First Year Experience

FYE Instructor of the Year 2014-2015

Robert (Bob) J. Chudy

Bob earned his A.A. in History from our local Manchester Community College in 1968; his N.D.F. L. Certificate in Japanese Language from Washington University in 1970; his B.A. in History and Philosophy from the University of Alabama in 1970; and his M.A. in East Asian Studies from the University of Kansas in 1973.

According to his teaching philosophy, these experiences served as inspiration for him in the FYE classroom. Instead of remaining “glued to the podium,” Bob works to develop “dynamic presentations” to “capture the attention of the class” and require active engagement, critical thinking, and enjoyment of learning in every class session. “Positivity, enthusiasm, and eagerness to teach” are the hallmarks of his approach” because, he firmly believes that anything less would amount to “wasting everyone’s time,” both his and his students’.

Bob has brought this passion and dedication to serve the UConn community since 1985, and to teach First Year Experience courses tailored to the needs of international students for more than a decade. Over this time his resolve have never wavered. Just this fall he took on three sections of his FYE course and four international student FYE Peer Mentors, providing his characteristic energy and support both in and out of the classroom to each of his students.

Harry Twyman

“Expect the Unexpected,” “Train That Brian,” “So…How’d We Do?,” and “Freshman Yoda.” No, these aren’t popular book titles. These are the names of Harry’s fall 2014 First Year Experience Learning Skills assignments. These could alternatively be titled “Critically Interrogating Your Preconceptions of College,” “Information Literacy at the College Level,” “College Enrichment Planning and Career Development,” “Formative Evaluation,” and “Critical Reflection on Your First-Semester College Performance.” Obviously, Harry’s word choice is a lot more appealing, and less intimidating to a first-semester student. This is just one tangible example of how Harry enthusiastically incorporates academic rigor and creativity into every element of his class so that he can use his knowledge of student development to meet students where they are, then stretch them to succeed to their fullest potential. In his own words, his teaching philosophy is deceptively simple, “be what the students need me to be.”

Harry earned his B.S. in Psychology from Springfield College in 2007 and his M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies with a Concentration in College Student Personnel from the University of Rhode Island in 2009. In 2009 Harry joined the University of Connecticut Institute for Student Success family and began teaching UNIV 1800, University Learning Skills and UNIV 1820 Making Major Decisions, a course tailored to undecided students. He also volunteers with First Year Programs & Learning Communities to coach a UConn Connects student on academic probation each year to help them raise their grades and persist at the university.

As an FYE Instructor Harry has always been a model member of our community of practice. He goes above and beyond to uphold our curricular standards, to be a resource to his students as an advisor outside of his classroom, to give his students a voice in the classroom, and to share his experience and innovative lessons with the rest of our community through our publications and professional development. It is with great pleasure that I recognize Harry Twyman as an FYE Teaching Award winner.

Jonathan Hull

History, Expected Graduation May 2016

Jon received a convincing three nominations for the John T. Szarlan award. According to his instructor and students, he demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the office’s core values by going above and beyond to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for members of the class. Under his instructor’s supervision, Jon developed lesson plans for and facilitated three lessons, two beyond the position requirement. And he insisted on having at least two one-on-one meetings with all 19 of his students.

His impressive commitment and creativity beyond the standard obligations was also displayed by his implementation of video journals, which he took the time to respond to every week. In order to ensure a successful transition for the students in his class, he also created a Facebook group just for their community.  I’m also excited to say that Jon applied for and was selected as one of eight FYE Peer Mentoring Teaching Assistants for fall 2015. So his time in our office is just beginning.

Craig Alejos

Human Development & Family Studies, Expected Graduation May 2017

Craig Alejos, a Veteran of the United States military, demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting students Veterans in the UNIV 1800 section tailored to this population’s transition needs. He had the challenge of mentoring a small non-traditional FYE section, but he never let that interfere with his enthusiasm for and commitment to helping each and every student.

Craig took it upon himself to administratively assist his instructor, researching and contacting appropriate guest speakers. Under the supervision of his instructor, he also developed lesson plans for and facilitated four sessions, creating self-made artwork and information packets to support his lessons. And Craig displayed his ongoing commitment to excellence by seeking out optional and additional peer-mentor training, beyond the required FYE Peer Mentoring course.