First Year
Back to LEAD

First-Year Experience

Start strong. Find your place.

The McMurry First-Year Experience supports students as they transition into college life through specialized courses, programs, and workshops.

Personalized guidance helps students build academic confidence, form meaningful connections, and establish a strong foundation for future success.

The First-Year Experience is part of LEAD within the War Hawk Success Center.

Support from day one

Your first year is a connected experience.

Build confidence for college-level learning.
Connect with classmates, mentors, and faculty.
Discover campus resources, traditions, and opportunities.

 
Three connected programs

Your first-year journey

From preparing for your first semester to succeeding in the classroom, each program supports a different part of your transition to McMurry.

STEP 01
Prepare
Before the semester

SOAR

Student Orientation and Registration helps incoming students enroll in classes, review financial aid and billing, and connect with faculty, advisors, and campus resources.

Mandatory for incoming first-year students
STEP 02
Connect
Before classes begin

First Flight

This five-day extended orientation introduces students to classmates, Orientation Leaders, campus resources, McMurry traditions, and life as a War Hawk.

Arrive ready and leave connected
STEP 03
Succeed
During your first year

First-Year Seminar

Small, discussion-centered classes help students explore engaging topics while developing critical thinking, research, communication, and collaboration skills.

Faculty instructors serve as initial academic advisors, while Peer Leaders provide added guidance and support.

Academic guidance throughout your first year
Your support team
Faculty and peer support
A foundation for success

What you’ll build

The First-Year Experience supports growth inside and outside the classroom.

Academic confidence

Develop habits and skills for successful college learning.

Meaningful connections

Build relationships with peers, mentors, and faculty.

Leadership skills

Grow through service, teamwork, and campus involvement.

Broader perspectives

Learn to engage thoughtfully with different ideas and experiences.

Support is always within reach.

Explore services and opportunities that can help you throughout your McMurry experience.