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Courses

FYP manages three different 1-credit courses for new incoming students during both the fall and spring semesters. Each course is designed to support student transition and success.

FYS 101 – The UT Experience

Population: New First-Year Students

Time: 50-minutes/Weekly

Each section of FYS 101 follows the same curriculum. The curriculum focuses on students’ strengths and well-being, while tackling topics on learning strategies, career competencies, and financial literacy. Plus, UT-specific resources, programs, and opportunities are infused in each session to enhance their transition to the university.

There are 150-175 sections, and each are organized based on various populations that include students’ academic college, various LLCs, and enrollment programs. This allows students to engage with others in similar majors or cohorts during their first semester. FYS 101 offers multiple “flex” weeks within the curriculum, where instructors can select lessons from an alternative bank of topics.

A majority of FYS 101 sections will be assigned a Peer Mentor (PM), who supports the instructor by leading conversations and meeting with students individually throughout the semester.

Note: New first-year students in the Haslam College of Business and Tickle College of Engineering take a college equivalent course instead of FYS 101. Those courses are coordinated by each college.

TRNS 201 – Transitioning on Rocky Top

Population: New Transfer Students

Time: 50-minutes/Weekly

TRNS 201 follows the same curriculum as FYS 101. While the topics included in the syllabus all apply to the new transfer student experience, various lessons and activities can be adapted to incorporate transfer and non-traditional student populations. These topics include strengths, well-being, learning strategies, career competencies, and financial literacy. Plus, UT-specific resources, programs, and opportunities will be highlighted.

FYS 129 – Special Topics

Population: New First-Year and Transfer Students

Time: 50-minutes/Weekly

FYS 129 courses are taught by a tenured faculty member and come in an array of topics each semester. The curriculum must be approved by First-Year Programs prior to it becoming available for registration. Examples of previous courses are:

  • Harry Potter and Culture
  • World Politics in Film
  • Business of Fashion
  • Restoring Nature
  • A Bug’s Life