The course is designed to help first-year students adjust to the USM environment, develop a better understanding of the learning process, and acquire essential academic survival skills. The course also provides a support group for students in a critical transition year by examining problems common to the first-year experience. In fall 1999, a pilot program paired instructors with undergraduate Peer Leaders. The course may be taken as part of a student's regular course load or as an overload.
Course credit is awarded on a letter-grade basis.
Credit is applicable as elective or required credit toward all baccalaureate degrees offered by the University. General Studies 101 is offered in both the fall and spring semesters, although the vast majority of USM students enroll in the fall. These seminars are special courses for new students designed to enhance their academic and social integration into college. The precise content and goals for these seminars differ from institution to institution. Some are academic seminars that focus on a faculty member's special area of scholarly interest or an interdisciplinary theme.