UNV 100: First-Year Seminar

Course Description

The first year of college is the foundation on which the rest of the college experience is built. It is important for students to get off to a good start, academically and socially, and to refine skills, adjust attitudes, and set goals. UNV 100: The First-Year Seminar is specifically designed to assist students with making a successful transition into the university.

Many colleges and universities offer introduction to college courses. Some of these courses are offered within academic departments and introduce students to the expectations of a major and career. Others are an extension of orientation that exposes students to various aspects of college life. At UMass Dartmouth, UNV 100 combines the objectives of an extended orientation with personal goal setting and assistance in developing tools for academic success. The course uses a seminar format that relies on interactions between students and the instructor, students and guest lecturers, and students themselves.

Goals of the Course

Through the Seminar, students are provided important strategies, timely information, and creative ideas to assist them in adjusting responsibly to the personal, social, and academic expectations of college life. Students share responsibility for the classroom learning process with fellow students and the instructor. Through this course, students should:

1. Understand the culture of higher education
2. Set realistic future goals and personal expectations
3. Develop college survival skills
4. Enhance personal growth and educational development
5. Establish priorities for academic success
6. Learn and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills
7. Learn and demonstrate effective time management skills

Teaching/Learning Philosophy

UNV 100 supports the academic mission of the university by challenging students to move beyond their comfort zone and to reflect on information, experiences, and perspectives related to their college experience. This course is most successful when everyone actively participates in class discussions with a spirit of openness and honesty.

Students are expected to approach this course with the intent of developing their skills as learners, researchers, and aspiring leaders. The course will be presented in an interactive format in which students are expected to share responsibility for the classroom teaching/learning process. Additionally, as a community of learners, students are expected to assist with creating a respectful environment as characterized in the mission and vision of UMass Dartmouth, particularly the university's position on cultural diversity and inclusion. All students will:

• Practice personal and academic integrity
• Respect the dignity of others
• Respect the personal rights, property, and opinions of others, and
• Demonstrate concern for others

Course Organization

UNV 100 meets in 50-minute sessions twice a week for the first 6 weeks and weekly for 4 subsequent weeks during the fall semester—when students first form college study habits and make both social and academic contacts. This course accounts for one credit in each student’s academic load but does not earn credit towards graduation.

UNV 100 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.

Guest lecturers representing campus support programs and academic offices participate in class sessions. Students actively engage in exploring aspects of campus life and academic performance. The structure of the course encourages first-year students to interact and support each other as they create a sense of community. Students share their transition into the university in a small class with a relaxed atmosphere. The outcome should be a more meaningful and memorable college experience.

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.