First-Year Seminar

FYS is a special course for first-semester students designed to help you transition to the academic and social aspects of college life. Students choose from a series of diverse and appealing topics taught by faculty and staff from various divisions. It provides an exciting, challenging, educational experience in a supportive environment.

Research shows that First-Year Seminars are key to student success. They help you learn good study habits, improve your academic performance, make friends, and get involved in college life.

Small — an average class has 15-20 students. This allows you to get to know your professor, peer mentor, and classmates really well. Together, you’ll form a great support network.

Peer Mentors, upper-class students assigned to each FYS class, will be your link to other campus constituencies (faculty, staff, administration, other students, etc.), both inside and outside of class.

Faculty from across the five academic divisions and staff from the Center for Academic Excellence and Student Affairs teach the courses. Each instructor is trained in FYS teaching strategies and committed to your success.

Yes. You’ll receive a list of FYS course topics during the spring before your first year, and you’ll choose your course during summer Orientation. We make every effort to ensure you get one of your top choices.

It may, but one of the purposes of FYS is to expose you to topics outside of your major field. It gives you the opportunity to study a topic of personal interest with an instructor who is passionate about that topic.

Each FYS seminar is an individual experience, although there are some commonalities among sections. All sections:

• Require you to think critically
• Address time management, diversity, conflict management, and adjustment to college life
• Expose you to helpful campus resources
• Require you to attend campus events
• Include a final project instead of exam