First-Year Scholar Success Series
Introducing the NSCS First-Year Scholar Success Series
This series is open to all students nationwide as a free resource — no NSCS membership required.
Fall 2026
Topics Will Include
Freshman Year, Unlocked: Your Guide to Thriving from Day One
Everyone tells you college will be "the best years of your life," but nobody tells you how. This session breaks down the real, practical playbook for hitting the ground running academically and beyond.
Don't Miss Out: The Clubs, Trips & Experiences You Don't Want to Skip
Experiences freshmen wish someone had told them about sooner, from finding your people through campus orgs to why study abroad should be on your radar early.
The Money Moves: Scholarship Secrets Every Freshman Should Know
Most students don't find out about these resources and strategies until it's too late.
Ready to jumpstart your first year?
All live sessions include interactive Q&A, downloadable resources, giveaways, and opportunities for great connections across the country.
Sign Up for the First-Year Scholar Success SeriesA Note to Our Campus Partners
Supporting Student Success from Day 1
A Partner Guide for Student Affairs & Campus Leaders
Decades of higher education research confirm that early engagement, especially within the first 90 days, is the greatest catalyst for undergraduate retention, academic achievement, and a sense of belonging.
Since 1994, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) has partnered with Student Affairs, FYE, Honors, and Orientation teams to deliver accessible, turnkey programming that helps campuses close engagement gaps early.
NSCS was founded by Steve Loflin, an alumnus of the University of South Carolina (the birthplace of the First-Year Experience movement) and higher education leader from Florida State, GWU, and Georgetown, on the premise that academic recognition and developmental support should begin early in the college experience. What started as a single chapter at The George Washington University has grown into a nationwide movement with nearly 300 chapters and over 1.6 million members.
To extend its mission in supporting and inspiring students, NSCS launched the First-Year Scholar Success Series in 2026. This free initiative equips incoming students nationwide with essential tools, mentorship, and leadership strategies with no NSCS membership required.
Key Institutional Benefits
Turnkey Co-Curricular Support
Seamlessly integrates with existing campus FYE, orientation, and honors initiatives.
Open-Access Resources
Available to all first-year students to foster immediate connection and skill development.
Bulk Student Invitations & Other Support
To connect a cohort or student list to the series, or with any questions, contact Holly Barclay, Director of Chapter and Member Experience, at hankin@nscs.org.
