Instructors | Center for New Student & Family Programs

Launching New Gators

First Year Florida Instructors make the engine go. First Year Florida is taught by faculty, staff, and administrators at the University of Florida who are committed to first-year student success. A First Year Florida Instructor is a University of Florida employee that is committed to first-year student success and persistence. Instructors serve as educators, resources, and representatives of UF. Instructors will work very closely with their undergraduate peer leader to create dynamic learning opportunities for their students.

What is First Year Florida?

First Year Florida is a course designed to aid students in a successful transition to the University of Florida. This course aims to help students develop a foundation for a well-rounded college experience, connect students to the University of Florida, promote engagement within and outside the classroom, and communicate university expectations.

Why Become an Instructor?

Click the boxes below to learn more about the FYF Instructor experience, requirements, responsibilities, and benefits.

BENEFITS OF TEACHING FIRST YEAR FLORIDA

– Have an impact and connect with University of Florida students. “I enjoyed being a touchpoint for my students every week and ensuring they were set up for success during the rest of their time at UF. Being an integral part of their transition to college allowed me to get out of my office and back to the basics of why I do what I do: student success.” – Fall 2017 Instructor
– Stay connected to the student experience. One instructor said, “Connecting to real life first year students puts my role as an administrator/practitioner in perspective. I enjoyed working with students in a group setting and hearing their common concerns and experiences during their first semester.”
– Expand your network of faculty and staff. With over 75 instructors per year that represent various campus offices and departments, instructors will have the opportunity to experience a greater connection to the University of Florida.

– Professional development opportunities. Instructors will have the opportunity to engage in learning strategies, become familiar with transitional needs of first-year students, and learn things they can apply to their other responsibilities.
– It’s fun!

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

– Meet regularly with your FYF Peer Leader to coordinate and plan course components.
– Become familiar with the needs of new students as they transition to college.
– Develop a rapport and a safe relationship with new students.
– Be accessible and willing to assist with the informational needs of students.
– Establish consistent grading criteria and communicate/distribute grades in a timely manner.
– Plan out-of-class activities such as the service project component of the course.
– Prepare and conduct well-organized presentations, class discussions, and activities on various topics.
– Communicate accurate and timely information to students about academic and student resources.
– Abide by all curriculum guidelines such as learning outcomes, out of classroom activities, etc.
– Graduate Instructors must attend additional workshops and training.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

– Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and worked at UF for a minimum of one to two years OR hold a Master’s degree (or be in the process of obtaining one) and worked at UF for at least one semester
– Completion of New Instructor Training ( Option 1: Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and Option 2: Tuesday March 4, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
– Attend the Teaching Team Mixer, (Friday, March 28, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
– Attend the Transitions Conference with your Peer Leader (Thursday, April 24, 2025, 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
– Status as a University of Florida employee
– Approval by the instructor’s supervisor or department chair

RENEWAL OPPORTUNITIES

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Launching New Gators

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