Student Handbook 2012-2013

Higley Hall 119, 120

The First-Year Program office coordinates academic and co-curricular programs and services for first-year students, including First-Year Seminar courses, academic advising, academic and adjustment counseling, and the summer orientation programs, among others. The office maintains a close and collaborative relationship with the Office of Academic Support and Enrichment and faculty advisors of first-year students.

First-year students are required to take two First-Year Seminars unless they are informed that they are exempt from all or part of the requirement. These seminars introduce first-year students to the rigors and rewards of college courses in the liberal arts. Limited to a maximum of eighteen students, each course offers the opportunity to explore a particular issue, interest or problem in depth and to develop or refine critical academic skills and the habits of mind necessary for success in college. One of these seminars must be FYS 101 which has the teaching of writing as its primary focus. While faculty organizes these courses around particular themes, they require numerous writing assignments and revisions along with instruction in the process of writing. The second requirement is met by FYS 102, one of the topical seminars in which frequent writing assignments are evaluated for style as well as content. These are offered on a variety of subjects by faculty from all divisions of the college.

During the year, the Dean of First-Year Students is available to meet with students on a wide range of issues, including academic performance issues, personal adjustment problems, and other matters of concern.

For more information, go to First-Year Program.