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West Virginia University First-Year Experience

FAQs

What is First-Year Seminar?

The First-Year Seminar is a course that all first-year and transfer students take to help their transition into college life at West Virginia University. Students that take the First-Year Seminar will gain knowledge about the university and it's programs, resources that are offered to all West Virginia University students, and information on how to be successful academically at West Virginia University.

Why do I have to take First-Year Seminar?

Completion of a First-Year Seminar course is required to graduate from West Virginia University. All first-time freshmen and transfer students must take the First-Year Seminar course.

Which First-Year Seminar do I have to take?

If you are a pre-major or an undecided student, you will be taking the First-Year Seminar course that is offered by the Center for Learning, Advising, and Student Success (CLASS). The First-Year Seminar courses that are offered under CLASS are broken up into undecided sections and sections for pre-pathway students. To know which pre-pathway section of the First-Year Seminar you need to take, please speak with your Academic Advisor.

If you are already directly admitted into your major, you will take your First-Year Seminar course with your major's department.

What is the D/F repeat policy for First-Year Seminar?

Students can D/F repeat the First-Year Seminar course. If a student is switching majors and needs to D/F repeat the First-Year Seminar course, they can repeat the course under their new major's sections of the First-Year Seminar.

If I switch majors, do I have to retake First-Year Seminar with my new major?

No, you do not have to retake the First-Year Seminar course in your new major's department. Once you pass any First-Year Seminar course at West Virginia University, you do no need to retake the course even if you decide to switch majors.

Is First-Year Seminar a transferable credit?

It depends. If you have taken a First-Year Seminar course at another institution, you may be able to transfer that credit to West Virginia University. You will need to contact your Academic Advisor for more information.

What is a Pre-major?

A pre-major is the title given to any student that has yet to meet the departmental requirements to enter into their desired major. Student should speak with their Academic Advisor to see what requirements they need to meet to enter their desired major.

What is Academic Mindset?

The Academic Mindset course is used to introduce student to a mindset that will assist them to gain skills that will help them achieve academic and personal success at West Virginia University. It combines traditional classroom lecture with one-on-one student success coaching sessions.

Why do I have to take Academic Mindset?

The Academic Mindset course is for student under the Center for Learning, Advising, and Student Success (CLASS) that are on academic probation at the end of their first semester at West Virginia University.

What are the benefits for teaching First-Year Seminar?

Instructors that teach First-Year seminar are able to interact with first-year students that will be entering their programs and gain first-hand knowledge of what they are learning in the First-Year Seminar. They will also be able to gain more knowledge about classroom engagement strategies and much more.