First-Year Seminars

FYE Logo

Are you a first-year student who wants to meet new people? Learn your way around campus? Get good grades? Consider enrolling in a 1-3 credit elective course designed for new students to get off to a great start at FGCU.

SLS 1101 The University Transition

Toggle More Info

Prefix/number	Title	Description	semester(s) offered	credits	Learning outcomes
SLS 1101	The University Transition	An examination of the academic culture of the university and exploration of what it means to be in college, through a focus on a variety of topics related to personal success, including the transition to college life, goal setting, decision-making, study skills, time management, using campus resources, and choosing/evaluating a major/career.	Summer, Fall	Variable 1-3	As a result of this course, students will: Be able to successfully identify and overcome the challenges that are most experienced when transitioning from high school to college. Learn about the various opportunities for student engagement and how they can create the FGCU experience that they would like to have. Engage with various academic success strategies while determining which academic success strategy works best for them. Better understand their strengths, interests, and values and how these are tied to their choice of major and future career path, in addition to developing and practicing life skills that will assist them in their personal growth and development and will allow them to be successful throughout their time at FGCU and beyond.

Prefix/number

Title

Description

semester(s) offered

credits

Learning outcomes

SLS 1101

The University Transition

An examination of the academic culture of the university and exploration of what it means to be in college, through a focus on a variety of topics related to personal success, including the transition to college life, goal setting, decision-making, study skills, time management, using campus resources, and choosing/evaluating a major/career.

Summer, Fall

Variable 1-3

As a result of this course, students will:

Be able to successfully identify and overcome the challenges that are most experienced when transitioning from high school to college.
Learn about the various opportunities for student engagement and how they can create the FGCU experience that they would like to have.
Engage with various academic success strategies while determining which academic success strategy works best for them.
Better understand their strengths, interests, and values and how these are tied to their choice of major and future career path, in addition to developing and practicing life skills that will assist them in their personal growth and development and will allow them to be successful throughout their time at FGCU and beyond.

SLS 1501 Effective Learning

Toggle More Info

prefix/number	title	description	semester(s) offered	credits	learning outcomes
SLS 1501	Effective Learning	Effective Learning allows students to develop strategies for success in higher education by providing a forum through which they can deepen their understanding of academic course content through guided practice and discussion. In addition to serving as a supplement to the academic course lecture, this course includes assessment of individual learning styles and practical application to time management; effective notetaking; study and testing habits; and use of information resources.	Fall, Spring	Variable 2-3	As a result of this course, students will: Be able to engage in self-directed learning and problem-solving techniques. Learn to take personal responsibility for their educational experience. Advance their critical thinking skills through self-reflection and analysis of their own experiences. Articulate an understanding of the University culture and their own adjustment to the expectations and demands of college.

prefix/number

title

description

semester(s) offered

credits

learning outcomes

SLS 1501

Effective Learning

Effective Learning allows students to develop strategies for success in higher education by providing a forum through which they can deepen their understanding of academic course content through guided practice and discussion. In addition to serving as a supplement to the academic course lecture, this course includes assessment of individual learning styles and practical application to time management; effective notetaking; study and testing habits; and use of information resources.

Fall, Spring

Variable 2-3

As a result of this course, students will:

Be able to engage in self-directed learning and problem-solving techniques.
Learn to take personal responsibility for their educational experience.
Advance their critical thinking skills through self-reflection and analysis of their own experiences.
Articulate an understanding of the University culture and their own adjustment to the expectations and demands of college.

SLS 1410 First-Year Seminar

Toggle More Info

Column Title 1	Column Title 2	Column Title 3	Column Title 4	credits	learning outcomes
SLS 1410	First-Year Seminar	This faculty-led seminar invites first-year college students to dive into an engaging exploration of a special topic chosen by the instructor. Designed to spark curiosity and promote intellectual growth, the course emphasizes active discussion, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. Students will explore the topic through a variety of perspectives, incorporating readings, hands-on activities, and reflective assignments.	Spring	1	As a result of this course, students will: Explore a specific academic topic in depth, demonstrating curiosity, critical analysis, and an understanding of foundational concepts related to the subject. Analyze and evaluate ideas, evidence, and arguments within the context of the course topic to formulate their own perspectives. Practice clear and effective communication through written, verbal, or creative assignments related to the course content. Identify connections between the course topic, other disciplines, and real-world applications to enhance their understanding of its relevance. Locate, evaluate, and appropriately use academic resources to support their understanding and analysis of the course topic. Reflect on how engagement with a unique academic topic can inspire intellectual curiosity and contribute to their overall educational journey. Engage in respectful dialogue with peers and faculty, fostering an appreciation for diverse ideas and collaborative learning.

Column Title 1

Column Title 2

Column Title 3

Column Title 4

credits

learning outcomes

SLS 1410

First-Year Seminar

This faculty-led seminar invites first-year college students to dive into an engaging exploration of a special topic chosen by the instructor. Designed to spark curiosity and promote intellectual growth, the course emphasizes active discussion, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. Students will explore the topic through a variety of perspectives, incorporating readings, hands-on activities, and reflective assignments.

Spring

As a result of this course, students will:

Explore a specific academic topic in depth, demonstrating curiosity, critical analysis, and an understanding of foundational concepts related to the subject.
Analyze and evaluate ideas, evidence, and arguments within the context of the course topic to formulate their own perspectives.
Practice clear and effective communication through written, verbal, or creative assignments related to the course content.
Identify connections between the course topic, other disciplines, and real-world applications to enhance their understanding of its relevance.
Locate, evaluate, and appropriately use academic resources to support their understanding and analysis of the course topic.
Reflect on how engagement with a unique academic topic can inspire intellectual curiosity and contribute to their overall educational journey.
Engage in respectful dialogue with peers and faculty, fostering an appreciation for diverse ideas and collaborative learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered in this course?
Toggle More Info

Students will discuss the a variety of topics including but not limited to: The transition to college life, setting goals for college, effective time management, study skills for college level work, test taking strategies, maintaining health and wellness, choosing and evaluating your major and career, and effective decision-making.
Who is eligible to enroll?
Toggle More Info
How many credits hours can I earn?
Toggle More Info
How can students enroll First Year Experience courses?
Toggle More Info
Will there be a required textbook for these courses?
Toggle More Info

The courses offered by First Year Experience helped me transition from high school to college. It answered all my questions and was a safe environment to make friends and find your purpose in college. I would reccomend this class to everyone as it set me up for success at FGCU! ”