Community: Programs: Support for the First Year

First-Year Seminar UCOL U110

This is a special course required of entering students, offered by University College (UCOL) and all undergraduate schools. It facilitates student transition to college by introducing key information and skills needed to succeed and by offering opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and other students. The courses are taught by an instructional team, including a faculty member who sets academic goals and is the team leader; a student mentor who serves as a role model and peer guide to the college experience; a librarian who introduces library resources and literacy information; and an academic advisor who provides information on academic policies and procedures and works with students to begin academic planning, major and career decision-making. First-year seminars are typically linked with other entry-level courses to form learning communities, where faculty may collaborate in creating class assignments.

Learning Communities

First-year seminars are linked to another first year course, such as writing, speech, or math. Students learn to study together, collaborate on projects, and depend on each other for support in the classroom.

Themed Learning Communities

Expanded learning communities that link 3 or more first-year courses offer a structured first-semester learning environment where students can easily develop a strong sense of community and see connections across disciplines. Students in each block, or themed learning community, enroll as a cohort in the same linked courses selected by the academic schools. In themed learning communities, instructors collaborate in advance to choose a theme and develop common learning experiences.

Learn more about the 2006 Themed Learning Communities

Critical Inquiry

This is a one-credit course designed to help students succeed in a linked, discipline-based course by developing collegiate-level skills which are transferable to other courses. Students learn to read and understand text materials, critically evaluate information and ideas, and communicate understanding of course materials through written and oral exercises.