Explore New Ways of Thinking and Living
FYS 1010: First Year Seminar
First Year Seminar is the foundational course in the liberal arts and sciences for entering first-year students. Offered in the fall term, it serves as a gateway to the College's General Education program and introduces students to the wider world of learning beyond the professional training of their declared majors. One of the main goals of the program is to develop intellectual skills that will be helpful to students throughout their college career and beyond. In particular, the seminar focuses on sharpening students' skills in critical thinking and reading. Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of exciting seminar topics, ranging from the natural sciences and the humanities, to the fine arts and the social sciences. In each case, the professor draws on her or his special expertise and interests to provide a unique learning experience.
** To submit your First Year Seminar choices, please click here! **
For more information regarding the course professors, click the button below to download and view the full PDF:
Living Learning Communities and FYS
Living Learning Communities are small groups of first-year students who live in the same residence hall and take two courses together: First-Year Seminar in the fall and Foundations of Academic Writing in the winter. Students are also encouraged to participate in events together, such as attending Eagle Engagement Series events and completing their First Year, First Service event together. Joining a Living Learning Community is an optional opportunity that allows students to form close bonds with classmates, develop study skills together, and connect with the Elmira community in a more intimate way.
For the 2022-2023 school year, Elmira will offer three LLCs with the following themes: Environmental Sustainability, Social Justice, and Healthy Living. You do not need to be in a specific major to join a learning community - you just need to be interested in the theme and excited to participate in community activities!