FYE

First-Year Seminar

Learn Fearlessly with First-Year Seminar…

First-Year Seminar (FYS) is a transition course for first-year students. This two-credit hour course gives first-year students a shared opportunity to successfully make the academic and social transition to university life. Seminar activities and programs are designed to prepare students for their first year at WMU. Students receive instruction in the course from an upper-level student leader and a WMU faculty/staff member who both facilitate this unique University experience.

The First-Year Seminar is limited to no more than 25 students per Seminar. Research shows that attention to small groups gives Seminar students a greater opportunity to develop meaningful friendships with other Seminar students who have related academic and social goals.
The First-Year Seminar focuses on three major assignments:
1. Textbook Assignments
2. The Common Read Experience
3. Co-curricular Activities (Out-of-Class).

What benefits will you receive as a First-Year Seminar student?

Get to know your campus!
Learn how to get through your first year of college!
Learn what it takes to be a successful college student!
Develop friendships with current students, staff and faculty so when you have questions you know who to ask!

What did last year’s FYS students say about the course?

"Both instructor and leader were great"

"It actually helped me to study better and manage my time"

"The Seminar helped ease me into the life of a college student"

"My expectations for [the Seminar] was that the class would get me more involved at WMU, and it did just that"

Common Questions asked about First-Year Seminar…

Is a textbook required for the First-Year Seminar?

Yes, a textbook is required that is specifically designed for new and transfer students. The textbook deals with topics that are common to first year students of a major university.

What is a Co-curricular (Out-of-Class) activity?

An out-of-class activity is an experience that takes learning outside of the classroom. Activities vary from year to year but likely, the activities and events will concentrate on such subjects as: community service, cultural diversity, health and wellness, athletics, campus involvement or the arts.

This experience gives students the opportunity to form connections outside of the classroom and introduces students to various topics and messages critical to the start of their college careers.

What is the Common Read Experience?

The Common Read Experience encourages reading and meaningful discussion among Seminar students, faculty and staff around a common book. This experience prepares incoming students for discussion at the University level. The book chosen for this Fall 2008 is currently being selected. The book is to be read over the summer prior to starting the fall semester.

What student qualifies for the First-Year Seminar?

The course is open to all new or transfer students.
NOTE: Students in the following departments/colleges are REQUIRED to take the seminar as part of their experience.

University Curriculum Majors (Undecided Students)
Lee Honors College (Specially adapted for honors students)
TRIO Student Success Program
Kalamazoo Promise Students
Seita Scholarship Students
Alpha Program

How does the First-Year Seminar work and what is the content of the course?

Students who participate in First-Year Seminar are required to participate in Fall Welcome, August 25 thru August 29
On Tuesday, August 26, all Seminar students meet at Miller Auditorium for a large group kick-off meeting
Seminar students enroll in the two-credit hour Seminar for Fall 2008 during New Student Orientation and participate in planned FYS programs and activities during their Spring semester
Most students use the First-Year Seminar course as one of their electives
FYS is limited to 55 sections, with up to 25 students in each section
Students in FYS all read the same assigned book over the summer to prepare for class discussion in the fall
Students in each section participate in co-curricular activities and complete related assignments
Each section of FYS is led by a WMU faculty/staff member and an upper level student leader

How to Register for First-Year Seminar:

Attend one of the New Student Orientation sessions in June.
During Day 2 of New Student Orientation register for the First-Year Seminar at the same time that you register for your other Fall 2008 courses.

NOTE: If you are a student who is majoring in engineering or undecided about your major (University Curriculum student), click on the appropriate link below for additional information.

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences First-Year Engineering Experience
University Curriculum

WMU First-Year Seminar Office
Phone: (269) 387-2387
Fax: (269) 387-2377
Web Address: www.wmich.edu/fye

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