First Year Studies

Are you an incoming freshman? Want to learn how to navigate the University of Tennessee and be a successful student? Register for First Year Studies 101! It’s a freshman seminar designed for students who want to make the most of their college career right from the start. Experienced faculty are committed to helping first year students understand the value of academic success and the strategies needed to achieve it. They will explore with you the nature and purposes of a college education and the expectations of and the ways to succeed in the college classroom.  FYS 101 is offered for students in their first semester at the University of Tennessee and is open to students from all academic areas.

What Will You Learn In First Year Studies?

You will explore topics to help you discover your unique learning style, how your personality traits influence your transition to college, and what it means to be a member of a scholarly community. The course will emphasize essential academic survival skills, including:

• collegiate study skills and time management strategies
• research techniques
• written and oral communication skills
• critical thinking techniques
• connecting to University academic and student life areas
• developing an understanding of diversity issues within an academic community and the world at large

How Will First Year Studies Help You Be Successful at UT?

Each section of the course will have upper‑division students who serve as peer mentors. These trained student leaders will help you learn about the campus and identify resources and services.  Through First Year Studies, you will have an immediate connection to one faculty member and two undergraduate mentors who are committed to helping you succeed in your first semester experience at UT.

You will receive one hour elective credit for this A-C/NC graded course.  Since elective credit hours are required in all undergraduate majors at the University, taking First Year Studies will count as graduation credit toward all academic programs at the University.

As you discuss your fall term schedule, ask your college academic advisor how to register for First Year Studies.

FYS is an excellent way for you to become part of the University of Tennessee community, to examine personal interests and strengths, and to share ideas and solutions to problems in a small class environment.  Many students claim that it was the community experience of their First Year Studies course that made the difference in their UT experience.