First Year and Transfer Programs
Michael Lawlor, Associate Vice Provost
500 Conwell Hall
215-204-8580
michael.lawlor@temple.edu
University Seminar Series
First-Year (Freshman) Student Seminars
First-Year (Freshman) Student Seminars are academic courses designed to support student learning and development in the critical first semester of college. UNVS 1001 can be taken as part of a Learning Community or as a stand-alone course. College-specific seminars are offered by the College of Liberal Arts, College of Science and Technology, the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication, and the Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts.
UNVS 1001 is a 1-credit course that introduces first-year students to the opportunities and rigors of higher education, as well as to the skills needed to use academic resources successfully in college. The topics covered in the seminar help first-year students articulate and reach their academic goals.
UNVS 1002 is a 1-credit course that introduces first-year students to the opportunities to discover major interests through applied learning and other career-oriented experiences. The course exposes students to career paths and encourages major exploration through discussions with faculty, informational interviews, readings, and opportunities to practice skills needed to be a more effective student.
UNVS 1003 is a 3-credit course that includes instruction in all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening). It also focuses on additional academic skills and strategies necessary for students to succeed in undergraduate courses. Emphasis will be on critical thinking and independent research along with the introduction to technologies that support course requirements.
UNVS 1006 is a 1-credit course that provides students instruction in critical thinking skills. Through the study of historical and contemporary learning theories and research-based cognitive strategies, students will be able to meaningfully reflect upon their learning and have an opportunity to develop and implement techniques to improve their success.
UNVS 1007 is a 2-credit course that introduces first-year students, who are also Cecil B. Moore scholarship recipients, to resources and strategies that contribute to a successful transition into college. The course is designed to develop academic skills and establish a supportive campus network. This course allows students to reflect on their academic and personal experiences and practice new skills to promote student success.
Sophomore Seminar
UNVS 2001 is a 1-credit academic course that provides sophomores opportunities to work on professional planning and development. Topics will include individual strengths exploration, academic majors, potential career paths, internship preparation, research opportunities, campus involvement, graduate school preparation, and career transition preparation.
Transfer Seminar
UNVS 2002 is a 1-credit academic course that introduces new transfer students to the opportunities and resources at Temple University. The course is designed to assist students in their transition as well as assist in preparing them for their future career/educational plans.
Global Citizenship Seminar
UNVS 2003 is a 1-credit academic course that assists students in their development of global perspectives and competencies that are important for successful navigation of the world. This course explores topics and themes related to helping students prepare to move forward as global citizens.
Junior Seminar
UNVS 3001 is a 1-credit academic course that provides junior-level students with an opportunity to work on pre-professional planning and development. It will focus specifically on preparation for post-graduate educational opportunities and entrance exams for graduate and professional programs.
Peer Mentor Development Seminar
UNVS 3002 is a variable credit course (0 to 1 credit) that introduces students to content and communication skills identified as integral to serving as a peer mentor in the college setting. Through this course, students become proficient guides to Temple and community resources, well-versed in college and academic success strategies, and equipped with effective interpersonal communication skills.
Student Staff Development Seminar
UNVS 3003 is a variable credit course (0 to 1 credit) that introduces students to leadership models and theory to prepare them to serve as leaders in their Student Staff roles in University Housing & Residential Life and beyond. In addition, this seminar encourages students to explore key competencies connected to Student Staff leadership roles (e.g. supervision, crisis management, confrontation/mediation, critical thinking, administrative resources, professional development, inclusivity, and student and community engagement).
Learning Communities
A Learning Community consists of two or more linked courses designed to provide students with a more integrated and meaningful learning experience. Learning Communities foster an intellectual environment where learning can flourish and help smooth the transition to college by providing an opportunity for students to form bonds with fellow first-semester students who are in these same classes.
Learning Communities are designed primarily for the special student populations. During New Student Orientation, an academic advisor will help students select the learning communities which best meet their academic interests and needs.
Living Learning Communities (LLCs)
LLCs enhance students' academic, personal, and professional growth by offering dedicated residential communities ranging from thematic to academic interests. LLCs bring together a challenging curriculum with co-curricular experiences that expand learning beyond the classroom and integrate it with daily campus life. For more information go to housing.temple.edu/.