Appalachian State University has been working hard to make life just a little easier for a few people, and they have the awards to prove it.
    In the past year and a half, Appalachian State’s freshman programs were honored with two major awards.
    Freshman Learning Communities (FLC), Adopt-a-Freshman (AAF), Freshman Seminar and other first-year focus programs have brought accolades to Appalachian’s campus.
    These programs were installed to help create a more comfortable transition for freshmen entering the university.
    So far, it looks as if these freshman programs have done a beyond-brilliant job.
    One of the latest awards is selection as one of 13 “Institutions of Excellence in the First Year” by the Policy Center of College, which is funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and The Atlantic Philanthropies.
    This praise for Appalachian’s dedication to first year students included an intensive two-day site visit to Appalachian and will result in publication in the tentatively entitled book “Portraits of First-Year Excellence in American Colleges and Universities.”
    FLCs also received recognition in way of The Noel-Levitz Retention Excellence Award by Noel-Levitz Inc. The award honored Appalachian’s FLC student retention level.
    The effort that the university has placed in the freshman programs is indeed commendable.
    A college student’s freshman year can certainly be a complicated transition. The installation of these programs not only helps first-year students cope and adjust to the many factors of college life, but these programs attempt to make the transition a good one.
    It’s nice to see the university does look out for some students’ best interests.
    The work done through freshman programs helps not only entering students, but the university as a whole. When a program aids a student in making a smoother transition to college life, introduces a freshman to different clubs and organization involvement or helps them keep up their grades during that pivotal freshman year, the student is then able to benefit the student body.
    Since students are a focal point in any university environment, it is key to create an environment that will, in turn, produce happy, well-adjusted students.
    Freshman programs take that first big step in creating a surrounding that gives students a sense of belonging.
    A confident, involved student can prove to be much more of an asset to the university than a student who feels they are lost in the crowd.
    Paying special attention to these students is important as the university strives to create a positive living and learning atmosphere.
    Students who feel they are accepted and actually matter to the university are much more likely to stay with Appalachian and leave after graduation feeling they have had a positive experience.