Effective citizen leadership requires the ability to consider questions and issues from multiple perspectives with a thoughtful and critical eye. The required first-year seminar offers students the opportunity to engage in nuanced critical inquiry in a small, seminar-style course. Topics vary widely and reflect diverse disciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives. All FYS 101 courses introduce students to library research and information literacy; offer instruction on the writing process, rhetorical knowledge, and academic conventions; and include significant research, writing, revision, and presentation. FYS 101 courses satisfy the W1 component of the Writing Program.

FYS 102 is designed to enhance students' academic success by providing pathways for learning. This course focuses on applying foundational skills to current coursework in order to improve the students overall academic performance. Topics such as study skills, time management and campus resources will be explored. Additionally, this course will examine the connection between course success, majors, experiential learning and career exploration.