First-Year Seminars serve as an introduction to college-level learning and intellectual life at the University of Iowa.
First-Year Seminar instructors are highly engaged in student development and have an active, important role in their students' transition to college. As a result, First-Year Seminars introduce new, first year students to important principles and academic expectations that will help them be successful at the University of Iowa. In addition, First-Year Seminars provide students with an opportunity to work closely with UI faculty, instructional staff, or a senior-level administrator. These courses also serve as a unique mechanism for students to connect with other first year students in a smaller classroom setting.
Unlike college transition courses, which are designed to help students develop specific skills necessary for success in college (time management, study skills, goal setting, etc.), First-Year Seminars focus on exploring a single, specific academic topic, allowing for in-depth analysis and critical thinking around that subject matter.
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Course Policies & Procedures
Policies on instructional expectations, authorized instructors, course delivery, cancellations, scheduling, syllabus, grading, and course evaluations.
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Honors & Research-Focused Seminars
What are Honors and Research-Focused First-Year Seminars and what should instructors know about these courses?
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4 Pillars of a First-Year Seminar
When designed around the 4 Pillars of a First-Year Seminar, instructors and students both have a shared understanding of what to expect from their seminar.
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Instructor Compensation
Compensation policies vary by college. Please see individual college policies here.
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8 Attributes of High Impact Practices
Kuh and O’Donnell (2008) identify eight conditions that, when present in a high impact practice (HPI) such as a First-Year Seminar, contribute to increased persistence and completion rates.
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Connecting Students to Academic Resources
Connect students with academic resources or incorporate resources into your coursework and assignments.
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Information & Enrichment Session Attendance
All First-Year Seminar instructors are expected to attend an information session, held each spring, and an enrichment session, which is held at the beginning of each fall semester.
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Reporting Student Concerns
Connect students with staff who can help them address issues of concern early so they don't remain a barrier to the student's well-being and success.