First-Year Seminar

The course will provide students with an engaged, supportive environment where they can make vital connections with a cohort of fellow students, their instructor, and key members of the campus community who can help ensure their success. Students in the course will be introduced to the themes and skills necessary for academic success and will begin planning for the future. A two-unit, year-long course will provide students with an engaged, supportive environment where they can make vital connections with a cohort of fellow students, their instructor, and key members of the campus community who can help ensure their success. Students in the course will be introduced to the themes and skills necessary for academic success and will begin planning for the future.

Goal 1. Demonstrate Understanding of the Support Systems Available and the Expectations for Successful Engagement in and Progress Within A University Degree Program.

  • Outcome 1A. Students will demonstrate an understanding of their rights and responsibilities as a member of the CSUB community and be able to locate appropriate policies and procedures for successful progress to degree.
  • Outcome 1B. Students will demonstrate the ability to locate and access appropriate campus resources.
  • Outcome 1C. Students will engage in and reflect upon campus events and opportunities.

Goal 2. Students Will Articulate How They Expect Their Foundational Skills, Other General Education Coursework, Major Coursework, and Minor Coursework Will Help Them Attain Their Career and Other Life Goals

  • Outcome 2A. Students will develop an understanding of effective self-management skills in order to successfully progress towards a degree program.
  • Outcome 2B. Students will demonstrate the ability read and understand materials and to prepare for exams on those materials.
  • Outcome 2C. Students will demonstrate introductory level oral and written communication skills.

Goal 3. Students Will Articulate How They Expect Their Foundational Skills, Other General Education Coursework, Major Coursework, and Minor Coursework Will Help Them Attain Their Career and Other Life Goals.

  • Outcome 3A. Students will identify career and other life goals.
  • Outcome 3B. Students will develop a 4-year academic roadmap to graduation that incorporates general education, major, and minor requirements.
  • Outcome 3C. Students will articulate how they expect their foundational skills and other general education coursework will help them attain their career and other life goals.
  • Outcome 3D. Students will articulate how they expect their major and minor coursework will help them attain their career and other life goals.

Goal 4. Student Will Develop Connections with Other Students and Work Collaboratively Together.

  • Outcome 4A: Students will practice interpersonal communication.
  • Outcome 4B: Students will effectively collaborate with other students and facilitate group discussion.



  1. The course must be 1000 level.
  2. The course is graded on an A/B/C/D/NC basis. (A minimum grade of D- or higher required for credit).
  3. At least two assignments requiring students to participate in and reflect upon a campus activity approved by the instructor will be included.
  4. Students will develop an outline and make at least one brief individual oral presentation.
  5. An activity/assignment in which students will make connections with other students and work collaboratively together.
  6. An assignment requiring students to reflect on how and why they arrived at CSUB and to develop career and other life goals.
  7. Introduction of academic roadmaps that incorporate general education, major, and minor requirements.
  8. An assignment requiring students to identify and improve upon their personal wellness, such as time management techniques, to further develop their success as a college student.
  9. Students will utilize one of the multiple notetaking methods based on their learning style.
  10. Students will participate in an activity, assignment and/or learn from campus speakers to demonstrate awareness and understanding of the many resources available for student’s success.
  11. An assignment requiring students to reflect on how their current life and educational experiences have prepared them for future academic success by identifying habits, skills,  knowledge and campus resources they will need to further develop their academic goals.