Questions
What are First-Year Seminars at UMass?
First-Year Seminars are 1-credit courses that cover a university-level topic, idea, or area of research in a small, discussion-based setting. First Year Seminars have a twin focus, with time spent on both the subject of the seminar and the skills incoming students need to succeed. Capped at nineteen students, each course provides a supportive environment that promotes students’ transition to college.
Do First-Year Seminars count towards graduation?
Yes! We expect all first-year students to enroll in a First-Year Seminar and the course is worth 1 credit towards graduation.
How often do First-Year Seminars meet?
Seminars meet once each week for 50 minutes.
Are First-Year Seminars graded?
Most seminars are graded, although a few instructors evaluate students on a Pass/Fail basis.
Do First-Year Seminars require a ton of work?
As with all college courses, First-Year Seminars involve reading, some writing, and maybe even research. But remember, these courses count for only one credit. This means they entail no more than one to two hours of work per week outside of class. Also, keep in mind that instructors know students might be coming to their field for the first time. They will not assume any previous knowledge of the material they cover.
How do I know which seminars are considered First-Year Seminars?
The best way to determine whether a seminar fits under the First-Year Seminar umbrella is to speak with an advisor during your Advising & Course Registration meeting. If your school or college requires students to enroll in a specific seminar, your advisor will let you know.
Which First-Year Seminar should I take?
Your advisor will help you select a seminar that is best for you. Some programs will direct you toward a specific seminar, while some may offer a limited suite of options. Other programs allow you to select from any unrestricted seminar on campus. In those cases, many students choose to take a seminar that aligns with their major field of study. But others use a seminar to explore a new field of interest. The choice is yours.
How do I register for a First-Year Seminar?
Just like any other course, work with an advisor to sort through your options. You can see available First-Year and Faculty First-Year Seminars using the Class Search function in SPIRE. Your advising team can help you search for available seminar sections.
Can I take more than one First-Year Seminar?
No, the University offers only one of these small, targeted courses for each new student.
I am starting at UMass in the spring, will I be able to enroll in a First-Year Seminar?
Most First-Year Seminars are scheduled for the fall semester, but we do offer a few First-Year Seminars during the spring semester for new students. Connect with your advisor to determine if a First-Year Seminar is right for you!
I am a transfer student, do I need to take a First-Year Seminar?
No, First-Year Seminars are designed for students who are brand new to college. However, the Student Success Unit and some schools and colleges offer Success Seminars for Transfer students. Your advisor will help you determine if there is a Transfer Success Seminar that will fit on your schedule.
I am a First-Year Seminar instructor, where do I go for support?
First-year seminar instruction is coordinated at the college level. Contact Student Success Academic Programs and we would be happy to connect you with your school or college’s First-Year Seminar coordinator.