“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.”
AETP Courses & Programs:
- Six-week summer bridge experience designed to provide students with a jump start on their college experience – start the fall semester knowing a lot about academic and campus resources
- Program is structured to provide participants with on-going support throughout their first year and providing a go to point of contact in AETP for challenges and questions
- Participants can be residential or commute for the summer portion of the program
The Discovery Scholars Living-Learning Community (LLC):
- Participants share a common living experience and shared course work
- Form a connection with peer mentors from the program
- Receive ongoing support from staff in AETP and Residential Life
- Combine academic and co-curricular interests to make UMBC home away from home
First-Year Seminar (FYS):
- Courses are 3-credits and fulfill General Education Program (GEP) Requirements
- Taught by a faculty or staff instructor around a dynamic, unique topic in a small-group learning environment specifically for new students
- Learn by sharing knowledge and experience through writing, discussions, and presentations – key skills students need for success in the classroom and beyond
- Connect with faculty and staff instructors in a small classroom setting – they can be future recommenders, advisors, and supporters in student success
Freshman Introduction to the University Seminar (UNIV101):
- Courses are 2-credits and help new freshmen acclimate to the UMBC community
- Students will learn about three core pillars: academic success, campus connections, and personal/professional development
- Engage with a knowledgeable staff instructor and an undergraduate teaching assistant
- Connect with UMBC academic and campus resources and opportunities
- Figure out what it will take to be a successful student during the first year of college and beyond
Transfer Introduction to the University Seminar (UNIV301):
- Courses are 2-credits and help new transfers acclimate to the UMBC community
- Students will learn about three core pillars: academic success/academic discipline resources, campus connections, and personal/professional development
- Core curriculum was originally designed based on transfer student needs, at the request of transfer students
- Connect quickly with UMBC academic/campus resources and major departments/professional development opportunities to maximize time on campus
Resources for Faculty & Staff