The Office of Undergraduate Experiences at UC Denver offers an optional program of first-year seminars (FYS) designed to assist students to successfully make the transition from high school to college, improve student retention and boost new student confidence. The FYS courses integrate rigorous academic content with academic skills such as library usage, campus resources, information literacy, time management, communication skills and career counseling.

Class size is capped at 24 students to facilitate interaction between student and instructor and to allow the instructor to serve as a mentor in the student’s first semester of college.  FYS classes engage students in active learning beyond the traditional classroom, laboratory or studio classes.  In the FYS courses, students learn about themselves and their abilities. The experiences obtained from the FYS program aim to promote academic exploration and interdisciplinary learning, civic engagement, cultural awareness, leadership, problem solving and other professional skills.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

• higher first semester grades
• higher student satisfaction facilitated by small class size and a faculty mentor
• better utilization of campus resources paid for through student fees
• early exploration of career paths and a suitable major
• more likely to stay in college

Students are encouraged to use the FYS course to explore areas either within or outside their major. Students should work with their academic advisor during orientation to select an appropriate FYS course. All of the courses are 3 semester hours and count in the required core curriculum. Requirements vary slightly, but  students should expect weekly writing and readings, participation in events outside the classroom including one service-learning activity and a final project.

Please visit our Web site for the current course offerings.