First-Year Experience

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First-Year Experience Mission Statement        

The Wright Experience at Wilbur Wright College is designed to foster a successful first-year student experience. Through strategic programming and the development of positive academic communities, the program works with faculty, staff, and students to create an environment where first-year students can engage, succeed, and build connections.  

First-Year Experience Vision

The Wright Experience will transform the experience of new students at the college by cultivating and curating a culture that exemplifies collaboration, engagement, and innovation. 

Guiding Philosophies  

The First-Year Experience team is committed to a set of guiding philosophies that inform our work and interaction with students as we help navigate their collegiate experience. The Wright community believes our values must reflect our diverse student population and their lived experiences that impact their journey to and through our institution. As we embrace our past and look toward the future, we embody the values and philosophies that uplift the college mission.        

v  Assessment          

v  Collaboration         

v  Continuous Improvement          

v  Data Mindfulness          

v  Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility           

v  Intentionality          

v  Student Success          

First-Year Experience Programming          

The first-year experience at Wilbur Wright College is full of unique opportunities to help you successfully transition to academic and student life, and make the most of your Wright Experience. Here is a sampling of programs and opportunities for new students to engage, connect, and succeed:          

First-Year Seminar Course -INTDSP 101        

First Flight Mentorship Program        

Jump Seat Peer Mentorship Program     

RAMS Week & RAMS Day

RAMS Week at Wilbur Wright College is an engaging, week-long series of events designed to help new students transition smoothly into college life before the Fall semester begins. The week offers opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff, explore the campus, and familiarize themselves with academic resources and student services. Events include campus tours, student panel, resource fair, and social activities like Noche de Familia/Family Night. RAMS Week aims to build a sense of community and prepare students for a successful academic journey. 

RAMS Day is an engaging, one-day event designed to welcome and prepare new students for the Spring semester at Wilbur Wright College. Taking place just before classes begin, this dynamic program offers a condensed version of the comprehensive RAMS Week experience.

New Student Convocation         

The New Student Convocation at Wilbur Wright College is a traditional ceremony that celebrates the beginning of a student’s college journey. This ceremonial event brings together incoming students, faculty, staff, and administrators to mark the official start of the academic year. The College President delivers a welcoming address, followed by an inspiring keynote speaker who sets the tone for the students’ first year. Faculty and staff share words of encouragement, and representatives from the Student Government Association (SGA) speak to provide peer perspectives and insights. The convocation symbolizes a collective commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, and community, offering students a sense of unity and support as they begin their educational path.

Level-Up 

This program is designed to assist students in accelerating their progression in Math to reduce the time and cost of college-level mathematics completion. As well as receive in-depth wrap-around services and student support services. More information about Level Up will be coming soon…          

Summer Start          

The Summer Start program at City Colleges of Chicago offers recent CPS graduates a chance to jumpstart their college experience by taking a free college course over the summer, paired with academic support like English and math tutoring. Participants also engage in college success activities and campus life, including tours and social events. The program aims to help students build a solid academic foundation, establish a community on campus, and ease their transition into college life, all at no cost. 

For Questions or More Information:

If you have questions or want more information, please contact wrightfye@ccc.edu​  ​