Department of Interior Design and Fashion Studies

Year One: Connect and Explore

Welcome to the Department of Interior Design and Fashion Studies and your first year in college! Use your first year to get a good start in the program. Make academics a priority, get involved and connect with the university.

The following activities should be completed by the end of the year:

Learn about:

  • Interior Design and Fashion Studies program curriculum and activities
  • Advising
  • Key college and university resources, policies and processes such as KSIS, DARS, important dates and deadlines and the enrollment process for spring semester

Meet with academic advisor and discuss the following:

  • Use the Success Guide as a suggested framework for how to navigate your college career
  • Talk to your academic advisor about how to explore interests, values and skills, and careers
  • Review and make sure you understand FASH or ID program grade point average (GPA) requirements, prerequisites and sequencing of courses

Make academics a priority.

  • Develop short term and long term goals that will provide direction, serve as your roadmap and help you be successful
  • Balance your time between school, work and other activities. Make sure you don’t overcommit yourself!
  • Work hard and treat college as a full time job which includes studying for a minimum of 2 hours for every 1 hour in class
  • Recognize your challenges and connect with the Academic Assistance Center and other university resources early and as needed
  • Accept responsibility for your own performance and take ownership of your college education

Professional Development opportunities through the Career Center:

  • Dress for Success
  • Business Etiquette
  • Dining Etiquette
  • Speed Networking Event

Join a fashion studies, interior design, university or community club or organization.

  • Build skills and gain experiences that will increase your marketability
  • Get involved early to have sufficient time to advance from an active participant into leadership roles which will enhance your future internship and job opportunities
  • Connect with other students, faculty, business professionals and community members to start building a network of contacts for future referrals and support
  • Learn from students, faculty, business professionals and others about strategies for success in the program, internships, major and career opportunities

Experience key college and university events such as Majors and Minors Fair, Professional Development Day, Career Fair and Education Abroad Fair.

  • Attend key events early to start building your professional skills, learning about academic options and how to prepare for some of these events in later years
  • To maximize the benefits of these events, attend them every year

Obtain a part-time job.

  • Start building work experiences and your resume by finding a part time job
  • If possible, seek job opportunities that will help you explore major and career goals