First-Year Seminar

Every first-year student at USJ is supported through participation in our thoughtfully crafted and unique First-Year Seminar (FYS) program.

This program includes a three-credit course during the fall semester (FYSI) and a one-credit course during the spring semester (FYSII), both of which count towards your graduation requirements.

female student outside

Through the FYS program students will: 

  • Experience what it means to be a college student at USJ
  • Make connections and build relationships with fellow students and instructors
  • Engage with academic topics in an interdisciplinary manner
  • Learn about the services and resources available at USJ to support student growth and success
  • Develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and other aspects that will strengthen their ability to succeed in college, careers, and life

Read more about the FYS Program from the Director, Dr. Derek Dube, by clicking here.

Fall FYS

A three-credit course that is framed around one of various academic subjects that intersects with the Mission and Core Values of USJ.

  • Each fall FYSI course:
    • Meets two-to-three times per week
    • Has a designated Peer Mentor, an upper-class student who will be a link for first-year students to other campus constituencies in-and-out of the class
    • Addresses the academic, social, and emotional challenges of the first-year experience
    • Introduces students to services and resources available at the University
    • Examines an academic topic as a means to develop college-level critical thinking, reading, and communication skills
    • Encourages involvement in University activities outside of the classroom
    • Provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students to grow

Examples of Past Courses

Addressing Health Disparities in Today’s America

Instructor: Sheila Garilli, MSN, RN, CNE

Sport in Society

Instructor: Janet Howes, Ph.D.

Life on Mars?

Understanding Humanity through an Exploration of Pop Music, Science Fiction, and Science Reality in the Context of the Red Planet

Instructor: Derek Dube, Ph.D.

Self-Expression in Cuban Culture

Instructors: Rachel Payne, D.M.L., and Susan Murphy, M.A.

It’s ALIIIVE!

New England Myths and Monsters

Instructor: Jen Cote, Ph.D.

The Power of Persuasion

Instructor: Kristin Cistulli, Ph.D.

Spring FYS

A one-credit course that centers on service-learning, where students and instructors work collaboratively on a service project that impacts the college, local, or global community.

  • Each spring FYSII course:
    • Meet once per week
    • Explore the importance of compassionate service and its connection with the USJ Mission
    • Have a particular focus for the service being conducted
    • Develop skills in individual and teamwork contexts
    • Build oral communication skills culminating in presentation at USJ’s Symposium Day

Examples of Past Courses

Destigmatizing Disability (working with the Gengras Center and Dog Star Rescue)

Instructor: Derek Dube, Ph.D.

Intergenerational Service: Storytelling with McAuley Residents

Instructor: Kristin Cistulli, Ph.D.

How Serving our Kid Neighbors Strengthens the USJ First-Year Students’ Engagement

Instructor: Sheila Garilli, MSN, RN, CNE

Honoring Community and Diversity through Theater

Instructor: Madeline Perez De Jesus, Ph.D, M.Phil., MSW

Increasing Student Engagement Using STEM

Instructor: Christopher Fox

Going Full STEAM: The USJ Sensory Nature Trail Project

Instructor: Kirsten Martin Ph.D.

The Gift of Giving: Bringing Comfort to Education

Instructor: Takeia Pitts

FYS FAQs

Questions?

Contact:
Derek Dube, Ph.D.
FYS Director
Email: [email protected]

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