First-Year (Freshman) Student Seminars are academic courses designed to support student learning and development in the critical first semester of college. University Seminar 1001, First Year Seminar I, can be taken as part of a Learning Community or as a stand-alone course. College-specific seminars are offered by the College of Science and Technology and the School of Communications and Theater.

University Seminar 1001, First Year Seminar I

A 1-credit academic course that introduces first-year students to the opportunities and rigors of higher education, as well as to the skills needed to use academic resources successfully in college. The topics covered in the seminar help first year students articulate and reach their academic goals.

• Introduces first-year students to the purposes of higher education and to the skills needed to use information technology and academic resources successfully in college and also in preparation for the workplace of the 21st century.
• Focuses on topics useful to college students, including time management, Blackboard, teamwork, study skills, and academic and career planning.
• Is a one-credit course for letter grade
• Each section meets 70 minutes a week for the first 11 weeks of the fall semester
• Credit applies toward graduation in most schools and colleges.

In this course, students will learn how to:

• Formulate personal and professional goals.
• Identify core values and beliefs.
• Develop and enhance skills needed to successfully navigate the University.
• Connect with the campus and community.
• Develop effective group and teamwork skills.
• Use technology in a scholarly way.

University Seminar 1002, First Year Seminar II

A 1-credit academic course that introduces first-year students to the opportunities to discover major interests through applied learning and other career-oriented experiences. The course exposes students to career paths and encourages major exploration through discussions with faculty, informational interviews, reading, and opportunities to practice skills needed to be a more efficient student.

• Introduces first-year students to opportunities for discovering major interests through applied learning and  other career-oriented experiences.
• Exposes students to career paths and encourage major exploration through discussions with faculty members, informational interviews, opportunities to practice skills needed to be a more effective student, and opportunities to reflect on knowledge learned, readings, and experiences.
• Prerequisite First Year Seminar I.

In this course, students will learn how to

• Use resources for deciding on a major, explore career paths, and set goals for future academic and professional development.
• Prepare and conduct an informational interview.
• Interact with faculty members to better explore disciplines to help determine major options.
• Develop and present a portfolio and action plan to share with classmates.
• Refine your goals and attain a greater awareness of the interconnectedness of experiences and academic course work through group discussion and reflection.

University Seminar 1003, Academic Bridge for International Students

A 3-credit course that includes instruction in all four language skills (reading, writing, and listening). It also focuses on additional academic skills and strategies necessary for students to succeed in undergraduate courses. Emphasis will be on critical thinking and independent research along with the introduction to technologies that support course requirements.

To take this course you must be an international student whose native language is not English.