First-Year Seminar | University of Montevallo

More than just a requirement…
First-Year Seminar is an opportunity!

First-Year Seminar (FYS) provides students with a smooth transition to college life while focusing on the skills and tools needed for academic success, creating social connections, and learning about the cultural community of the University of Montevallo.

FYS is a three-credit hour, academic course exploring a wide range of topics geared towards integration into college life and success of the college student. This course is to be taken the first semester of enrollment, and successful completion is required for graduation.

Who Takes It?

All first-year students regardless of credit hours earned from dual-enrollment courses or from credit earned by examination (AP, IB, CLEP, GCE).
Transfer students who have earned less than 24 credit hours and who haven’t taken an equivalent 3-credit-hour, first-year seminar at the institution from which they are transferring.
Business majors should enroll in GB 101
Education majors should enroll in ED 101
Honors students should enroll in HNRS 101
All other students should enroll in UM 101

Students on their laptops discuss problems.

What is FYS?

First-Year Seminar is more than just a grade! You will learn new skills and knowledge to take you all the way to graduation at the University of Montevallo, such as:

Academic Integrity and Success
Career Preparation and Outlook
Critical Thinking
Effective Communication
Financial Literacy

During the FYS course, you will connect with current professors in various colleges, undergrads from different majors, and alumni. You’ll also become familiar with helpful campus resources and personnel to guide and support your journey.