“Exemplary first-year programs offer students the tools to develop a moral compass by which to navigate between their increased personal freedom and their new responsibilities. Effective programs do more than help students adjust to new surroundings -- they provide critical-thinking skills required to address the character challenges of contemporary college life. Most significantly, such efforts foster the development of moral character by encouraging students to develop a commitment to high standards of academic and personal behavior.”

- John Templeton Foundation

Kalamazoo College's First Year program has been recognized as exemplary by the Templeton Foundation