Freshmen beginning their undergraduate education enter college with various backgrounds and expectations. Institutions seek to properly acclimate first-year students into this new transition. One way to help a first-year student transition into college is with a first-year program. First-year programs provide a unique space for students to adjust to their institution. These programs also allow first-year students to negotiate the transition into college, become familiar with the campus, feel comfortable interacting with faculty, staff, and administration, and learn how to cultivate resilience and connectedness. This proposed first-year curriculum supports students in this transition by providing coping and resilience skills. It also teaches students compassionate communication and mindfulness meditation, both of which strengthen the capacity to make connections and strengthen relationships. Benefits to first-year students come through learning the relevant skills and practicing the skills in a real setting. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]