Freshman Seminars @ UNC Charlotte

Freshman Seminars
The “Freshman Seminar” is a generic title that applies to courses designed to help students make the transition to college. At UNC Charlotte, these seminars are typically offered for three credits and are graded on an A-F scale. The course, which counts as a general elective, is offered through University College and is taught by instructors from a wide range of disciplines. Some of the approximately 30 sections offered each Fall semester are dedicated to specific student populations such as athletes or participants in learning communities, but many are open to any new student (a much smaller number of sections are offered in the Spring). The key feature of the class is that enrollment is limited to 25 students, so you have a chance to really get to know a group of other new students and the instructor.

Introduce you to UNC Charlotte and provide ongoing support and orientation during your transition from high school to college.
Help you build supportive relationships in the classroom and connect you with peers and instructors.
Encourage discussion and active participation.
Incorporate a variety of skills essential to academic and personal success (i.e., written communication, oral communication, self-reflection, organization, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize ideas and information).
Empower you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful college experience.
Encourage you to take greater responsibility for your learning.
Assist you with identifying and participating in the co-curricular life of the University.

Specific course requirements vary by individual instructor, but most require journals, reflection papers, group projects, and/or a service-learning project. All require attendance and class participation.

Currently, the University is offering two different versions of the freshman seminar:

UCOL 1000: College Transition for Freshmen. This version of the course has a primary focus on the transition experience. It is suitable for all students since it does not assume an interest in any particular subject matter.
UCOL 1200: Freshman Seminar. This version of the course incorporates the transition elements outlined above in a framework that is shaped by enquiry into a particular topic. Specific knowledge about the topic is not required, but students taking this class should have an interest in the topic. Sections of this course may be paired with other classes to create an integrated curricular experience. For details on the topics covered in different sections of UCOL 1200, see the online course schedule (available mid-March) or www.ucol.uncc.edu.

If you are not sure if a Freshman Seminar is right for you, discuss your options with an advisor during your SOAR visit.