Welcome Wednesdays: Introducing The First Year Experience and Living Learning Communities

Elmira, NY (04/27/2022) — This is the first of five weekly articles that serve as guides to incoming students as they prepare for an exciting step in their academic journey.

From local to global communities, people everywhere are faced with complex challenges. Physical and mental health, climate change, and social injustices loom large and will require creative thinking and innovative solutions. But in every challenge is an opportunity to make connections, foster change, and build leadership. That is the idea behind Elmira College's First Year Experience, which is a pair of foundational courses in the liberal arts and sciences for entering first-year students. The goal is to help incoming students learn "how to college" while developing the critical thinking skills necessary to tackle complex issues.

"Engaging, compelling, and meaningful courses are the means to getting students off to a strong start with the transition to college, academic success, and developing higher levels of critical reasoning," said Dr. Patricia Ireland, Provost. "Studying topics of mutual interest to students and their instructors provides an immediate connection with peers and faculty that will benefit students throughout their college years."

Incoming first-year students have until May 30 to select their preferred First Year Seminar (FYS) courses. These are the courses offered in Term I (Fall 2022) that build a foundation of skills important for academic success. Students also have the opportunity to choose a Living Learning Community (LLC), a special section of the First Year Seminar that allows students in the same LLC to live and learn together.

But what is a Living Learning Community and what are the First Year Seminar course options?

Living Learning Communities are small groups of students interested in common themes, living in the same residence hall and taking two courses together: First Year Seminar in the fall and Foundations of Academic Writing in the winter. Living Learning Communities are optional but those who choose to join are encouraged to participate in events together.

For the 2022-2023 academic year, students have the option of choosing among one of three themes:

Students can be in any major to join an LLC, with the only prerequisite being an interest in the theme and participating in activities.

The First Year Seminar courses cut across a wide range of fields, including the natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities. This breadth of study will teach students critical reading and thinking skills. They will also help students integrate into the Elmira College community, both on- and off-campus.

"We're excited to support students through their transition from high school to college," said Adam Giambrone, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Interim Director of the First Year Seminar Program. "The First Year Seminar helps students build connections with fellow students, with Elmira College's support services, and with the local community. Our goal with FYS is to help students find their place at Elmira College and start a successful academic career that will prepare them for wherever they are going."

Future articles in the series will delve deeper into the Living Learning Communities and the First Year Seminar course options, helping students make informed decisions.

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