First-Year Experience

The Office of First-Year Experience guides new students through their transition into the Denison community by creating a space to embrace the academic, social, and residential challenges and opportunities embedded in a four-year liberal arts college experience.

Contact Us

Phone

740-587-6224

firstyear@denison.edu

Fax

740-587-5651

Higley Hall 119

View all contacts »

Nathan Graves

First-Year Dean

Director of Orientation & First-Year Experience

gravesn@denison.edu

740-587-5495

Abby Valentine ’21

Assistant Director

valentinea@denison.edu

740-587-6303

Kate Tull

First-Year Program Coordinator

tullk@denison.edu

740-587-6224

11 students are in each Advising Circle on average. This group includes first-year students and a faculty mentor that meet on a regular basis to ease the transition into college.

Spotlights

Jennifer Vestal, Heidi Trace and Torrance Powell at ARC

How We Learn

The best ways to support remote learning

The Academic Resource Center nimbly turns to support students' remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic.

Learning through life on campus

Denison’s master residential plan is modernizing our historic residence halls while providing students with opportunities to learn life skills.

Students participating in an activity at DU Lead

How We Learn

Becoming Leaders Through DU Lead

Denison first-years become leaders at this year's DU Lead retreat.

How We Live

Owen Crum ’20 Words of Wisdom

“First-year students, I challenge you to care. Choose to buy in,” says student body president Owen Crum '20.

group photo of students on '21Connect trip

How We Live

’21Connect Program Builds Class Connections

'21Connect program, offered by the First-Year Office, gives Denison first-years the opportunity to explore Columbus and make connections with their peers.