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This is the first of five weekly articles about our First Year Seminar courses. The series will help incoming students learn about their course options so they can rank their top four FYS course choices by June 30.
“Before I went to college, I thought I knew everything about it. I was wrong,” shared Magdalena Johnson '28, a Speech and Language Disabilities major. “There were a lot of tiny things that I didn't think about, but were really important to learn.”
As Johnson found, whether your family members went to college or you're a first-generation college student, there will be plenty of things to learn about “how to college” in your first year. That’s where Elmira College’s First Year Experience program comes in. The Experience program consists of two courses:
FYS 1010: First Year Seminar, offered in the fall (Term I)
WRT 1050: First Year Writing, offered primarily in the winter (Term II)
Faculty offer a range of topics for you to explore in the FYS 1010 seminar courses. Some courses will explore art, music, film, or forensic science, while others will focus on navigating college life and learning skills for success as a student. One will investigate true crime dramas, and another incorporates Dungeons & Dragons and other storytelling games into the learning. You’ll need to rank your FYS choices using the FYS selection form on your admissions portal by June 30. Check out the FYS course options you can choose from.
No matter the topic, each FYS 1010 course includes practical information about time management, using a calendar, and where to get assistance on campus, such as tutoring or counseling. They also develop the reading, writing, and presentation skills necessary for success in future courses. At the end of the term, you and your classmates will share some of your work during the FYS Showcase and Celebration event.
“Although some of the assignments might not seem relevant, having to learn how to use Google Calendar to schedule different events and obligations makes a huge difference in learning how to manage your time now that you’re on your own,” explained Martha Monteiro ’28, a Biology major. “Even getting advice about how to read and break down academic papers might not seem like the most entertaining thing, but it’s very helpful and you can carry that skill through the rest of your education.”
"We're excited to support students as they start their college journey," said Adam Giambrone, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Director of the First Year Seminar Program. "First Year Seminar helps students build connections with fellow students, with Elmira College's support services, and with the campus and local community. Our goal with FYS is to help students find their place at Elmira College and start a successful academic career that will ultimately prepare them for whatever comes next after graduation."
Next week’s Welcome Wednesdays article will highlight four FYS courses that explore how art (drawing, sculpture, film, and music) provides a lens to view and understand the world.
If you have any questions or need assistance choosing your FYS courses, reach out to the Admissions Office at (607) 735-1724 or admissions@elmira.edu.