Information for First Year Students

First Year Academic Coaches

Who are the First Year Academic Coaches?

Jonathan Wright, Class of 2012
Major: Television-Radio
FYAC Boothroyd, Rowland, and Tallcott

Jonathan is a senior.  He comes from a small town in Orange County, New York called Washingtonville.  On campus he has been involved in numerous groups such as ICTV, Student Government Association, ResLife, and numerous clubs. In his spare time he enjoys cooking, running, playing volleyball and just hanging out with friends.  This academic powerhouse is also minoring in Mathematics and Theater.

Jonathan can be found at the front desk in the AES office on Tuesdays from 11am – 1pm. He’s also on duty in Tallcott 102 at these times:

  • Mondays: 3:00-5:00 pm
  • Thursdays: 10:00 am - 12 noon
  • Fridays: 12:00-2:00 pm

Michael Velasco, Class of 2012
Major: Economics
FYAC East Tower

Michael is a senior. He lives in a suburb called Cicero outside of Syracuse, New York. He has played on the Ithaca Men's club ultimate team and is currently a member of the Core Trading Consultants organization on campus. He enjoys playing multiple sports, debating, cooking, economics, hanging out with friends, and the great Buffalo Bills. He is also minoring in finance and anthropology.

Michael can be found at the front desk in the AES office on Tuesdays from 11am – 1pm. He holds office hours in the East Tower Resource Room (located next to the Residential Director's Office ) at these times:

  • Mondays 10:00 am - 12 noon
  • Wednesdays 10:00 am - 12 noon

What can an FYAC do for me?

The FYACs have been selected based on their academic strength and records of campus leadership. They have the experience and training to assist you as you put into action learning and life management strategies, enhancing your success at Ithaca. FYACs are here to help YOU.

Remember, FYACs are not academic advisors. Conversations with your advisors will focus on planning curriculum and meeting requirements, whereas dialogue with an Academic Coach allows space for everything in between, like learning strategies and life management skills.

These are just some of the things that you can talk to your FYACs about:

  • You want to know more about AES services and how AES can help you.
  • You have questions or concerns about general academic policies on campus (e.g. ‘what constitutes plagiarism?’)
  • You want tips on how to approach your professor about something you don’t understand in class, but you’re embarrassed to raise your hand.
  • You feel you’re not doing well in your classes.
  • You are worried about the amount of work you have and how to balance it.
  • You are considering changes in your academic focus and you don’t know where to go to discuss it on campus.
  • You want time management assistance.