First-Year Studies (FYS)

First-Year Studies is designed to help students build a connection with each other, faculty, peer mentors and the surrounding community. Recognizing the importance of this life transition, the goal is for each new student to make the best academic, co-curricular and social choices while acquiring the skills needed to excel in their chosen area of interest. All students entering UT are required to take a first-year studies course. Classes are small – usually no more than 24 students with similar interests. Each course is designed to ensure students have the information they need to successfully navigate UT’s systems, policies, and resources. The course also introduces students to the University's Spartan Ready® competencies. You can learn more about FYS courses in detail here.

Students today need more than what is learned in a classroom to plan their future. The quickly changing demands of the professional world require that students be more sophisticated about personal strengths, setting realistic goals, and adapting to changes in society. First-Year Studies is designed to give entering first-year students the tools to make intelligent decisions about personal matters and academic direction with topics like financial and digital literacy. Additionally, there are opportunities for students to be part of a Living Learning Community, select a themed first-year course and participate in out-of-class experiences.

The First-Year Studies team consists of first-year instructors who serve as academic mentors offering guidance to their students on adjusting to college including how to successfully accomplish their personal and academic pursuits. The instructors who teach in First-Year Studies do so in addition to their required academic load or administrative duties, making these individuals an especially dedicated group of educators who are committed to helping students adapt to and succeed in college.

Additionally, each First-Year Studies instructor is paired with a student mentor. These are highly engaged and successful upper-division students who provide additional support both academically and socially as they help new students connect to the UT community. All peer mentors are required to take UTAMPA 250: Peer Leadership, a course designed to further develop their mentoring skills and counts as elective credits toward the leadership minor.

Let’s get you Spartan Ready®!