# The First Year Experience: A Panel Discussion

By Darin Francis · Published 2026-09-01 · Education Technology on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/education-technology/the-first-year-experience-a-panel-discussion
Creator hub: signals in higher ed

> Experts discuss how universities enhance first-year experiences through work-integrated learning, structured exploration programs, and early career preparation…

## Key points

- Universities should expose students to work-integrated learning and career preparation in the first year, not defer professional development to later semesters
- Structured exploration programs like ASU's Explore and University of Utah's Quest help students discover interests without overwhelming pressure to commit to a major immediately
- Institutions must redesign educational processes to reduce unnecessary major changes and excess credit accumulation, enabling timely graduation and better career readiness

The first-year experience in higher education is a pivotal time that sets the stage for student success both during and after their college tenure. A recent panel discussion on the "Signals and Higher Ed" podcast, sponsored by Podium Education, brought together experts from leading educational institutions to explore how universities can enhance the first-year journey. Darin Francis, CEO of Harbinger Lane and host of the podcast, led the discussion with Brandee Papaden-Smith from Arizona State University, Dr. Thomas Chase Hagood from the University of Utah, and Dr. Nicole Crevar from Podium Education, each bringing unique perspectives to the table.

## Balancing exploration and ownership in the first year

During the discussion, Brandee Papaden-Smith emphasized the need for universities to be strategic about integrating work and learning experiences within the first-year framework. She highlighted the partnership with ASU's Explore program, which allows students to declare exploration as a major, aiding them in their discovery without the immediate pressure to choose a long-term path. This approach acknowledges that the first-year experience should not feel overwhelming, but rather an opportunity to explore interests in structured, integrated environments.

> We want to build a set of experiences for you that are going to continue to build towards [post-completion success]. — Brandee Papaden-Smith, Arizona State University

Similarly, Dr. Chase Hagood pointed out that the University of Utah is focusing on 'first experiences' rather than just the first year. Their strategy involves creating a welcoming environment where students, regardless of background, can engage in exploration through programs like Quest, which is structured around principles of connection, empowerment, and impact. These programs are designed to meet students where they are and guide them towards personal and academic goals.

## Meeting the demands of future success

A crucial point raised during the panel was the shift towards focusing on post-completion success. Brandee Papaden-Smith urged institutions to take responsibility for students' outcomes beyond graduation, integrating career preparation early in the collegiate journey. This involves exposing students to work-integrated learning even in their first year, reinforcing that their education is a step towards better post-graduation opportunities. By doing so, universities acknowledge the central reason many students enroll: to enhance their career prospects.

Dr. Hagood echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of institutional innovation to break away from traditional structures that do not adequately prepare students for the real world. The conversation around first experiences paints a picture of institutions striving to be student-centric, not designed for institutional convenience. This involves revisiting educational processes that might not serve the student population well, like unnecessary major changes and excessive credit accumulation, which hamper timely graduation and career readiness.

Dr. Nicole Crevar also highlighted the importance of integrating career discovery within the academic framework. Drawing from her experience, she mentioned that engaging students with experiential and integrated learning early on helps mitigate the indecisiveness often seen in first-year students, guiding them towards paths that align with their personal and professional aspirations.

> High impact practices for sure. — Dr. Nicole Crevar, Podium Education

Tags: higher education, first-year experience, student success, career readiness, work-integrated learning, institutional innovation

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