Class discussions often continue over meals or in other informal settings at the college. The seminars, in conjunction with the colleges, frequently sponsor special events, such as film series, guest lectures, or cultural excursions to museums or the theater. Freshman seminars count as regular courses, and most fulfill a distribution requirement. Unless specifically indicated in the course description, freshman seminars do not assume prior knowledge or advanced placement in the subject. The seminars depend for their success on the expertise of the professor and on the hard work and enthusiasm of all the participants.
Emphasis is on discussion, papers, and in-class presentations rather than on quizzes or exams.
In July of each year, the incoming freshman class is mailed the freshman seminar program booklet which describes all of the seminars to be offered that year and includes an application form. Students write short one-page essays, describing their interests and special qualifications, for their top two choices. The seminar leaders themselves read the essays and select the participants. Decisions are announced at the start of freshman orientation week.