KEY Summer Institute prepares incoming students for success

KOKOMO, Ind. - Will I be able to find a parking place on the first day of college? Will I understand how the technology works? Will I know anybody there?

Forty-two incoming Indiana University Kokomo students had these and other questions answered by attending the annual KEY Summer Institute (KSI).

KSI is a free three-day program that gives first-year students the connections, knowledge, and confidence they need to successfully transition to college. In small classes, they engage in fun, interactive activities to help them explore the campus, make friends, and learn study skills to set them up for success.

Leda Casey, director of first year studies, said KSI builds community and helps students feel prepared to succeed in college.

"We've found that that students have two primary concerns," she said. "'Am I going to be successful academically?' which we address through intentional instruction on taking notes and getting organized. The other is 'Am I going to make any friends?' We do a lot of team building and KEY experiences to help them find their friends."

Tyrese Jacobs, Marion, said he's less stressed about starting college since attending.

"It gave me a feel of what college is going to be like," he said. "I've never been in college, and I didn't know how things work. I'm not so worried now."

Anna Huffman, Kokomo, feels more ready because she knows people on campus.

"I've really enjoyed getting to know new people, and knowing I'm not the only one who is new here," she said.

Grace Henderson, Tipton, attended to adapt to her new environment. She appreciated the classes that covered topics such as time management, study skills, and goal setting, and finding out about the resources available to students.

"I think I have a good feel of what college is going to be like," she said.

The program, in its 11^th year, included a campus scavenger hunt, meeting representatives from financial aid, career services, campus safety and security, the Office of Student Life and Campus Diversity, the Library and writing center, Counseling and Psychological Services, and accessibility services; and learning about study skills. They also had an introduction to the Kokomo Experience and You (KEY) program with a field trip to the Indiana State Museum.

Amanda Hanson, adjunct faculty in education, appreciated the program's flexibility to include information students specifically asked about. Many in her class expressed nervousness about being able to find parking on campus, so they walked over to the parking garage to show them one option. She noted that many of the student orientation leaders, who are experienced students, had not been to the parking garage.

"I believe KSI has a tremendous impact on the students, and that it really breaks the ice and alleviates a lot of anxiety surrounding the start of their college journey," she said. "My goal was that they would make a friend and have a familiar face to look forward to seeing when we start classes in a few weeks."

Andrea Freeman, lecturer in nursing, said the orientation leaders were a critical factor in KSI's success, offering new students a chance to ask questions and get to know those with campus experience.

Her goal was for the incoming students to be comfortable with the campus.

"They were able to find their classes and look around at Canvas (IU's learning management system), which they said made them less nervous about their first day," she said. "KSI makes a difference. It helps the students feel more comfortable navigating the campus and understanding the resources available. I believe the program has eased the transition into college life, and I saw friendships already starting to bloom in just three days."

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.

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