First Year Seminars & Learning Communities

First Year Seminar (FYS) courses at Auburn University help new students acclimate to multiple aspects of university life. By taking an FYS course, students can learn about academic and personal resources on Auburn's campus, relevant social issues, opportunities for involvement on campus and in the local community, time management, critical thinking skills, study strategies, test preparation, note taking, goal setting, and many other topics and skills vital to college success. Most students in Learning Communities take an FYS course as a part of their fall semester block of courses, but FYS courses are available to all new students.

Benefits

How to Join

FAQs

Build relationships with faculty and staff members.
Learn more about your major or interest.
Receive invaluable guidance and support from FYS instructors and peer instructors.
Create study groups with fellow LC students.
See familiar faces in some of your larger classes.
No additional cost to participate.

https://youtu.be/lCjMyr6Ttog

Applications are accepted each spring for the next fall semester. Follow the steps below to join!

Complete First Year Seminar and Learning Community Application (Currently OPEN)
- Application is available in AU Access > Student Menu > First Year Seminar and Learning Community Application.
- Students interested in a Residential Learning Community need to submit the University Confirmation Deposit and complete the Housing Application prior to applying for an LC. RLC Application opens early February (visit RLCs for more info)
Students are selected for first year seminars and learning communities based on a lottery system that will be conducted mid-May.
For students who missed the application period, remaining Themed FYS and Learning Communities will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis during Camp War Eagle. (Note: Cohorts may fill prior to your CWE session and it is encouraged to complete the application prior to attending CWE)

Click here to view 2021-22 Learning Communities and Themed First Year Seminars!

What is a learning community?	Learning communities (LCs) are groups of 20 students who share a common interest or major. LC students take several classes together in their first fall and spring semesters, including a first-year seminar (FYS) – a course that focuses on improving critical academic skills, making campus connections, and transitioning to college. LC students take two to three additional courses, which may include an introductory course for your major and Core Curriculum courses such as English Composition or History. Additional organized activities related to the LC topic may be included.
Why should I consider joining a learning community?	Why not? A learning community is the easiest way to learn about all the resources and policies you need to know at Auburn and to get involved on campus. Through your participation in a learning community, you not only make friends but also learn about other opportunities to get involved.
What are the benefits to joining a learning community?	There are many benefits to participating in a learning community. For starters, you will already be pre-registered for several classes before you arrive at Camp War Eagle! You’ll also meet other students with common interests, get to know faculty members and academic advisors in your college or school, and explore major and career options. All of these benefits help you make a successful transition to college.
What else is required of learning community students?	You decide how involved you want to be in your learning community. The only requirement is that you take the courses designated for your learning community, but to take full advantage of the program, you can take this opportunity to meet other students, form study groups, participate in programs, attend special events, and get to know faculty members.
Do I have the option to live in the residence halls with my learning community?	A few LCs have a residential component. Students who join these LCs must live in the Upper Quad. You MUST apply for University Housing to be eligible for these options. Click here for more details. All other learning communities are purely academic. This means that signing up for one of these learning communities will have absolutely no effect on your on-campus housing eligibility or placement. Students are not required to live in the residence halls to participate in a learning community.
Are the learning community classes ones I am required to take with my major?	The first year seminar (FYS) is a one- or two-hour elective course that focuses on improving critical academic skills, making campus connections, and transitioning to college. The FYS course will help you by providing you with a solid set of skills to boost your confidence and increase your success in all of your college classes. Nearly all other courses taken with the learning community meet Core Curriculum requirements, which must be completed in order to graduate. See your academic advisor for details.
How is joining an LC different from taking a first year seminar on my own?	There are multiple sections of first year seminars that you can take without being a part of a learning community (LC). If you join an LC, however, you will already be registered for a first year seminar and two-to-three Core Curriculum courses before you attend Camp War Eagle. By taking other courses with your LC, you will be in classes with 19 other students whom you already know. This can help make large lecture classes feel a little smaller.
What if I have AP/IB/dual enrollment credit for a class listed with the LC I am interested?	Students must remain in the first year seminar and at least ONE of the other classes with their learning community. If you have college credit for one of the classes with your preferred learning community, you can simply drop that class and register for a replacement. If you have credit for all the classes with your preferred learning community, we encourage you to keep searching to find an LC better suited for you. If you have any incoming credit you are encouraged to have a conversation with your academic advisor at Camp War Eagle.
Can I join an LC if I am in the Honors College?	Students can participate in a learning community and the Honors College at the same time. Just remember that classes associated with the learning communities are not Honors sections. You will need to register for Honors courses separately.
What if I change my major during my first year and I've signed up for a major-based LC?	Even if you change your major mid-year, we encourage you to stay enrolled in your learning community to continue building the relationships you form during the fall semester. Since most LC courses are Core Curriculum courses, you will need them regardless of major.

Success Strategies is a one-credit hour graded course that helps students fine-tune their academic and personal skills. Students will learn about note-taking and study strategies; reading, writing, and presentation skills; memory and test-taking tips; and career opportunities. They will also explore the available (and free) academic and personal resources available on campus. This course can be added through AU Access during Camp War Eagle (CWE) or during open course registration as seats are available.

*Offered during fall semester

LC cohorts are composed of 20 students who share a common interest or major. Students are co-enrolled in an FYS and two to four additional courses (usually Core Curriculum courses). Students have the benefit of taking the linked courses with the students in their FYS and will be pre-registered for these courses. Students will then add additional courses to build the rest of their schedule during Camp War Eagle (CWE). These linked courses are listed in the far right column below.

*FYS offered during fall semester, with associated courses offered during fall and spring semesters

RLCs provide students with a residentially-based small group experience that enriches their in-class instruction and provides focused out-of-class activities. RLC members will live together in Aubie Hall (Village neighborhood) and are co-enrolled in a First Year Seminar and two or three additional classes. Each RLC accommodates up to 20 students per cohort. Students will need to complete the Housing Application and then the RLC Application.

*FYS offered during fall semester, with associated courses offered during fall and spring semesters

UNIV 1050 - Learning Outcomes

Will examine common transitional issues and assess their impact on daily life.
Will demonstrate critical thinking skills through a variety of assignments involving reading, writing, and speaking.
Will demonstrate understanding of the learning process and the role it will play throughout the lifespan.
Will examine issues that influence the learning process such as goal setting, motivation, and personal attitude.
Will demonstrate awareness of the structure and mission of a research university.
Will actively explore major and career interests.
Will investigate selected curriculum and identify opportunities for academic and professional enrichment with the assistance of an academic advisor.
Will demonstrate knowledge of student services and academic resources.
Will demonstrate application of academic and study strategies discussed in class.
Will demonstrate knowledge of academic policies and procedures.
Will examine cultural differences and diversity among people.
Will develop personal competencies with regard to living independently.
Will demonstrate awareness of basic wellness principles and the effects of personal choices on health and safety.

Requires participation in a learning community, residential learning community, or themed FYS course.

Special Topics with Learning Strategies is offered as a one- or two-credit hour elective course that provides opportunities for first-year students to explore issues related to a specific theme (depending upon the section taken) through discussion, activities, reading, writing, teamwork, and community service – all of which will be centered on the theme of the specific section. Application of study strategies as they relate to the theme will be practiced.

UNIV 1150 - Learning Outcomes

Will examine common transitional issues and assess their impact on daily life.
Will demonstrate critical thinking skills surrounding the course theme through a variety of assignments involving reading, writing, and speaking.
Will demonstrate understanding of the learning process and the role it will play throughout the lifespan.
Will examine issues that influence the learning process such as goal setting, motivation, and personal attitude.
Will demonstrate awareness of the structure and mission of a research university.
Will actively explore major and career interests.
Will investigate selected curriculum and identify opportunities for academic and professional enrichment with the assistance of an academic advisor.
Will demonstrate knowledge of student services and academic resources.
Will demonstrate application of academic and study strategies discussed in class.
Will demonstrate knowledge of academic policies and procedures.
Will examine cultural differences and diversity among people, with emphasis on cross-cultural interaction and its impact on issues related to the course theme.
Will develop personal competencies with regard to living independently.
Will demonstrate awareness of basic wellness principles and the effects of personal choices on health and safety.
Will demonstrate awareness of the effects of personal choices with respect to the course theme.

Requires participation in a learning community, residential learning community, or themed FYS course.

The First Year Seminar is offered as a one- or two-credit hour elective course that provides opportunities for first-year students to explore issues related to a specific theme (depending upon the section taken) through discussion, activities, reading, writing, teamwork, and community service – all of which will be centered on the theme of the specific section. Special emphasis will be placed on the importance of relating the class theme to the first-year college experience and the skills necessary for college success.

UNIV 1100 - Learning Outcomes

Will demonstrate understanding and critical thinking skills surrounding the course theme through a variety of assignments involving reading, writing, and speaking.
Will demonstrate understanding of the learning process and the role it will play throughout the lifespan.
Will examine issues that influence the learning process such as goal setting, motivation, and personal attitude.
Will demonstrate ability to use library and Internet resources to research and critically analyze information.
Will demonstrate awareness of the effects of personal choices with respect to the course theme.
Will examine cultural differences and diversity among people, with emphasis on cross-cultural interaction and its impact on issues related to the course theme.
Will actively explore major and career interests.
Will demonstrate awareness of basic wellness principles and the effects of personal choices on health and safety.
Will investigate selected curriculum and identify opportunities for academic and professional enrichment with the assistance of an academic advisor.

Offered during spring semester.

Success Strategies II is offered as an elective course to help students continue to make a successful transition to college life. This course provides in-depth opportunities to explore strategies for academic success through discussion, activities, reading, writing, teamwork, and community service. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of refining academic skills, actively exploring career options, improving time management, honing test- and note-taking skills, increasing reading comprehension, and continuing the process of personal development. The Success Strategies II course also helps students identify and access the support services and resources of the University. This course can be added through AU Access during open course registration as seats are available.

UNIV 1060 - Learning Outcomes

Will identify, apply, and evaluate a variety of advanced learning strategies.
Will evaluate and modify existing strategies specific to reading, note-taking, studying, and test-taking.
Will demonstrate higher-order critical and creative thinking skills by analyzing and solving academic, professional, and personal problems.
Will identify and employ effective help-seeking behaviors concerning academic success and personal wellness.
Will demonstrate increased understanding of the learning process and the role it plays throughout the lifespan.
Will demonstrate clear and concise communication skills through a variety of written assignments.
Will evaluate and modify self-management techniques concerning time, energy, and money management.
Will create a plan to increase intrinsic motivation to succeed in college.
Will demonstrate self-discipline by creating a plan to take personal responsibility for behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.
Will examine persisting transitional issues and assess their impact on daily life.
Will demonstrate increased awareness of the effects of decisions on personal and academic success.
Will demonstrate knowledge of academic policies and procedures.

Available for Spring 2020 - UNIV 1060

Success Strategies II is offered as an elective course to help students continue to make a successful transition to college life. This course provides in-depth opportunities to explore strategies for academic success through discussion, activities, reading, writing, teamwork, and community service. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of refining academic skills, actively exploring career options, improving time management, honing test- and note-taking skills, increasing reading comprehension, and continuing the process of personal development. The Success Strategies II course also helps students identify and access the support services and resources of the University.

*Offered during spring semester, register during available time tickets!