First Year Experience (FYEX)
Start Strong. Stay Strong. Succeed at SENMC.
At Southeast New Mexico College, all first-year students are required to complete a First Year Experience course to support a successful transition to college. These courses build essential academic habits, promote personal development, and help students make meaningful connections across campus — setting the foundation for long-term academic success.
Students may complete this requirement by enrolling in FYEX 1111, FYEX 1110, or HNRS 1115 based on their academic pathway and eligibility.
Why These Courses Matter
Students enrolled in FYEX or HNRS courses can expect to:
Build a Support Network
Connect with classmates, faculty, and campus support offices designed to help you succeed.
Clarify Goals and Identity
Explore academic interests, careers, strengths, and personal responsibility while crafting a roadmap for your college experience.
Strengthen Financial Wellness & Academic Skills
Learn to manage time and finances, study effectively, prepare for exams, navigate Canvas and campus systems, and balance life and school.
Engage in Campus Life
Participate in activities and projects that build belonging, community, and confidence.
By completing the First Year Experience requirement, students set themselves up for success from day one — and throughout their college journey.
Courses that Meet the First Year Experience Requirement
FYEX 1111 – Introduction to College Studies | 1 Credit
Format: Face-to-Face (16-week)
This course equips students with academic and personal success strategies while introducing interdisciplinary theory to help students understand connections between academic disciplines.
Learning outcomes include:
- Identifying and using campus resources
- Managing time and academic responsibilities
- Applying study strategies for scholarly success
- Participating in campus events and community-building activities
- Exploring academic and career identity
FYEX 1110 – First-Year Seminar | 1–3 Credits
Format: Online & Face-to-Face options
A flexible course that teaches proven strategies for academic and personal success
Topics may include:
- Career exploration
- Time and stress management
- Study and test-taking strategies
- Interpersonal relationships and wellness
- Financial wellness
- Campus and community resources
HNRS 1115 – Honors First Year Seminar | 3 Credits
Format: Face-to-Face
English, Humanities, and Arts Department — Available to eligible Honors students
This course introduces new honors-level first-year students to the life of the mind, university culture, and the values of the Honors Program. Students engage in critical thinking and experiential learning while developing a personalized plan for success.
Learning outcomes:
Demonstrate critical thought about knowledge, learning, and student development in the contemporary university.
Explain how key concepts and principles connect to the Honors College mission and values.
- Demonstrate critical thought about knowledge, learning, and student development in the contemporary university.
- Explain how key concepts and principles connect to the Honors College mission and values.
- Create an individualized plan for academic achievement and personal success beyond graduation.