“Start Strong, Finish Stronger“
Learn Together:
Academic transition courses are small, active-learning, discussion-based seminars with a focus on connecting academic work and co-curricular opportunities. Students enrolled in these courses will connect with faculty, staff, and peers who are supportive of new students, as they learn how the academic expectations of the University may differ from their prior educational experiences. We know that students bring their previous experiences with them when they join the UMBC community, and we acknowledge this by providing a variety of different types of seminars.
First-Year Seminars (FYS) – Special Topics Seminars that Fulfill GEP Requirements
For: Any new student (freshmen or transfers) during their first year on campus.
What: An opportunity for new students to acclimate to UMBC’s academic community while getting to know a faculty or staff instructor and a small of group of new students.
Why: A small class provides more opportunity for discussion and instructor feedback. You will enjoy examining a topic in depth: reading about it, writing about it, and relating it to broader interests.
“Being in a small, discussion-style setting. It was great to have my opinions heard, to have discussions, and have the professor know my name.”
Introduction to the University for Freshmen (UNIV101)
For: Any new freshman student during their entire first year at UMBC (fall or spring semester).
What/Why: These two-credit seminar classes help new students connect with faculty and staff, meet other new students, and learn about campus resources while exploring what it looks like to be a successful student at UMBC
“It was a good way to get acquainted with campus, the resources available, and the standards I was expected to live up to. I definitely did learn a lot throughout the class, and I’m better off now than I was before taking it.”
Introduction to the University for Transfers (UNIV301)
For: Any new transfer student during their entire first year at UMBC (fall or spring semester).
What: These two-credit seminar classes help new transfer connect with faculty, staff, and their academic discipline while also learning about campus resources and how to be successful at UMBC.
“This class gave me experience in how to prepare and study at UMBC, and to think ahead of a future career.”
Please note: UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and visitors. If you have difficulties accessing any of the materials on our site, please contact us so that we can provide an alternative format and remedy any accessibility challenges.