Welcome from the Director
The First Year Program
SHAW Dress
Mandatory Activities
Freshman Academy
Fall 2008 Semester New Student Orientation

Welcome From the Director
Freshmen Year Programs
Greetings and welcome to Shaw University. The Shaw University family is ever appreciative for your interest and participation in the Shaw Enterprise.  First Year Programs is an integral part of how the university delivers upon its commitment to provide the appropriate tools for students to accomplish their academic goals and also become productive and effective citizens.  First Year Programs has several components each taking into account the university's philosophy pertaining to the holistic approach to education.  We are excited about what we offer and we are equally excited about the experiences, gifts and talents our students, faculty and staff bring to our corporate efforts.

There is no question but that Shaw University is an exciting place to be but like other aspects of life, what one receives is in direct proportion to what one invests.  As our university administration motto suggest, we are satisfied with nothing less than the best ("Strides to Excellence: Only the Best").

Welcome to our family
As Director of First Year Programs at this historic University, I welcome you!  Shaw is committed to educating and developing leaders with a strong legacy of graduating some of the best professionals.  Shaw is grounded in a strong tradition of excellence, developing morally sound, spiritually and physically productive citizens.  The Freshman Studies Program is designed to prepare the first year student in making the transit to the college environment and introduce you to the University.

Our goal is to assist you with making the appropriate decisions and mastering the challenges related to academe and student life. 

First Year Programs
You have been admitted to one of the greatest historically Black liberal arts colleges in the nation.  You join a proud legacy that is steeped in tradition yet poised to meet the challenges of a new century.

First Year Programs at Shaw University is a comprehensive program designed to enhance the experience of freshman and first year students enrolling at Shaw.  It is a series of activities and events that will enable students to familiarize themselves with college life and make an appropriate transition.  The primary goal of The Freshman Studies Program is to assist students in developing academically, culturally, socially, and spiritually.

Every student is required to complete all of the activities, events and course work included in the overall program.  Such completion must be verified by the Director of First Year Programs.  This is a requirement for graduation.

First Year Programs Requirements:  Mandatory during first year

- Attend Freshmen Studies (FRS-111) and successfully complete (Freshmen Only, First     Semester)
- Attend Freshmen Studies (FRS-112) and successfully complete (Freshmen Only, Second     Semester)
- Attend Orientation to Shaw University (OSU-121) Transfer Students Only
- Attend Cultural Academic and Spiritual Enrichment Seminar (CASES) as scheduled
- A student who misses more than three sessions each semester will be required to make   up the entire semester of CASES.
- Transfer students must complete one semester and freshmen students two semesters

SHAW Dress
The Shaw men wear a navy blazer with Shaw Crest, gray dress slacks, white shirt, and Shaw tie.  The Shaw women should wear a navy blazer with Shaw Crest, gray skirt or gray dress slacks, and Shaw scarf.  Jeans, tee shirts, shorts, spaghetti straps or overly casual attire may not be worn to CASES by any students.

It is expected that all students at Shaw University should participate in CASES and community worship.  The university views these occasions as paramount to character development and spiritual maturity.  It should be noted that CASES is not designed to invite membership or commitment to any church or faith based organization.  Rather, it extends the knowledge of participants and helps establish dialogue focused on spiritual issues.  Any exceptions to this requirement are carefully screened and must be staffed through the Dean of the Chapel and approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Mandatory Activities
Freshman and New Student Orientation, Fall Convocation, Bessie Boyd Holman Lecture Series, Coronation of Miss Shaw University, Founder's Day/Homecoming, Convocation, Martin Luther King Commemorative Service, Religious Emphasis Week, Thomas J. Boyd Sunday, University Awards Day, Senior Appreciation Day and any additional announced event.

Students who have not fulfilled all requirements for First Year Programs:

- Will not be certified for graduation
- Will not be allowed to run for an elected office
- Will not be allowed to serve as a Student Development Counselor (SDC), nor a   Residence Advisor (RA)
- Will not be allowed to pledge social fraternities or sororities

Freshman Academy/Bridge 2007
The Freshmen Academy/Bridge is considered one of the cornerstones of Shaw University’s comprehensive First Year Programs. The academy will convene for four weeks this summer, July 15 – August 10, 2007, just prior to the opening of the fall semester. Freshmen Academy/Bridge is an intensive academic program designed to shepherd incoming freshmen through a successful transition from high school to college.

The Freshmen Academy/Bridge is challenging and enrollment is limited; therefore, applicants must prove that they are serious scholars willing to invest time, energy, and discipline in their education.

Upon successful completion, participants enter the fall semester at Shaw having already earned 6 credit hours toward their graduation requirement through intensive coursework in English and Math. They will also attend math labs, reading and comprehension labs, workshops, seminars, take field trips, make presentations, and engage in lively discussions. The labs will provide a foundation on which students can build their knowledge in the areas of math as well as enhance their understanding and academic success in future courses of study.


With the guidance and support of a dedicated professional staff and a team of carefully selected and trained student mentors, Freshmen Academy/Bridge participants receive sensitive and individualized attention focusing on:

• Scholarly study habits
• Self-discipline
• Time management
• Social skills and conflict resolution
• Character development
• Mental, physical and spiritual health.


“Our Freshmen Academy/Bridge allows students to experience campus life, to engage in the process of their own education, and to personify Shaw’s administrative motto:

“Strides to Excellence: Only the Best!”
Dr. Graham, Director