First-Year Seminar courses can exist in many forms and are an essential part of curricular first-year experience programs. First-Year Seminars allow students to explore their identity, develop intellectually and morally, and transition to more rigorous academic courses than they are used to. They also provide students with a formal introduction to the institution and its culture, academic policies, and expectations. Because of this, First-Year Seminars can be key to students’ success both in and outside of the classroom for the duration of their academic career.

Though First-Year Seminars can look different at each institution, some common elements include:

• Small class sizes
• Faculty from across disciplines
• Discussion- or project-based course structure
• Variety of topics (some institutions offer classes on vampires, The Beatles, or honeybees!)
• Focus on developing academic skills
• Introduction to various offices and services on campus
• Career readiness advising and exploration

Wellesley College has a First Year Seminar course that promotes intellectual development. One of the specific learning outcomes of the course is to “demonstrate how knowledge is constructed in a particular field,” indicating that students’ epistemological development is a priority. 

UC Davis offers First-Year Seminars that are specific to first generation students. These first-year research courses are taught by first-generation faculty in order to foster a sense of belonging and share common experiences. This approach is likely informed by Rendón’s Validation Theory and is a powerful way for UC Davis to support and prepare its first-generation students.