Contact NAU FIT

Freshman Intensive Transition (FIT) Programs

NAU FIT is a one-week program (August 19-23rd) for new students taking “BIO 181: Unity of Life I, CHM 151: General Chemistry I, or AST 180: Introduction to Astronomy during the fall semester. The program helps new science majors navigate the transition from high school to college while providing realistic exposure to the rigor of college science classes. Participants attend lectures and labs, meet with peer mentors, form a study group, and explore opportunities and resources at NAU and in Flagstaff.

Recruitment for the Biology, Chemistry, and Astronomy Intensive Orientations is now closed. Thank you for your interest in our programs.

What do you get?

Move-in early to campus housing on Monday, August 19th
Receive free housing until the start of your fall housing contract
Receive five free on-campus meal swipes
Receive a free textbook for your fall semester (BIO 181 & CHM 151 only)
Preview course content, assessments, and expectations
Hands-on lab experiences
Connect with faculty, staff, and peers
Meet new friends and join a study group
Learn about campus resources including Supplemental Instruction

Eligibility

New first-year student for Fall 2024
Enrolled in BIO 181, CHM 151, or AST 180
Not a STAR or EDGE program participant
Not a Honors College student

Meet the 2024 FIT Student Staff!

Belen Rodriguez

Sophomore – Biology

Camie Henson

Junior – Psychology

Emma Wason

Junior – Criminal Justice/Psychology & Political Science

Leilei Renaud

Senior – Exercise Science

Liv Harris-Norman

Sophomore – Biomedical Sciences

Makayla Barnard

Senior – Secondary Education (Chemistry)

Marianece Nuttall

Sophomore – Biomedical Sciences (Genetics)

Monica Martinez

Senior – Psychological Sciences (Neuroscience)

Naomy Cardenas

Sophomore – Biomedical Sciences & Spanish

Ramiro Villalobos

Sophomore – Biology

Riley Thompson

Senior – Microbiology

Tori Martinson

Senior – Theatre

Jeffery Abatti

Senior – Biology

Melissa Briggs

Senior – Biology

Student Success Data

BIO 181 GRADES: Measured by percentage point difference, participants had higher A (53.9% vs 46.2%, difference +7.7) and lower DF (9.2% vs 13.5%, difference -4.3) grades in BIO 181
BIO 181L GRADES: Measured by percentage point difference, participants had higher A (65.2% vs 53.8%, difference +11.4) and lower DF (9% vs. 14.1%, difference -5.1) grades in BIO 181L

NAU BIO is modeled on two highly successful programs: Louisiana State University’s Biology Intensive Orientation for Students (BIOS) and the University of Nevada-Reno’s NevadaFIT program. A 2018 study of LSU’s five-day summer BIOS program found that participants performed better in their first-year science classes and graduated in four years at higher rates than non-participants (Wischusen & Wischusen, 2018).