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.
Course Policies & Procedures
Policies on instructional expectations, authorized instructors, course delivery, cancellations, scheduling, syllabus, grading, and course evaluations.
Honors & Research-Focused Seminars
What are Honors and Research-Focused First-Year Seminars and what should instructors know about these courses?
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.
Instructor Compensation
Compensation policies vary by college. Please see individual college policies here.
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.
Connecting Students to Academic Resources
Connect students with academic resources or incorporate resources into your coursework and assignments.
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.
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.