Every freshman at GMercyU has to take two First Year Experience courses as part of their curriculum. These courses not only help students adjust to college academic expectations, but they teach students about the Mercy values that are central to the university. One assignment for FYE consists of attending an approved cocurricular event and writing a reflection piece on it, helping students truly connect with GMercyU’s central values.

One example of this is the Opening Doors on Campus event. Gwynedd’s Integrated Studies program collaborated with Integrate for Good, an organization focusing on creating meaningful volunteer projects, in order to create this experience. This project primarily focused on weaving mats out of donated and recycled plastic bags for people experiencing homelessness. Watch this video to learn more about FYE, the Integrated Studies program, and the event they brought to life.