:30 - 5 PM
  • Submit a course syllabus to the Office of Student Transitions (Due Sept. 1)
  • Submit the plans, projects, or assignments that align with two required FYE assessments. (Due Sept 1)

Teaching and Curriculum

  • Teach one section of FYE 2100
  • Follow the required common course curriculum and align your syllabus with established course outcomes and assessments.

Supervision and Support of Co-Facilitators

  • Meet weekly with co-facilitators to plan, reflect, and provide guidance to support their active participation in class.
  • Help to ensure co-facilitators complete all required OST activities (trainings, meetings, communications).

FYE Assessments

  • Collect and submit required assessment data, including end-of-semester evaluations for students, co-facilitators, and instructors. (Due Dec. 11)

Grades and Student Success

  • Submit first work grades, midterm grades, and final grades on time in accordance with university deadlines.

To serve as an instructor for FYE courses, individuals must typically hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Educational Leadership, Counseling, or a related discipline. This ensures instructors have a strong foundation for supporting student learning and development.

Exceptions may be considered for candidates who do not hold a Master’s degree but demonstrate relevant professional experience. Specifically, individuals with a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of progressive, full-time experience in student affairs or a closely related field may be eligible, particularly if their primary role includes substantial, ongoing contact with undergraduate students. Applicants’  background should reflect:

  • Direct experience supporting undergraduate student success, retention, or academic development.
  • A strong understanding of student development theory and practice.
  • Experience designing and/or facilitating workshops, seminars, or programs related to college transition, leadership, academic skill-building, or personal development.
  • Additional qualifications that may strengthen an application include:
  • Completion of graduate-level coursework in education, counseling, or related fields.
  • Experience teaching or co-teaching credit-bearing courses, especially first-year seminar or student success courses.
  • Familiarity with curriculum development and learning outcomes assessment.
  • Certification or training in academic coaching, mentoring, or advising.
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development in higher education, equity and inclusion, or instructional practices.
  • Strong communication, facilitation, and mentorship skills, particularly with diverse student populations.
  • All applicants will be evaluated based on their academic background, relevant experience, and demonstrated ability to support student learning in an inclusive and engaging manner. Final approval of instructors will be determined by the Merze Tate College Dean.
  • All classes meet two days per week for an hour and 15 minutes (2.5 hours per week), for 15 weeks. In addition, instructors are expected to meet with their co-facilitator individually for one hour per week. Additional time spent on class varies by instructor and is based on lesson planning, grading, and other class activities.  
  • FYE classes are offered at various times throughout the day to accommodate different schedules. All candidates can indicate preferred dates/time on their applications. If selected to teach, we will do our best to match you with that date/time. 

WMU believes that supporting a student holistically is key to a successful transition to college. As such, the FYE course curriculum is based on the eight dimensions of WMU’s Wellness Wheel. All topics, discussions, assignments, and learning activities will align with at least one component of the Wellness Wheel.

All students will receive a CliftonStrengths code and an in-class Strengths presentation.

There are also a number of required activities and assessments which all classes must complete. Other than those assignments and presentations, instructors have freedom to deliver lessons and materials how they wish. We hope that instructors will share their own interests and expertise with first-year students! 

  • New Instructors 
    • Supporting Academic Success in FYE: In 250–500 words, describe one specific strategy you would use to support the academic success of first-year students in the FYE 2100 course. Context: We are looking to understand your personal approach to the student experience. You might focus on how you'd help students navigate college expectations, how you will provide early feedback, or how you’d connect them with campus resources. If you haven’t taught a college class before, feel free to tell us how you have used your mentoring or leadership skills in other professional roles.
       
    • Working with a Co-Facilitator: In 250–500 words, describe your vision for partnering with a student co-facilitator.
      Context: FYE instructors meet weekly with a student peer leader to plan and reflect on class activities. How would you use those meetings and your time in the classroom to make sure your co-facilitator feels like an active, empowered leader? Please include one example of a specific task or role you’d ask them to take on during class. If you haven't worked with a co-facilitator, please describe a time you successfully collaborated with a student employee, intern, or team member.
  • Returning Applicants: (For those who taught FYE 2100 in 2025)
    • Based on your experience teaching FYE, please address the following in 250-750 words:
      • What Worked: Describe one specific lesson, activity, or resource that successfully helped your students meet a learning objective. What specific evidence (student feedback, class engagement, etc.) showed you it was effective?
         
      • Challenges: Identify one specific "pain point" or challenge from last year (e.g., a certain assignment, a specific week's topic, or student engagement). Exactly how would you change your approach to this area in 2026 to improve the student experience?
  • Monday, March 2: Applications due by 5 p.m.
  • Monday, March 2 - Friday, March 13: Interviews for new instructors
  • By Friday, March 27: Positions offered
  • Saturday, August 28: Required in-person training, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 2: Classes begin
  • Friday, October 2: FYE Staff Meeting, 3:30-5 p.m.
  • Friday, November 6: FYE Staff Meeting, 3:30-5 p.m.

How to Apply

It is helpful to have your CV/resume and written responses prepared before beginning this application. All completed applications must be submitted by March 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. and include the following:

  • FYE 2100 Part-Time Instructor Application (using this form)
  • Current CV or resume
  • Brief professional bio
  • Short written responses to the questions below, which are intended to help us understand the applicants' approaches to teaching first-year students and supporting student success and retention at WMU. Responses will be entered directly in the application form and should be 250-500 words.
  • For new applicants only: Contact information for two professional references (An email will automatically be sent to your references upon submission of this application. There is no action needed on your part.)
  • Important Note - Official supervisor approval will be required in order to teach FYE 2100. After you submit your application, an email will automatically be sent to your supervisor requesting confirmation of approval. You do not need to contact your supervisor separately unless you wish to give them a heads-up.

What are instructors saying about FYE?

I love being able to teach FYE 2100. I have found these students to be funny, insightful, wonderful humans. They want to make the world a better place and make an impact. I have learned as much from them in my time teaching this course as I hope they have from me. As an instructor, what a powerful experience to have in the life of a student! Today’s students need us (and this class), and I wholeheartedly would recommend teaching this course to anyone who wants to make an impact on these amazing world changers!
—Amanda Lozier, Academic Advisor and FYE 2100 instructor
My experience teaching FYE 2100 at WMU has been world-class. The opportunity to make an impact on first-year students is one that I couldn’t pass up. I enjoyed building lasting relationships with students and meeting colleagues I usually wouldn’t meet, and it helped me develop both personally and professionally. The FYE team is supportive and works to set instructors up for success. And first-year students need what instructors have to offer! We can significantly impact their entire college experience at WMU.
—Mo Brooks, Student Success Navigator and FYE 2100 instructor