In collaboration with Wright State’s degree-granting colleges, the Division of Student Success provides First-Year Seminars to first-year students who share academic and social interests.
A First-Year Seminar is a course with approximately 25 students who share similar interests, majors, or classes. You'll take a First Year Seminar in the college of your major and get to know your First-Year Seminar group really well, allowing you to have a growing network of friends and people you can turn to when you have questions or need help. First-Year Seminars also count towards the completion of your general education core requirements.
Students who participate in Wright State First-Year Seminars have higher GPAs, persist and graduate at a higher rate compared to those students who do not participate in First-Year Seminars (Overview of Wright State First-Year Seminar, 2014, with data from Wright State Institutional Research).
Goals
Goal 1: Connect with Professors
The purpose of this Wright State University First-Year Seminar goal is to:
- Develop academic relationships with faculty members.
- Learn about opportunities to engage in high-impact programs:
- Study abroad
- Service-learning
- Co-ops and internships
- Undergraduate research
Goal 2: Achieve Academic Success
The purpose of this Wright State University First-Year Seminar goal:
- Information literacy
- Progress through Core Curriculum goals
- Learn how to study effectively in groups and individually
Goal 3: Confirm Major and Connect with Degree-Granting College
The purpose of this Wright State University First-Year Seminar goal is to:
- Understand degree requirements
- Develop a working relationship with academic advisor & learn how to use resources like uAchieve
Goal 4: Transition and Connect to College
The purpose of this Wright State University First-Year Seminar goal:
- Meet new friends
- Experience diversity
- Learn key campus resources
- Participate in campus lectures and events
- Find a balance between freedom and responsibility
- Learn the Raider Way:
- Civility
- Academic integrity
- Membership in the Raider community
Frequently Asked Questions
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What's a First-Year Seminar?
A First-Year Seminar is:
- A small group of first-year students in a discussion-based class who share similar interests or majors
- A course designed to provide personal attention to you as part of a supportive college family
- An active learning environment intended to help new students learn the campus and make connections quickly
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How will you benefit from joining a First-Year Seminar?
- Make friends faster: build a network of friends with classmates you see several times a week
- Learn about campus programs and services
- Adjust to college faster
- Earn a higher GPA than those students who do not participate in First-Year Seminar
- Lower your stress levels during the first semester in college
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Who leads the First-Year Seminars?
Faculty and Peer Mentors are part of an instructional team that help facilitate learning outcomes for the First-Year Seminar.
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When should you enroll in a First-Year Seminar?
Wright State's tradition is for all freshmen to enroll in a First-Year Seminar their very first semester/term at Wright State. The First-Year Seminar will make your transition to college smooth and enjoyable, so it will be most beneficial in your first term.
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What First-Year Seminar are available for you to join?
First-Year Seminar is offered based on major/college. Wright State offers many different kinds of First-Year Seminars, based on common academic, vocational, or professional interest.
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How do you sign up for a First-Year Seminar?
Connect with your academic advisor during Orientation for information on joining a First-Year Seminar.
For more information about First-Year Seminars, contact 937-775-2510.
