The Life of First Year Leaders

Almost every student at Centenary University had a First Year Leader (FYL) during their four years. However, many students, especially freshmen, and teachers themselves, ask, “What is a FYL?”

I got the chance to interview Diana Alzate, the director of First Year Experience, to understand the role of First Year Leaders.

What is a FYL?

A First Year Leader (FYL) is a trained peer mentor who supports first-year and transfer students in their academic, social, and personal transition to Centenary University.

What does a FYL do?

FYLs serve as peer mentors embedded in first-year courses. They assist with student engagement, help reinforce academic expectations, serve as a bridge between students and faculty, and connect students to campus resources. They model positive behaviors, accountability, and campus involvement while supporting student persistence and belonging.

Who created FYLs, and what is the history?

The First Year Leader (FYL) program was implemented over 10 years ago under a previous university administration as part of a broader effort to strengthen the First Year Experience (FYE) and improve student transition and retention. Tiffany Kushner and Dr. Robert Battistini played a crucial role in the creation and implementation of both the FYL program and the larger FYE initiative. Their work helped establish a structured peer mentorship model designed to support academic engagement, connection to campus resources, and overall student success.

Why were FYLs created?

FYLs were created to improve first-year student success, increase engagement, promote class attendance, and strengthen students’ connection to the university. Research indicates that peer mentorship positively impacts retention, sense of belonging, and academic performance.

How many FYLs are there currently?

There are currently 28 trained First Year Leaders serving in first-year courses and supporting new students across campus.

Do FYLs have duties outside of assisting in the classroom? If so, what are they?

Yes. In addition to classroom support, FYLs conduct outreach to assigned students, host and implement engagement programs (7 in the Fall and 3-4 in the Spring), track student attendance and engagement trends, provide early-alert communication when concerns arise, attend training and professional development, collaborate with faculty and the First Year Experience office, and promote campus resources and events.

How are you making instructors aware of FYLs and how to use them in their classes?

We are increasing faculty awareness through direct communication outlining the FYL role and expectations, clear written guides on how to effectively utilize FYLs, one-on-one meetings with faculty when needed, providing examples of best practices (attendance support, discussion facilitation, engagement tracking, etc.), ongoing collaboration, and feedback collection to strengthen implementation. Our goal is to ensure faculty understand FYLs are partners in student success, not simply classroom assistants.

Why are FYLs important?

FYLs are important because they create a structured peer connection that supports belonging, accountability, and engagement — three key predictors of first-year retention. They serve as relatable role models, reduce barriers between students and faculty, and help identify concerns early. Ultimately, FYLs strengthen the student experience and contribute to persistence and academic success.

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Several FYLs were excited to share their experiences.

What made you want to become a FYL?

Jillian Ulanowski, junior biology major: I wanted to become a FYL because I realized how important they are to first year students. When I was a freshman, my FYLs helped me out so much and put on great events, and that inspired me to want to do the same. 

Eddie Pol, senior biology major with a concentration in forensic science: I believe that the thing that made me want to be a FYL the most was the pay. Just kidding! It was the idea of being a mentor to younger students who might have been afraid to reach out for help, but snagged the chance to get it when someone offered it!

Hailey Alvarado, junior secondary education major with a concentration in biology: I wanted to be a FYL because I really felt like every freshman should get more support from their universities since the transition from high school to college can be very difficult. I really liked what Centenary was trying to do with this program and wanted to be a part of it.

How do you find this job to be fulfilling?

Ulanowski: This job is fulfilling because you can really see how much we help the freshmen. I remember when I was a freshman, it was pretty overwhelming, but knowing I had my FYLs there to support me helped. It’s pretty cool to me that now I’m the one supporting the freshman!!

Pol: The job is fulfilling in the sense that I feel as though I'm being a great help to the younger students, even if they don't always appreciate the help being given to them.

Alvarado: I really love that in this job we can help out freshmen in ways that we might have needed when we were freshmen. It is so refreshing when you hear an update from a FYLbie (the students FYLs work with), and they say that your advice has helped them, no matter what the initial concern was about. Or even seeing your FYLbie get on the Dean’s list for their first semester! That happened to one of mine, and I was so incredibly proud of him.

Do you experience any challenges? If so, what are they?

Ulanowski: One of the challenges of being a FYL is time management. Sometimes, with FYL duties, classes, and sports, things can get busy, but that’s why good time management skills are important.

Pol: I think that one of the big challenges, for me, is public speaking, as I have a bit of a fear of it. I will say, however, this fear has diminished over time, and it's much easier for me to talk out loud to the class or even approach the students afterwards, which is especially awkward when they give off the vibes of possibly disliking you/finding you annoying for speaking with them.

Alvarado: I just wish that FYLbies would read their emails! I think that’s the hardest part of the job sometimes, you try and get in contact with them after class or send out an important announcement, and it can be a struggle to hear back from them. Or they’ll say they never saw your email.

What is the training process like?

Carlee Nigro, junior writing major with a minor in criminal justice: We start training a week before fall orientation begins. It's usually an all-day thing, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break in between. Us residents move in on Thursday before move-in day and begin training that Friday. 

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First Year Leaders are some of the most important resources for first year students on campus. They can really help get students comfortable with college!

If you want to become a FYL or have any questions about them, you can contact Diana Alzate at: diana.alzate@centenaryuniversity.edu