The Freshman Focus Institute is a two-day program designed to give participants an overview of the Freshman Focus program, its development, its strengths, and its challenges. The rationale for a highly structured program model and the impact on the school as a whole will also be discussed. Presenters will describe strategies for program development and implementation and provide information on particular training topics. Technical assistance to enable implementation in schools will also be discussed. Sessions include:

• Transitions in the Urban Setting
• The Freshman Focus Faculty Advisor
• The Site Coordinator
• Using Freshman Focus to Teach Cultural Awareness
• Building Student Relationships
• Creating a Successful Orientation Camp
• Using Intramurals to Build School Spirit
• Using Freshman Focus to Improve Student Achievement
• Combating Bullying with Freshman Focus

Schools are encouraged to send teams of administrators and teachers to the Institute. There will be opportunities to team process and begin building a framework for Freshman Focus in your school. All participants receive a free trial subscription to the Freshman Focus on-line resource center including access to the curriculum and other important program resources.

Upcoming Freshman Focus Institutes

Register for an Upcoming Freshman Focus Institute

Columbus, Ohio

Institute Agenda

Day #1

• 8:00-8:30 Registration & Continental Breakfast
• 8:30-9:00 The Need for Freshman Transition
• 9:00-9:30 “My School’s Needs” - Small Group Discussion
• 9:30-10:15 Implementing Freshman Focus - Steps 1-4
• 10:15-10:30 Break
• 10:30-11:30 Breakout Sessions #1
• 11:30-12:00 Team Processing
• 12:00-1:00 Lunch
• 1:00-1:45 Implementing Freshman Focus - Steps 5-8
• 1:45-2:15 Focus Curriculum Modules 1-5
• 2:15-3:15 Breakout Sessions #2
• 3:15-4:00 The Power of Mentorship
  Guest Presenter: Chris Bowers, Bowers Success Development, Inc.
• 4:00-5:00 Bonus Breakout Sessions (optional)
• 5:30-7:30 Networking Reception - Cash Bar - Hotel Lounge

Day #2

• 8:00-8:30 Continental Breakfast
• 8:30-9:00 Focus Curriculum Modules 6-10
• 9:00-10:00 Breakout Sessions #3
• 10:00-10:30 Team Processing
• 10:30-10:45 Break
• 10:45-11:45 Breakout Sessions #4
• 11:45-12:45 Lunch
• 12:45-1:45 Panel Discussion, Question & Answers
• 1:45-2:00 Break
• 2:00-2:45 Where do we go from here?
• 2:45-3:00 Conclude

Institute Sessions

Institute Sessions:
Full Group Sessions
The Need for Freshman Transition - Session will overview the research, define a transition program, and illustrate the impact a successful curriculum can have on high school freshmen.
Eight Steps to Implementing Freshman Focus – A successful transition program cannot just be “dropped” in a school. This session will focus on what school personnel need to do from planning to launching the program.
The Freshman Focus Curriculum - Session will overview the ten modules of Freshman Focus.
Breakout Sessions
Transition in the Urban Setting – Session will identify the challenges, opportunities, and solutions resulting from program implementation in the urban setting. (This session is recommended for attendees from urban schools)	Creating a Successful Orientation Camp – Freshman Focus starts with ninth grade orientation camp. Learn the steps to developing and implementing a great camp.
The Freshman Focus Faculty Advisor – Session will demonstrate the shift from teacher to coach and the role of the faculty advisor. (This session is recommended for attendees who are teachers)	Using Intramurals to Build School Spirit – A well-organized ninth grade intramural program gives students an opportunity to get involved and be excited about school.
The Site Coordinator – A successful transition program does not run itself. The site coordinator is the catalyst in the development, planning, and implementation of Freshman Focus. (This session is recommended for attendees who are administrators or teachers who will manage program for the school)	It’s Not Just Adding a Program. It’s Changing the Culture – No school will successfully implement a program until its culture is ready. Learn strategies to change the culture in your building and create an environment where students can succeed. (This session is recommended for attendees who are school administrators)
Using Freshman Focus to Teach Cultural Awareness – Participants will see and use lessons, activities, and resources that can be used in the transition program to teach freshmen issues surrounding culture, diversity, stereotyping, and tolerance.	Using Freshman Focus to Improve Student Achievement –See lessons, activities, and resources that can be incorporated into your school’s program to help students with the academic challenges of high school.
Building Student Relationships – Session will demonstrate activities that faculty advisors and student leaders use in class to establish comfort and security for freshmen.	Combating Bullying with Freshman Focus – Lessons, activities, and resources will be shared to teach ninth graders about the consequences of bullying and where to turn for help.

* Sessions subject to change

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