Frequently Asked Questions
We understand the difficulty college life can pose for first-year students. We also understand the need for new students to find their niche socially and to adjust to the academic demands of college life as quickly as possible. While we realize that not every students can be successful, we believe that more can be by participating in the First-Year Seminar.
UNV 100 is The First-Year Seminar. Most colleges and universities offer a First-Year Seminar. Some are offered within academic departments and introduce students to the expectations of a major or a career. Others are an extension of orientation and provide students with a chance to become fully integrated in various aspects of college life. At UMass Dartmouth, however, UNV 100 combines the objectives of an extended orientation with the content of an academic seminar.
The goal of UNV 100 is to assist students in making a successful transition into the university, and experiencing success. Throughout the Seminar, students are provided with important strategies, timely information, and creative ideas to assist them in adjusting responsibility to the personal, social, and academic expectations of college life. UNV 100 supports the academic mission of the university by encouraging students to become creative communicators, rational thinkers, and socially-responsible citizens. The First-Year Seminar meets twice a week for ten weeks in a 50-minute session.
Why should you enroll in UNV 100?
UNV 100 allows first-year students to interact with and gain support from their peers, and to create a sense of community within the larger university community. It, therefore, provides a chance for you to share your transition into the university in a small relaxed atmosphere. The format of this course enables students to share responsibility for the classroom teaching/learning process. In doing so, students will be better able to:
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Understand the culture of higher education
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Set realistic goals and expectations
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Develop college survival skills
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Enhance personal growth and educational development
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Establish priorities for academic success
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Learn and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills
The end result is a more meaningful, personable, and memorable college experience.
The First-Year Seminar is taught by outstanding college administrators and individuals who are enthusiastic about working with first-year students, who are experienced with various aspects of college teaching, learning, and student development, and who are willing to be a friend, a mentor, an advisor, or whatever it takes to ensure your success.
Your College Experience: Strategies for Success by Gardner & Jewler (1997) is the text used in the First-Year Seminar. This textbook is representative of the many custom published seminar textbooks used at colleges and universities across the country. It provides insight, advise, and practical strategies to assist students in making the most of their college experience.
Students are expected to approach this course with the intent on developing their skills as learners, researchers, and aspiring scholars. It is practically impossible for UNV 100 to cover all of the developmental challenges (i.e., personal, social, academic, etc.) facing today's college students. While there is consistency in the basic content and structure of this course, each instructor has the opportunity to establish the timeframe by which to meet the expected objectives and learning outcomes for the seminar. Additionally, within each section, instructors are expected to integrate discussions on the importance of campus involvement, university resources, and career development.
Some of the more critical classroom discussions and reading assignments focus on the following topics:
• Critical Thinking
Seek connections and finding new possibilities
Organize possibilities systematically
Learn strategies to present ideas convincingly
• Conflicts, Challenges, and Personal Choice
Understanding of how our choices can challenge personal values
Identify expectations for success
Establish educational and career objectives
• Interpersonal Competence
Communicate across cultures
Establish personal identity
Develop relationships
• Diversity Leadership
Explore the dynamics of multiculturalism
Learn leadership style
Become culturally aware and socially responsible
• Stress and the College Student
Understanding that stress is unavoidable
Identify the warning signs of stress
Develop strategies to controlled stress
• Beyond Academics:
Making Connections for Lifelong Success
Discuss the importance of co-curricular activities
Understand the importance of career development
Identify opportunities may enhance career success
To participate in one or all components of the First-Year Residential Experience, please complete and return the UMass Dartmouth Housing and Dining Services Contract for the 2006-2007 academic year. In the Specialy Housing section of the contract, be sure to indicate that you want to be placed in Chestnut - the Freshman Year Experience (FYE) Hall.
The deadline to enroll can be found on FYRE website. If you have questions concerning this program, please contact: Dr. Norman L. Barber.
Last Updated On: 12/26/06
