Questions and Answers for Students
First-Year Seminars, Fall 2008
For a .pdf version of these questions and answers, click
here
What are the First-Year Seminars?
What are First-Year Seminars?
As an entering student, you will enroll for a 4-credit First-Year
Seminar (FSEM 1111); completion of this course is one of the graduation
requirements for all students. It is the first quarter of a three-quarter
First Year Inquiry and Writing sequence.
First-Year Seminars are designed to provide you with an in-depth
academic experience that will be rigorous and engaging. You will
develop the kinds of academic skills that will prepare you for successful
college work, including writing, critical reading and thinking, discussion,
argument and debate. Faculty members have selected course topics
about which they have particular expertise and enthusiasm. For you
to be able to engage with faculty in the exploration of these topics
is an extraordinary opportunity for academic and personal growth.
Instructors of the First-Year Seminars will also serve as your academic
advisers and faculty mentors for your entire first year. You will
meet individually with your mentor during winter and spring quarters
for advising and registration help. And, your mentor will be a good
source of support for you if you need assistance any time during
your first year. The seminars will meet for 4 hours per week for
the fall quarter. Please find descriptions of the First-Year Seminars
at www.du.edu/studentlife/fys.
You may select any of the First-Year Seminars (although, please
don’t register for a First-Year Seminar that conflicts with
your commitment to a Living-Learning Community or required course
for your major – see enclosed “Warning” worksheet).
Please read over the course descriptions carefully and select a course
based on your interest in the course content.
If you do not have access to a computer, or if you have any questions
about selecting or registering for a First-Year Seminar, please
contact our Academic Advising Office (303.871.2455 or advising@du.edu).
For registration assistance you may also call the Registrar’s
Office, 303.871.4095.
To summarize:
08-09 First Year Seminar details will be available on the
Seminar page on June 16, 2008. It is important that
you register for your First-Year Seminar by July 14, 2008!
Registration for one of these courses also registers you for
Discoveries, and you will NOT receive
your housing assignment information until you have registered
for a First-Year Seminar course!
What other courses will I take in the Fall Quarter?
In addition to a 4-credit First-Year Seminar, most students take
three more 4-credit courses during their first quarter at DU. DU’s
curriculum allows ample room for completion of University Undergraduate
requirements, major and minor requirements, business core courses (if
applicable) plus multiple elective credits.
How will my AP and IB scores “count” for college credit
at DU?
If you haven’t already done so, please be sure that you have your scores
sent to the University of Denver as soon as possible. For specific information
on how test scores will translate into credits, students may visit the Academic
Policies page on the Registrar’s web site: http://www.du.edu/registrar/academicpolicies/index.html.
(From www.du.edu/registrar, click General Information. Scroll down to Examinations.)
Please note, DU’s AP and IB policies will change for Fall 2008. Information
in the Undergraduate Bulletin, 2007-2008 is no longer accurate. Updated information
will be on this website beginning June 16, 2008.
Will I have the opportunity to work with my academic adviser prior
to Fall quarter registration?
Yes. The instructor of your First-Year Seminar will be your faculty
adviser and mentor for the entire academic year. Because you will
register for this course during the summer, you will know who your
adviser is right away. If you have additional advising questions,
you will also have the chance to meet with faculty in your major
area of interest during Major Advising (scheduled for the Wednesday
of Discoveries week). Orientation week is structured so that your
adviser will be able to spend time with you to help you plan the
rest of your Fall Quarter registration. This summer you will only
register for one class; your First-Year Seminar.
What if I am a double major?
You are not required to enroll in a First-Year Seminar taught by
someone in your intended major. Select a seminar based on the topics
that most interest you. Many DU students are double majors. You
will have adequate time to seek advising from both departments.
What if I am undecided about my major?
You are in good company. Many students enter DU as “undeclared” students.
You have ample time to explore a number of different majors in your
first year. The majority of your courses in your first year will
be fulfilling Undergraduate Requirements which apply to all students,
regardless of major. You may want to seek additional help in deciding
on a major by talking to faculty members in various departments and
by completing a series of personality and interest inventories in
DU’s Career Center during your first year.
What is the difference between my faculty mentor and my
academic adviser?
No difference! Your faculty mentor and academic adviser for your
first year are the same person, that is, your First-Year Seminar
instructor.
How do I register for my first year seminar?
Please follow the instructions enclosed in this mailing. Before
you go online to register, be sure to read the course descriptions
enclosed in this mailing, OR at www.du.edu/studentlife/fys, select
several possible options and have your DU ID number (which starts
with 87…..) handy. If you have any trouble, please use the
phone numbers and e-mails on the back cover of this mailing to
get help. Please be sure to register by July 14, 2008. Course sections
will fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if I don't have internet access?
Try using the computers at your public library. Or, you are welcome
to call the Academic Advising Office (303.871.2455) or the Registrar’s
Office (303.871.4095); they can help you register. Please remember
that all entering students are required to have a laptop computer
by fall quarter. If you have questions about the laptop requirement,
please see the information under the Laptops and Computing section
of “The Experience Begins” (notebook from Admissions),
or visit http://www.du.edu/uts/laptops/.
REMEMBER – YOU NEED TO REGISTER FOR
YOUR FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR BEFORE JULY 14, 2008. YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR
DEPOSIT IN ORDER TO REGISTER FOR YOUR FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR. PLEASE CALL
303.871.3860 IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ISSUES WHEN REGISTERING
FOR ONE OF THESE COURSES.
