First-Year Seminars
First year students face many challenges. They have to go to class and study daily. They are encouraged to get engaged in a few activities on campus to meet people and develop important skills necessary for success in future employment. In addition to these basic responsibilities, new students have to find their way in a new environment that is very different from what they were used to in high school.
At UT Arlington, we are committed to helping new students make this transition from high school to college. That's why we have designed various types of first-year seminars for freshman students to address their different needs and interests. Students engaging in first-year seminars will develop academic and self-management skills, critical thinking skills, and a more substantial connection to UT Arlington. Students often have their choice of which seminar is best for them. Below is some information to help students make the best choice for themselves.
UT Arlington's First-Year Seminar Program
One option for students is the opportunity to enroll in a three-hour seminar that is co-taught by a UT Arlington faculty member and a student Peer Academic Leader who will serve as your mentor throughout your first semester. These 1300-level courses, each beginning with an "FS" prefix, may be an introduction to your major or cover an interesting research or contemporary "hot topic" related to your major discipline. This is an excellent way to learn more about your field of study while gaining a better understanding of departmental expectations and developing college-level critical thinking and writing skills. Your academic advisor will speak with you about your options, but you should read more about the courses offered in advance of orientation so that you are prepared to select the course that is of most interest to you. This year's first-year seminar options have been divided into interest categories to make it easier to find the class that's right for you. Course options and information about the faculty teaching them can be found in the links below.
- Exploring Our World: seminars based on an exploration of the relationships and issues confronting communities around the world. Issues range from communication to health to the major challenges that will shape our future.
- Art and Culture: seminars based in theater, social media, language, and the arts that delve into the ways in which art and culture impact our society.
- Business and Entrepreneurship: seminars that put students in charge of developing new business plans and offer opportunities to discover the keys to personal success and effective leadership.
- Science and Investigation: seminars that challenge students to investigate issues ranging from climate change to product development with emphasis on problem-solving and research.
How to register for a First-Year Seminar
To add a First-Year Seminar to your schedule, you will need to contact your academic advisor. If you have already completed New Maverick Orientation, then you may email your advisor or call the University Advising Center at (817) 272-3140. If you are going to be attending New Maverick Orientation later this summer, then speak to your advisor during the advising time in the afternoon of Day 1. All seminars needed to be added to your schedule prior to the start of classes on August 23, 2012.
PLEASE NOTE: Students participating in a Freshman Interest Group, and first-year Pre-Nursing students need not contact their advisor as a specific first-year seminar is required for your program. For these students, the appropriate seminar will be discussed during orientation. Students participating in the Academic Partnership program are not eligible for the first-year seminar program. Students participating in the UT Coordinated Admissions Program (UT CAP) should note that these are not CAP approved courses.
Maverick Scholars Freshman Interest Groups
Many students participating in one of UT Arlington's Freshman Interest Groups, or FIGs, will take a UNIV 1131 first-year seminar. This unique course, taught by a Peer Academic Leader with assistance from UT Arlington faculty and staff, is focused on success in a student's major. Topics explored include building successful academic skills, getting involved in college, pursing research opportunities, and best positioning yourself for internships and career opportunities. This one or three-hour seminar serves as the cornerstone of the FIG experience.
Here are a few of the other first-year seminar options available to UT Arlington students:
- For students who are still exploring their academic options, University College offers Major Exploration, a hands-on approach to learning more about your academic interests and career options with the goal of selecting a major.
- Other students may be required to take the Freshman PASS course in their second semester. This course focuses on achieving academic success and developing a fresh perspective about one's academic priorities.
- Student athletes may be required to take a special section of UNIV 1131, which is a one-hour seminar taught in the fall semester by UT Arlington staff.
To provide the best possible first-year seminar, University College also provides faculty resources for the first year seminar.
