Improving the first year through an institution-wide approach : the role of first year advisors

An example of a long term strategic development aimed at improving first year student engagement and retention in an Australian-based university is presented. One innovative practice has been the creation and implementation of the First Year Advisor (FYA) role, an academic position, situated at a degree level within the Faculties/Schools across the University. This paper presents vignettes of local level FYA initiatives as well as strategic institution-wide activity as an example of one approach which sought to engage in sustained first year student experience improvement.