First Year Seminar
The First Year Seminar (FYS) is part of the General Education Core Curriculum and a requirement for all incoming first year students and transfer students with fewer than 15 credits. The First Year Seminar is a theme-based course that engages students in a specific area of interest while providing support for a smooth transition into the Lasell College community and the Connected Learning philosophy. First Year Seminar is designed to help students develop skills in speaking, reading, writing, research, technology, and learning strategies required for college level work and for becoming active and effective learners. This is accomplished through engaging activities, involving reading, discussion, working on team projects, participating in field trips, and explorations of the campus. Civic engagement and service-learning activities are often part of this course as is participation in the Connected Learning Symposium. Through the seminar, students develop close ties with faculty and peer mentors who serve as advocates for first year students' academic success. This requirement may be fulfilled by taking either FYS 103 or HON 101 (for students enrolled in Honors Program). FYS is designed to help students:
- Improve their academic performance
- Acquire a rich sense of value and relevance of college education
- Develop a proactive approach to learning
- Fully understand their educational options and career opportunities
