First Year Experience
Director: Kay Angrove (936) 294-3422
Sam Houston State University is dedicated to helping first-year students make the transition to university life. Students taking advantage of the First-Year Experience program enhance their educational experience while enjoying the opportunity to build a solid foundation of skills needed for success. The University has developed a comprehensive, coordinated approach toward the first-year experience including a freshman seminar, learning communities, New Student Orientation, advising, newsletters, New Student Convocation, a Common Reading Program, and a comprehensive listing of academic support services offered for students at SHSU.
UNIV 1301 is a three credit hour freshman seminar. Class size is limited to approximately 25 students. Students will receive academic and personal assessments and survival tools and get an orientation to and use the academic resources (e.g., Writing Center, Reading Center, Math Center, SAM Center, Student Money Management Center, Health and Wellness Center, and Recreational Sports) at Sam Houston State University. Students enrolled in this course receive personal guidance in selecting college majors and corresponding career fields. UNIV 1301 is designed to transition students to successful college experiences and to develop a plan for graduation and beyond.
Learning communities provide students the opportunity to take several classes with the same group of students. The learning communities are designed to foster the intellectual and social development of students through increased interaction with fellow students, faculty, and staff. SHSU learning communities pair courses in the fall and in the spring around an academic major or student interest theme. Each first-year learning community is anchored by the UNIV 1301 course. The Living Learning communities provide students the opportunity to take two to three classes with other students who live in the same residence hall. There are planned program of activities designed to enhances academics as well as to provide a positive social atmosphere outside of the classroom. These students participate in a Study Skills seminar and may choose UNIV 1301 as one of their eight class options.
For further information call (936) 294-3422, e-mail fye@shsu.edu , or visit First Year Experience.
UNIV 1301. Intro To Collegiate Studies. 3 Hours.
UNIV 1301 is a seminar designed to enhance the first-year experience for beginning college students and to increase student success in college. The varied content of the course will facilitate a smoother transition into the college culture. Content areas include: goal setting and time management skills, writing skills, test preparation and taking skills, critical thinking skills, major and career exploration, locating and utilizing campus resources, diversity awareness, wellness strategies, money management, and leadership/civic service awareness. Writing enhanced. Juniors and Seniors will need to contact the FLC Office for approval.
Prerequisite: Open to Freshman and Sophomore students.
UNIV 4301. Gen Studies Capstone Project. 3 Hours.
Students will conduct career exploration activities as well as complete a capstone project linking the three minor areas of study that comprise the student's personalized Bachelor of General Studies degree. Students will have research, review, and analyze the three academic minor areas and meld them into an innovative research report.
