Based on a similar program begun at the University of Southern California, the seminars are individual minicourses on specific academic topics. Fifteen seminars were offered this fall, with each seminar limited to 20 students. All were taught by senior faculty members. Because instructors chose their own topics, each seminar was unique. The benefits students receive from these minicourses are many.
Faculty members benefit from such seminars, too.
They have the opportunity to share the excitement of their research with new college students. Freshman Seminars will be open each semester to freshmen only on a first-come basis. Four seminars, limited to 20 students apiece, were offered during the week of Aug. 6-12. Participants attended seminar sessions for most of each day. Each evening they attended workshops on topics such as stress management, time budgeting, and choosing college goals.