This set of four required one-credit courses teaches every student how to take full advantage of their Furman experience and ultimately graduate ready for successful and meaningful careers and lives.
The backbone of The Furman Advantage is the four-year pathway which begins with the Pathways Program, a unique 2-year program required for first-year students and sophomores. Students take a one-credit hour course each semester they are on campus for their first two years at Furman.
Students meet with their Pathways Program class, their advisor, and a peer mentor each week for 50 minutes. The curriculum focuses on successfully transitioning to college by not only focusing on skills such as time management, effective study strategies and stress management, but also by building a foundation of self-awareness and reflection, helping students learn who they are, what they value and where their interests lie.
The Pathways Program course encourages students to think about how to integrate their academics, their engaged learning experiences such as study away, research and internships, and their career goals. They build a resume, have an informational interview with an alumnus and learn other basic career skills. Students also discuss leadership and learn how to tell their story.
After these first two years, juniors and seniors continue their pathway at the department level, where information builds on what students learn in years one and two, tailored to their specific majors.
In the major, students will have the opportunity to reflect on what they’re learning through their major classes and related experiences and how this learning prepares them for opportunities after Furman.
They will also learn what careers or graduate school options are available to them, whether they’re majoring in chemistry or theatre, economics or health sciences, or any other field.
“ "Pathways gave me access to the resources Furman provides, which helped to advance my career path and focus on my strengths. With strengths assessment and putting me in contact with Furman alumni in my field of interest, I was able to better envision myself in the workplace and recognize the value I bring to solving a problem."
“ "As a first-generation college student and as a Peer Mentor, one benefit that is really transparent throughout the Pathways Peer Mentoring Program is that it creates a level playing field for ALL students regardless of background, as it provides students with a basic understanding of college that ultimately pave the way for ALL first-year students to excel, thrive, and succeed."
“ "Pathways is a unique program that helps students learn how to be a better version of themselves in order to succeed at Furman. Each of the modules contains a lot of lessons for students reflect on and apply to their daily schedules, making it very easy to understand and helpful in the long term."
“Exposing students to possibilities while they are undergraduates gives them a more concrete idea of what they want to do. At graduation they have a better sense of how what they have learned at Furman informs what they want to do next, and the steps they need to take to get there.”
Michelle Horhota
Associate Dean for Mentoring and Advising
Professor of Psychology
Many universities offer opportunities for engaged learning – internships, research and study away – and an opportunity to meet with a career counselor. At Furman, we have created a unique structure and integrated approach that guides students intentionally in the first two years through a common curriculum so that students are prepared to make the best choices for themselves and their futures.
Students in the Year 1 and 2 Pathways Pilot reported higher satisfaction scores for advising than students who did not participate. The data also show that the Pathways Program erases gaps between majority students and students from low-income families, first-generation college students and students of color in terms of:
“Pathways and my Pathways mentor taught me how to be a student and build good study habits, and encouraged me to reach my full potential. I feel confident and prepared to take on any challenge and make the most of my education.”
Delilah Evelyn ’23, Education major
Read more about Pathways Program courses below
This course is designed to help students transition to college and begin creating their individualized pathway with guidance from an academic advisor and a peer mentor. Students will engage in regular reflection and guided discussion about topics relevant to the first-semester experience.
This course is designed to help students continue to develop their individualized pathway with guidance from an academic advisor and a peer mentor. Students will engage in regular reflection and guided discussion about topics relevant to the second-semester experience.
In this course, students will refine their individualized pathway and explore their long-term goals with guidance from an advisor. Students will engage in regular reflection and guided discussion about engaged learning opportunities, career exploration and other topics relevant to the sophomore experience.
In this course, students will continue to refine their pathway with guidance from an advisor. Students will engage in regular reflection and guided discussion about their long-term goals, their impact on others, and will develop and practice sharing their stories, in addition to reflecting on other topics relevant to the sophomore experience.
This course is designed to help transfer students transition to Furman and begin creating their individualized pathway with guidance from an academic advisor. Students will engage in regular reflection and guided discussion about topics relevant to the first-semester experience.
In this course, transfer students will continue to refine their pathway with guidance from an advisor. Students will engage in regular reflection and guided discussion about career exploration, setting long-term goals, their impact on others, and will develop and practice sharing their stories, in addition to reflecting on other topics relevant to their Furman experience.
Lauren Jones ’22
Major: Neuroscience
Tucker, Georgia
“Furman wasn’t always easy, and on my journey of branching out, I learned what was and what was not meant for me,” Jones says. “It took time, but I believe I found my purpose at Furman. Furman has a lot to offer; you just have to put yourself out there and find it. And I believe that is The Furman Advantage.
For a more in-depth understanding of the Furman Advantage, download the guide below!
Meet the many students who have offered their time and talents to help you through your Pathways Program experience.
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