The First Year Seminar (UCO 1200) introduces students to the rigor of academic study at the University level through interdisciplinary engagement with a variety of disciplines and perspectives, the foundation of the university’s new General Education program. First Year Seminar students and faculty engage in a shared process of inquiry around a broad, interdisciplinary topic or question. These small seminar-style classes are taught by experienced faculty who use varied and engaging pedagogies to help freshmen make the transition from high school to college by developing creative and critical thinking abilities, cultivating effective communication skills, and introducing students to a variety of research tools and methods. Appalachian’s First Year Seminar course also provides students the opportunity to make connections with faculty and other students, to discover the wide range of resources Appalachian provides its students, and to become part of the university and local community.

Transfer Students who have an AA, AS, the completed NC Community College 44 hr Core, or are GEP Met are exempt from First Year Seminar.