First-Year Seminar

Transition to college-level learning and living with University of Saint Joseph’s First-year Seminar.

Make new friends while you’re introduced to college life during this engaging and challenging course.

Each seminar

Addresses the academic, social, and emotional challenges of the first-year experience
Promotes development of college-level critical thinking, reading, and writing skills
Introduces you to services available at the University
Encourages involvement in University activities
Provides small classes and a supportive environment
Promotes student and faculty discussion and interaction, both inside and outside of class

FYS Honors Program Your class will also be assigned a Peer Mentor, an upper-class student who will be your link to USJ faculty, staff, administration, and other students. Together, you’ll ensure your first year at USJ is a successful one.

Contact Jennifer Cote, Ph.D., [email protected], to learn more.

First-Year Seminar Courses - Spring 2020

Hands on Service
Kim Joerg, DNP
M, 9:00-9:50 a.m.
INTD 116.01

Will You Still Need Me When I'm 64?
Mariann Mankowski, Ph.D.
M, 11:00-11:50 a.m.
INTD 116.02

Lending an Ear: Mental Health Awareness on the University Campus
Prof. Donald Buda
M, 1:00-1:50 p.m.
INTD 116.03

Making Connections, Building Community: Making it YOUR USJ
Nancy Billias, Ph.D.
M, 1:00-1:50 p.m.
INTD 116.04

Open Yourself to Your Inner Child
Prof. Christopher Fox
M, 4:00-4:50 p.m.
INTD 116.05

Let Me Tell You A Story
Prof. Benjamin Woodard
W, 9:00-9:50 a.m.
INTD 116.06

(Re)Crafting Identities
Anthony Johnston, Ph.D.
W, 10:00-10:50 a.m.
INTD 116.07

Learning from Orphans, Refugees, and Vulnerable Children (ORVC)
Father Joseph Cheah, Ph.D.
W, 10:00-10:50 a.m.
INTD 116.08

Making the Invisible Visible: Poverty, Community and You
Christiana Best, Ph.D.
W, 11:00–11:50 a.m.
INTD 116.09

Melting Pot
Heather Evans, Ph.D.
W, 1:00–1:50 p.m.
INTD 116.10

Your Campus and Climate Change
Michelle Kraczkowski, Ph.D.
W, 2:00–2:50 p.m.
INTD 116.11

First-Year FAQ

What is First-Year Seminar (FYS)?

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.

Why do I have to take it?

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.

How big are the classes?

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.

What is the role of the Peer Mentors?

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.

Who teaches the FYS course?

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.

Do I have a choice of seminar topic?

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.

Will my FYS course relate to my major?

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.

Do all FYS classes have the same assignments and workload?

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

Examples of First-Year Seminar Courses Held in Past

All first-year students are required to register for a course, so come to Orientation/Registration with choices you are interested in.

"The Power of Persuasion: How It Affects You"
Instructor: Kristin Cistulli, 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.

"That's Entertainment?!"
Instructor: Mark Zelinsky, Ph.D.

"It's ALIIIVE!: New England Myths and Monsters"
Instructor: Jen Cote, Ph.D.

"Modern China"
Instructor: Hong Zhou, Ph.D.

"Behaviorism: Learning to Change What you want to Change"
Instructor: John Molteni, Ph.D.

"Meditation and Mindfulness"
Instructor: Nancy Billias, Ph.D.

"What are Global Health Disparities?"
Instructors: Janet Knecht, Ph.D. and Sister Beth Fischer

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