Give Green. Build Purpose. Empower Briggsies.

Remember when you were first embarking on your college experience – how new and scary everything was and how uncertain you felt? At Lyman Briggs College, we make the first year fun and supportive! The LBC First-Year Experience meets students right from the start. This experience helps incoming Briggsies transition with confidence, build community, articulate their purpose, and access the supports they need from day one. Through weekly peer-led sessions, students learn essential academic, social, career, and personal skills, while forming meaningful relationships with mentors and classmates.

But what makes this program truly special is who leads it – Briggsies!

Students Helping Students Succeed

The First-Year Experience is entirely student-led.

Peer Learning Facilitators
Hands-on mentors guide small group discussions, hold check-ins, answer questions, and help students navigate college life.

Education Coordinators
Upper-level student leaders design the class, support facilitators, and ensure every class reflects our values of inclusion and curiosity.

How the Program Works

The First-Year Experience includes a 13-week, 1-credit course in the first semester that helps new Briggs students build community and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Weekly Lectures & Assignments
Short online modules introduce topics like time management, study strategies, wellbeing, academic expectations, and career exploration and skill-building.

Peer-Led Discussions
Small-group conversations led by trained Peer Learning Facilitators help new students ask questions, build friendships, and feel supported.

The Briggs Passport
A signature part of the course encouraging students to explore campus, engage with MSU resources, and get involved in the Briggs community.

Opportunity for Growth

LBC piloted the First-Year Experience seminar in Fall 2025, serving 146 first-year students with 7 Peer Learning Facilitators and 2 Education Coordinators, all paid student leadership roles.

With an average of 600 incoming students each year, we are working toward offering this transformational experience to every Briggsie.

To scale the program, we need:

• 4 Education Coordinators (up from 2)
• 20 Peer Learning Facilitators (up from 7)

Why It Matters

The First-Year Experience does more than teach study habits and career skills, it builds purpose and belonging. Students learn to navigate challenges early, form connections, and see themselves as confident contributors to the Briggs legacy.

And it all begins with Spartans helping Spartans.

“Some of my key takeaways from this program was really knowing and understanding who is there to support me. I felt that it was really helpful going into the school year knowing who is around me that can get me through the year. So when school gets hard or I am missing home I know who I can reach out to who can help me. This is especially helpful since I am from out of state and most of my support system is back home.”

• Of those surveyed, 55% said that the First Year Experience strengthened their connection to MSU
• Of those surveyed, 62% said that the First Year Experience helped them develop valuable academic strategies.

Give Green. Build Purpose. Empower Briggsies.

This Give Green Day, your gift creates a strong start for every new Briggs student. You’re not just supporting a program, you’re investing in confidence, community, and connection.

At Lyman Briggs, our strength has always been our close-knit community. To ensure every student has personalized support and a place they belong, we need your help to grow this impactful program.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps expand student leadership roles, strengthen peer mentorship, and ensure every first-year Briggsie starts their MSU journey surrounded by support.

Your generosity builds a foundation for belonging.

Interested in supporting other priority areas of the college? Consider giving to the Dean’s Strategic Fund. Contributions support academic programs and initiatives; technology and curriculum enhancements; and funds for the direction of student involvement in faculty research.