FYP Infantilization

Is The Program Helping or Hurting Adjusting Students?

The First Year Program at St. Lawrence University is a signature program designed to introduce students to college life, yet it leaves many of them feeling more like high schoolers than emerging adults. Some students describe elements of the FYP as infantilizing, leaving them to call for a balance between challenge and support.   

Associate Dean of the First Year Program, Jennifer Thomas, emphasized that SLU was one of the first universities to introduce a living and learning community for first year students. “I think for the university, when you are the first of anything to do something, that becomes very important in your history and your legacy,” she said. Hence, the FYP serves as a tool for retaining students by providing more support outlets compared to other universities. 

Thomas claims that the FYP provides an academic foundation for students, and it facilitates them in finding community within their living environment. “I think it’s important for families, when I do admissions events, a lot of the parents want to know about the support,” she stated. Thus, providing additional assistance in the transition from high school to college can set SLU apart in the eyes of prospective students.  

Though bridging the gap between high school and university is one of the main goals of the FYP, many students struggle to see that in practice. “I feel like we aren’t fully treated as college students in that class, and I think it’s very much a controlled class and very ‘step-by-step,’ walkthrough,” said Aiyana Sawyer ’28.  

Mary Gengras ’28 argues that this systematic approach can restrict growth. “My professor treats me like a child but expects me to put the hardest effort in my work. There is no consistency, and I think that’s a huge issue in my class,” she said. Basic tasks, such as learning how to take notes, leave her feeling that her independence is limited.  

Although some students like Amalia Karugaba ’28 enjoy the content of their FYP class, they find its approach restricting as well. “I feel like I should be challenged more, and I don’t feel like I am,” she said. Karugaba feels as though the professor would be able to provide challenges and assist her, but she also feels restricted, like she has to go step-by-step. 

Karugaba also believes that the FYP assumes all students are at the same level. “We come from different backgrounds and there are certain students who still don’t know how to cite papers,” she said. However, her high school curriculum was much more challenging. While she enjoys the coursework, she believes its execution falls short.  

Infantilization is a concerning issue in FYP classes according to many students. “There were multiple classes during the semester where we just sat and colored with crayons,” said Ngure Ndiritu ’27. He felt that it was holding him back rather than helping him grow. “Overall, I felt like the class aspect of it was a waste of time,” concluded Ndiritu.  

Beyond academics, many domestic U.S. students recognize that it is beneficial to integrate FYP in their living communities. “I think going into it was nice because I got to get to know the people in my tower more,” said Sawyer.  

However, Gengras believes that interpersonal connections can be built regardless of learning communities. “I know the people in my tower, but I cannot say that it wouldn’t have happened without it,” she said. She also claims that being restricted to specific living spaces can feel limiting in integrating into the wider community.  

In response to concerns, Thomas recognizes that students have varied interests, thus it is challenging to find a program that would satisfy everyone. “I think continuing to look at ways of using student expertise in the FYP will continue to be something to look at,” she said. 

However, Thomas also believes that being challenged stems from within. She advises students that there is always something more to be learned; they just have to be committed to their education, curiosities and inquiry to find spaces that challenge them. “And I think that’s a life skill,” she concluded.