FYI (First Year Integration)
the inaugural year of FYI was a great success. as one of the programs I spent the most time working on, there is literally a ton of written information for you to check out- background on how the program began, hiring practices, training sessions, etc. 
FYI: A Quick Look at 2003
FYI Fellows 2003: Bios and Background
Sarah: Sarah is a Senior from McHenry, IL. Sarah is majoring in Journalism and Strategic Communication, with a certificate in Business. Sarah has served as the chairperson of Chadbourne Residential Colleges’ Community Forum, and is on the board of the Public Relations Student Society.
Aaron: Aaron is a Sophomore, originally from Lincolnwood, IL. Aaron is in the Honors Program, and plans on majoring in Psychology. Aaron is a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, and is on the executive board of MadPac.
Stacey: Stacey is from Chatsworth, CA and is a Senior majoring in Sociology. Stacey has served as the Director of Recruitment for Alpha Phi Sorority, and is currently the Director of Publicity and Advertising. At Hillel, Stacey has been an active part of our Social Planning committee.
Wendy: Wendy is a Sophomore, originally from Mequon, WI. Wendy is majoring in Sociology and Economics. Currently, Wendy is on the executive board of MadPac and has been an active participant in the Jewish Volunteer Corps, Jewish Theater Project, and Do The Deed.
Fast Facts:
# of incoming Jewish students at the University of Wisconsin:700

# of FYI Events held during Wisconsin Welcome: 10

# of student participants in FYI events: 300

# of contact cards completed Aug. 24-Aug 29: 302
Home Sweet Home Tabling on August 25th, 2003 (75 participants)
FYI and JCSC Fellows spent the afternoon in the lobbies of the Statesider, Towers, and Langdon. Information, give-aways, and candy were available to students as they stopped to fill out a contact card, sign up for FYI bowling and day trips, and enter the raffle!
Kosher Pickle Tasting Contest on August 26th, 2003 (175 participants)
Armed with bowls of Claussens, Vlasic, Gedney, and Milwaukee's Best Kosher Pickles, FYI Fellows spent the afternoon out on Library Mall, meeting students, and taking votes for best pickle. Being outside on such a beautiful day proved to be highly successful, as students stopped to grab a pickle, or merely gape at the spectacle! The setting allowed FYI Fellows to pass out a lot of information, and promote their upcoming events to a broader cross-section of students on campus, which we believe bolstered their success later in the day, at "Climb Your Way to Masada".
Climb Your Way to Masada on August 26th, 2003 (100 participants)
With a portable climbing wall, and free Israeli picnic food, this event functioned as a mini-Israel fair and was a great success! Student leaders from all of our Israel groups were there with information and sign up sheets. More than 100 first-year students climbed the wall, enjoyed humus and pita, and signed up for groups such as MadPac, Israeli Dance, Kavanah, and Birthright Israel.
Day Tripping in Madison on August 27th, 2003 (25 participants)
With the intention of having small-group opportunities to get to know each other, the FYI Fellows lead two day trips to popular Madison events. In the afternoon, a group of approximately 8 went off to the Farmers’ Market for some shopping and a chance to check out Monona Terrace. Later that day, another group went back down to the Capital for Jazz at 5, followed by dinner at the Sunroom Café.


Bowl With The Stars! on August 28th, 2003 (65 participants)
Despite surprise rain showers, and a missing bus, approximately 75 students enjoyed an evening of cosmic bowling and pizza at Schwoegler’s Park Towne Lanes from 9pm-12am. Many students came with roommates, suitemates, and even an entire first-year floor from the Langdon!

Sweet Summer Shabbat on August 29th, 2003 (125 participants)
In preparing the calendar of Welcome Week events, the FYI Fellows felt it was important to create a special, and different Shabbat experience to cap off their week of activities. The night began much like any Shabbat at Hillel; more than 100 students attended either Reform or Conservative Shabbat services. Following services, everyone gathered outside on the front lawn for Kiddush and a dessert Oneg.
FYI Latke Fry-Off December 2003
FYI Events Welcome Week August 2003