Welcome to First Year Seminars & Learning Communities!

First Year Seminar (FYS) courses at Auburn University help new students acclimate to university life. By taking an FYS course, you can enhance your skills by learning about:

Opportunities for involvement on campus and in the local community
Time management, critical thinking skills, study strategies, test preparation, note taking, goal setting, relevant social issues, and many other topics and skills vital to college success
Academic and personal resources on Auburn's campus
Career preparedness and networking opportunities

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

Students selecting a TFYS will be enrolled in only an FYS course with the indicated theme. This is a 1-2 credit hour graded course with 20 students and allows the flexibility for students to customize the rest of their class schedule around the FYS course. Special emphasis will be placed on the importance of relating the class theme to academic skills necessary for success.

Applications are selected via a lottery conducted in late spring and then considered on a first-come first-served basis. Please see the "How to Join" tab below to apply.

*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 one to three 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).

Applications are selected via a lottery conducted in late spring and then considered on a first-come first-served basis. Please see the "How to Join" tab below to apply.

*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 the Quad or the Village residence halls 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 separate RLC Application.

For a full list of RLCs please visit our RLC page.

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

How to Join

Benefits

How the Options Compare

FAQs

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

The application for Themed First Year Seminars (TFYS) and Learning Communities (LC) is open and TFYSs and LCs are now available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Application is available in AU Access > Student Menu > First Year Seminar and Learning Community Application.

For students who miss the application period for TFYSs and LCs, remaining TFYSs and LCs 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 2023-24 Themed First Year Seminars and Learning Communities!

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.

UNIV1050: Success Strategies

Open to all first year students.

UNIV1050 - 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.

UNIV1150: Special Topics with Learning Strategies

Requires participation in a learning community, residential learning community, or themed first year seminar.

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.

UNIV1150 - 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.

UNIV1100: First Year Seminar

Requires participation in a learning community, residential learning community, or themed first year seminar.

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.

UNIV1100 - 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.

UNIV1060: Success Strategies II

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. The course is intended for students who have NOT taken UNIV1050: Success Strategies, UNIV1100: First Year Seminar, or UNIV1150: Special Topics with Learning Strategies. 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.

UNIV1060 - 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.

Last modified: September 12, 2024

First Year Experience

Welcome to First Year Seminars & Learning Communities!

First Year Seminar (FYS) courses at Auburn University help new students acclimate to university life. By taking an FYS course, you can enhance your skills by learning about:

Opportunities for involvement on campus and in the local community

Time management, critical thinking skills, study strategies, test preparation, note taking, goal setting, relevant social issues, and many other topics and skills vital to college success

Academic and personal resources on Auburn's campus

Career preparedness and networking opportunities

Four Ways to Participate During the Fall Semester

Choose which First Year Seminar (FYS) works best for you!

The Academic Initiatives Team

Hear about FYSs and LCs from our students!

Here are the next steps to apply!

First Year Seminar Courses

Depending on how you participate, you will be enrolled in one of the FYS Courses below.