First-Year Seminar (FYS)

Classroom setting with instructor and studentsFirst-Year Seminars (FYS) are special topics courses that fulfill General Education Program (GEP) requirements. New students can take ONE of these seminars during their first year at UMBC to count as a GEP course. While each FYS course is different, all courses include:

  • A small, active learning, cohort based classroom experience where the faculty member and students in the seminar study a unique topic in a dynamic, small-group environment
  • A focus on learning by sharing of knowledge and experiences through discussions, reflections, writing, and presentations – skills that faculty and future employers require
  • A real connection with a faculty or staff instructor in a smaller classroom setting where the instructor can get to know each student and recommend all sorts of opportunities to participants

How did your First-Year Seminar help you get started at UMBC?

Because of the FYS I…

  • met new people
  • became more comfortable asking questions in class
  • learn about academic expectations at UMBC

What was the most helpful part of your FYS?

  • Engaging in group discussions
  • becoming more confident expressing my own opinions, despite controversy
  • practicing abstract thinking
  • meeting peers through small group activities

How has your writing improved during this course?

I am better at…

  • writing correct citations
  • analyzing information
  • outlining my paper being descriptive elaborating my thoughts
  • understanding college writing expectation

Check Out Current FYS Offerings

Faculty/Staff: Interested in teaching a First-Year Seminar?

Click here to learn more about the FYS Proposal process!