Headshot of Director Kenyatta Dawson

By exploring diverse perspectives and real-world applications, students gain confidence in their abilities and discover their passions. Ultimately, our First-Year Seminars empower students to thrive academically, socially, and professionally throughout their college journey and beyond.

— Kenyatta Y. Dawson, Lecturer & Multidisciplinary Studies Program Director

Student Alvarado Mallory holding Academic Excellence award.

I gained a ton of mental health, relaxation, and planning tips that I still use to this day. I also learned a lot about different jobs and pathways I can pursue in my life that I never would have thought of without this class.

— Mallory Alvarado, First-Year Pre-Nursing Student

Headshot of faculty Destiney Tolbert

I believe one of the benefits of UNIV 1231 is that it's not just about mastering the content, but about how you approach your studies, manage your time, and maintain motivation. Learning Frameworks gives students the tools to do all of this more effectively.

— Destiney Tolbert, Adjunct Faculty & Director of the Pioneer Center for Student

TWU owl mascott graphic

I found better studying styles and skills that work for me and will be more efficient. I also learned that it is OKAY to ask for help and tutoring when needed.

— Aniah Cruz, First-Year Biology/Pre-Med Student

Headshot Allison Reed

I learned how to best care for myself during my time and college and how to take advantage of all of the resources provided to me at TWU. I also learned how to properly communicate with my professors and to understand that they are people just like me.

— Allison Reed, First-Year Biology Student

Headshot of faculty Bethany Weston

One of my favorite things about teaching UNIV is observing the friendships and bonds that form in class. Students who were uncertain about finding friends and community shared that they had formed multiple friendships and discovered other opportunities for on-campus communities."

— Bethany Weston, Adjunct Faculty

Back to Undergraduate Education

First-Year Seminar

About the Course

First-Year Seminar (FYS) or UNIV 1231 is a one-credit course designed to support first-year undergraduate students as they transition to university life. While learning varied practices and habits, students are introduced to new and proactive approaches to coursework and extensive campus resources that cultivate their academic, personal, and professional well-being.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing the course students will be able to:

  1. Evaluate research and theories of learning that impact learning and lead to development of effective learning strategies.
  2. Develop strategies for reading, questioning, and conducting academic inquiry.
  3. Apply knowledge of learning theory to development of personal effective learning strategies.
  4. Integrate tenets of academic integrity in oral and written works.

UNIV 1231 by the Numbers

In the 2024-2025 academic year,

Infographic showing: 1,617 students enrolled in UNIV 1231, 74 sections of UNIV 1231 were offered, and 61 UNIV 1231 instructors taught the course.

For Students

With help from your first-year advisor, you will enroll in a section of UNIV 1231 that fits well with your schedule. If you are part of a Living and Learning Community (LLC) or a First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs), you will need a registration code to enroll in those specific sections.

Can’t find your advisor? Email advising@twu.edu or call (940) 898-2367.

For Faculty

Our First-Year Seminar faculty are supported with an evidence-based curriculum, professional development opportunities, and ongoing support throughout the academic year. If you don’t currently teach First-Year Seminar but are interested in teaching the course in future semesters, please email Dr. Jackie Hoermann-Elliott at jhoermannelliott@twu.edu.