1. to ease the transition from high school to college
2. to teach students the value of a liberal arts education
3. to teach students skills that will help them put into practice college-level thought processes and communication techniques (critical thinking, writing, and oral communication skills)
4. to introduce students to university resources (counseling, career planning, or community service opportunities)
5. to create a community that bonds students, professors, and the university

FYE consists of one extra hour a week tied to foundation courses or other courses freshmen commonly take. These courses are taught by faculty members certified by their department chairs. Classes meet four times a week and the student earns one free credit for a total of 4 credits rather than 3. The five sessions all FYE faculty are required to include are training in study skills (note-taking, test-taking, time and stress management); career planning and choosing a major; assistance in choosing courses and preparing a roster just prior to preregistration; information about health issues, especially sexually transmitted diseases; and information about drugs and alcohol.

In addition to the required topics, individual faculty members decide what other topics are most important to their students. Many instructors assess students’ needs at the beginning of the course and some invite students to help set the agenda. Topics could include information about the history, goals, and mission of La Salle University; Community Learning Center and Campus Ministry resources; library and art museum resources; diversity and cross-cultural issues; security issues both off and on campus; and city life in Philadelphia. Instructors often invite guest speakers, including student speakers, to the classroom and many arrange class trips and group outings.

Participation in the Freshman Year Experience is required of all first-year students with the exception of students in the Honors or Academic Enrichment Programs.