First-Year Experience

In this seminar, students will learn the tools to personal and academic success and leadership through an investigation of environmental and sustainability issues relevant to the Bethany College campus and the community as a whole. Activities in this seminar include reading and discussion of passages from regional native Rachel Carson’s pivotal book Silent Spring and development of final proposal presentations for green initiatives on campus. (Scott Brothers, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of First Year Program)

New students arrive on campus before the first day of fall semester classes to complete orientation programs, bond with their peers and instructors, learn about liberal arts traditions, and explore the Bethany campus and surrounding community. BFYE 110 is a graduation requirement.

These seminars introduce students to the curriculum of Bethany College in the context and environment of a professional learning community through development and explanation of the expectations of being a successful college student. This course is designed to familiarize students with the academic life, geography, and resources of the College, to provide skills for intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being, and to introduce the idea of service learning for one’s community. Additionally, this course is designed to help students improve writing and thinking skills through analysis of a text or writings chosen by the faculty instructor. The faculty member who leads a student’s seminar will serve as that student’s academic advisor and mentor, and students will meet with their advisor several times over the semester to discuss academic progress.

The core objectives of these seminars are to provide students with continued oversight for academic and social progress in the transition from high school to college, to explore identity development and professional growth, and to develop an understanding of the traditions and history of Bethany College.  Topics covered include professional communication and development, financial literacy, time and conflict management, and Bethany history and traditions. Seminar leaders continue with the same group of students in a professional learning community capacity and will assist in the process of exploring majors and minors toward continued academic success. Students will meet with the seminar leader for individual academic planning and performance meetings throughout the semester.