During the fall term of the freshman year at Austin College, every freshman takes a course called First-Year Seminar (FYS). Each FYS course is taught by a faculty member on a topic of their choosing, providing you with an introduction to the intellectual life of the College as well as guidance in navigating the college experience. In short, the First-Year Seminar works to develop your communication abilities and your skills of intellectual inquiry to set you up for success in the rest of your college career.
The professor of your course becomes your faculty mentor and advises you for the rest of your time at Austin College. Learn more about Austin College’s mentoring program.
The course will also include peer mentors in the form of Austin College students who function as leaders within the First-Year Seminar. These students are hand selected by each faculty member and provide the “insiders’ view” to life at the College.
Erin Copple Smith, First-Year Experience Director
Fall 2023:
Questions? Contact us at firstyear@austincollege.edu.