First-Year Experience

Your Grace College journey starts here!

We know that transitioning to college is a big step, and we’re here to walk alongside you. At Grace College, our First-Year Experience is a student-focused program designed to help you feel at home, build lasting connections, and discover your purpose.

First-Year Experience Purpose Statement:

To welcome, transition, and connect first-year students to the Grace College community as the foundation of a formative and transformative learning experience.

Welcome Weekend
Start strong with orientation events that introduce you and your parents/caregivers to the Grace College family, connecting you with staff, faculty, departments and peers, while helping you navigate your new home on campus. You get to meet your Student Mentor and your Faculty Mentor, who are there to support you during your first year at Grace College through a variety of socials, classes, and one-on-ones throughout the year!

The Hike
A unique Grace College tradition that builds community and sets the tone for your college journey – adventure, reflection, and growth. As part of your breakout group cohort, you will participate in a campus-wide scavenger hunt. It’s a fun orientation to campus and to the village of Winona Lake.

FYE Linked Courses
As a foundational start to all FYE-linked courses, FYE1000 provides a space for first-year students to transition into college with an emphasis on meaningful relationships, intentional reflection, and collaborative learning around COMMUNITY, CURIOSITY, and CALLING. In this class you will meet with 25-30 students who are part of your learning community. These classmates will become trusted companions and join you for four consecutive classes this year: 

• FYE1000 – First-Year Foundations
• BIB1050 – Exploring the Bible
• PSY1200 – Essentials of Behavioral Science
• HIS1050 – Current Issues in Historical Context

Elements of the FYE-linked courses are intended to develop a growth mindset, motivate lifelong learning, and apply critical thinking to complex problems. These core classes support the purpose of the first-year student experience while helping you learn the campus community and culture of Grace College. 

Each learning community is paired with:

• An upper-classman Student Mentor, specially selected and trained to walk alongside you during your first year. Student Mentors serve as role models, guides, and encouragers who are ready to help you navigate college life both inside and outside the classroom. Student Mentors use their personal experiences and knowledge to help you in your academic and vocational journey at Grace College. 
• A dedicated Faculty Mentor who not only teaches but also supports your academic, personal, and spiritual development.

Together, your mentors foster a sense of belonging and help you make the most of your Grace College experience.

We are excited to help you thrive as a first-year student at Grace College. We believe that a thriving and successful student is connected to diverse and meaningful relationships; engaged in their learning and certain of their major; confident in their callings and equipped for their vocation(s); spiritually challenged and growing; mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy; personally, financially, and academically supported.

A Community of Christians
Grace College is a Christ-centered community committed to spiritual maturity, academic excellence, and personal growth. Students who join this community do so willingly, embracing a shared responsibility for their own spiritual journey and the encouragement of others.

Growth Groups
Growth Groups are weekly gatherings of students within each residence hall focused on Bible study, prayer, and mutual support. Led by trained upperclass student leaders, these groups foster connection, accountability, and spiritual development. Every student at Grace College is encouraged to participate in a Growth Group, and participation is required for all first year students.