First-Year Experiences

In collaboration with Wright State’s degree-granting colleges, the Division of Student Success provides First-Year Seminars to first-year students who share academic and social interests. 

A First-Year Seminar is a course with approximately 25 students who share similar interests, majors, or classes. You'll take a First Year Seminar in the college of your major and get to know your First-Year Seminar group really well, allowing you to have a growing network of friends and people you can turn to when you have questions or need help. First-Year Seminars also count towards the completion of your general education core requirements.

Students who participate in Wright State First-Year Seminars have higher GPAs, persist and graduate at a higher rate compared to those students who do not participate in First-Year Seminars (Overview of Wright State First-Year Seminar, 2014, with data from Wright State Institutional Research).

Goals

  • Goal 1: Connect with Professors

    The purpose of this Wright State University First-Year Seminar goal is to: 

    Develop academic relationships with faculty members. Learn about opportunities to engage in high-impact programs:

    1. Study abroad
    2. Service-learning
    3. Co-ops and internships
    4. Undergraduate research

  • Goal 2: Achieve Academic Success

    The purpose of this Wright State University First-Year Seminar goal: 

    Information literacy Progress through Core Curriculum goals Learn how to study effectively in groups and individually

  • Goal 3: Confirm Major and Connect with Degree-Granting College

    The purpose of this Wright State University First-Year Seminar goal is to: 

    Understand degree requirements Develop a working relationship with academic advisor & learn how to use resources like uAchieve

  • Goal 4: Transition and Connect to College

    The purpose of this Wright State University First-Year Seminar goal: 

    Meet new friends Experience diversity Learn key campus resources Participate in campus lectures and events Find a balance between freedom and responsibility Learn the Raider Way:

    1. Civility
    2. Academic integrity
    3. Membership in the Raider community

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What's a First-Year Seminar?

    A First-Year Seminar is:

    • A small group of first-year students in a discussion-based class who share similar interests or majors
    • A course designed to provide personal attention to you as part of a supportive college family
    • An active learning environment intended to help new students learn the campus and make connections quickly
  • How will you benefit from joining a First-Year Seminar?
    • Make friends faster: build a network of friends with classmates you see several times a week
    • Learn about campus programs and services
    • Adjust to college faster
    • Earn a higher GPA than those students who do not participate in First-Year Seminar
    • Lower your stress levels during the first semester in college
  • Who leads the First-Year Seminars?

    Faculty and Peer Mentors are part of an instructional team that help facilitate learning outcomes for the First-Year Seminar.

     
  • When should you enroll in a First-Year Seminar?

    Wright State's tradition is for all freshmen to enroll in a First-Year Seminar their very first semester/term at Wright State. The First-Year Seminar will make your transition to college smooth and enjoyable, so it will be most beneficial in your first term.

  • What First-Year Seminar are available for you to join?

    First-Year Seminar is offered based on major/college. Wright State offers many different kinds of First-Year Seminars, based on common academic, vocational, or professional interest. 

  • How do you sign up for a First-Year Seminar?

    Connect with your academic advisor during Orientation for information on joining a First-Year Seminar.

For more information about First-Year Experiences, contact Patrick Sonner, Director of First-Year Experiences.