U.Va. Orientation: First Year Seminar

Mission and purpose:
First Year Seminar (FYS) is a voluntary program designed to help first-year students make the most of their time at U.Va. Participants meet once a week for five weeks to discuss a variety of topics ranging from identity awareness and personal accountability to building relationships with faculty. The weekly sessions are led by teams of facilitators who are upperclass students often involved in a wide variety of organizations and activities around Grounds. The program culminates with a panel discussion, during which first-year students have the opportunity to ask graduating fourth years about their experience at the University. Although FYS does not carry academic credit, students who have participated in the past have found it to be both meaningful and fun, a valuable addition to their experience at U.Va.

2006 First Year Seminar participants and facilitators in one of the skyboxes in Bryant Hall (Scott Stadium)

For First-Year Students
Most students who participate in First Year Seminar have been identified by an RA, academic dean or other administrator as someone who would benefit from what First Year Seminar offers, small discussion groups and and opportunity to meet other First Years. The Office of Orientation and New Student Programs sends the recommended student a letter inviting him/her to attend an information session, at which he/she can learn more about the program. If you did not receive a letter but are interested in participating, you may still attend one of the information sessions and sign up to join FYS if there is space available.

First Year Seminar 2007-08 Important Dates

September 24	Senior Facilitator Application Due
September 25 & 26	Senior Facilitator Interviews
November 2	Meeting for Returning Facilitators
November 2 (by 4:00 PM)	Facilitator Applications Due
November 6 - 8	Facilitator Interviews
December 1	First Facilitator Training
January 13	Second Facilitator Training
January 21 & 22	FYS Information Sessions
January 28 &29	FYS Week One
February 4 &5	FYS Week Two
February 11 & 12	FYS Week Three
February 18 & 19	FYS Week Four
February 25 & 26	FYS Week Five

Top Five Reasons Why You Should Participate in FYS
If you are still not sure whether First Year Seminar is for you, here is our list of top five reasons to participate:
1. There is FREE FOOD each week, a chance to unwind, de-stress and relax.
2. You get to meet new people, including other first years and upper-class students, and share personal stories with each other.
3. Find out what you must do in Charlottesville and at U.Va. before you graduate!
4. Every week we meet in the skyboxes in the football stadium, and NOBODY else gets to do that unless they're interviewing for jobs!
5. And the top reason for participating in First Year Seminar....if you complete all five weeks, you get a FREE LONG-SLEEVED T-SHIRT!!!!