To enhance the first-time student's acclimation to collegiate study, the College provides opportunities to develop the skills and methods that will promote academic success and personal development. In the First Year Seminar courses (LA 100, BUS 101, ENGR 102) students explore such topics as goal setting and decision-making, time management, personal mission statements, critical thinking, information literacy, public speaking skills, personal identity, and an introduction to a major, or exploring fields of study.
One of the unique and distinguishing characteristics of First Year Seminar is its variation by school and individual section. A principal strength of the course is that it is owned by each School and is therefore integrated into the curriculum. With variation, however, comes the need for common ground. In this context, the following core objectives are thought to span the spectrum of difference.
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To provide a realistic and reflective view of educational purpose and value.
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To encourage students to become active and independent learners.
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To provide an academic experience that is both intellectually challenging and personally supportive.
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To foster and demonstrate an introduction to critical thinking skills, information literacy and effective oral presentation strategies.
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To promote awareness and understanding of academic disciplines, either by chosen designation or through exploratory review.
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To encourage discovery of attitudes, interests and strengths through self-reflection and self-appraisal.
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To foster exploration of ideas and values that relate to life decisions.
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To encourage activities that serve to bind students to their peers, to the advisor and to the College.
Aside from the general objectives common to every section of the course, First Year Seminar is also integrally linked to the general education requirements of the College. Three target competencies emerge, not in a way that presupposes experience but rather as a way of providing a foundation upon which to build the competency.
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Oral Communication: The ability to introduce a topic in a clear and engaging manner, while supporting that topic with specific examples, facts, or testimony; grouping of ideas in a logical sequence coherently linked with appropriate transitions while signaling the end of the presentation with thoughtful summary. it includes the ability to present with conviction, project interest in the subject, maintain eye contact with the audience, and maintain a presence that is free of distracting mannerisms.
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Information Literacy: Acquire an understanding of the role of academic, scholarly, and professional information and to demonstrate knowledge of the methods to locate, access and explore that information. It includes reflection on the research process and development of search strategies and the evaluation of the same.
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Critical Thinking: Demonstrate the ability to think logically about personal, social, and professional issues while acquiring an understanding of principles of argumentation.