First-Year Academic Guide

What will I take my first semester?

In the first year, all students take two foundational core classes:

• The Great Conversation: In our first-year seminar and college writing course, you'll be able to sharpen your writing and communication skills while exploring vocation and the value of the liberal arts from a Christian perspective.
• La Vida Expedition or Discovery: Our outdoor education experience promotes leadership, confidence, and growth in the community. This can be taken in the summer or during the semester.

Students will also be enrolled in a course or courses in their major or field of exploration. Some majors focus more on core courses in the first year, while others require specific major courses each semester. The Registrar's office and your summer advisor will help you build a plan that works for your major.

How do first-semester courses get selected and scheduled?

1. Complete your Academics and Advising Form. You'll find this form on the Orientation Checklist in your Admissions portal. Here is where you'll declare your first major, and concentration if applicable. If you're interested in adding a second major or a minor you'll be able to do so in your first semester.
2. When you submit this form, the Registrar will use this information to begin your course registration (beginning in early June). We do this based on the first-semester courses required for your major. Be sure to submit your AP scores and transfer credits to the Registrar's Office so that we can apply these courses to your college record. We'll also use this information to match you with your summer advisor, who will work with you to complete your course registration.
3. Complete your placement tests on GC101. Depending on your academic background and your major, you may need to complete the World Language Placement test or the Math Diagnostic. Learn more by going to GC101, your summer orientation portal.
4. Communicate with your Summer Academic Advisor (beginning in early June). Over the summer, you will receive contact from your summer academic advisor who will review your course schedule with you, and make any registration changes. Summer academic advisors are members of the faculty or staff who are available to answer questions and to help fine-tune your academic plan for the fall.
5. Meet with your Academic Advisor during orientation. Your academic advisor will work with you to make any needed changes to your schedule. Every student will have an appointment with their advisor during orientation, which we'll schedule for you. If you have questions before then, contact Advising at [email protected] or the Registrar at [email protected].

Why is my academic advisor?

You will be assigned an academic advisor by the registrar the over the summer before the fall semester starts. Your advisor will be either a faculty in your major department, or a designated first-year advisor. You will have a chance to meet your advisor during orientation. You will also meet together in your first year to help you sharpen your academic and vocational direction.

Your advisor will reach out to you this summer to answer questions you might have about your academic plan and to make any needed changes to your course schedule once you have been registered for fall classes. Check your email in late May to meet your summer advisor.