The first year of college brings new experiences and new opportunities. Students become part of a campus community and connect with one another, faculty, staff, and campus organizations. They explore their majors and begin to develop the skills that will serve them throughout their studies, in the workplace, and in life. This transition is often facilitated in first-year seminars – 1-credit or 2-credit courses allowing students to explore specific topics or fields, or required by specific majors.

90% of the incoming, first-year students at UIC enrolled in a first-year seminar course in fall 2022. Students who are in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), and who are not in the Honors 101 seminar, most often choose LAS 110 “Experience UIC” when taking a seminar. Students in other colleges at UIC generally are required to take a specific first-year seminar (or two-course sequence), and they will be advised into those courses for the appropriate semester.

The content and goals vary by course, but the most common elements include:

• Interaction with other students and the advisors or faculty who teach the course
• Support in the process of transitioning to college
• Connection to campus resources
• Developing foundational skills in inquiry, thinking, writing, and collaboration
• Opportunities for discussion and reflection, including in regard to values, diversity, and community
• Exploration of majors, fields, or careers