About First Year of Studies
Over 40 years ago, Notre Dame established the First Year of Studies to provide more structure and support for the important beginning year of students’ careers.
The First Year of Studies serves as the college for all incoming students, regardless of their intended program. Full-time, professional advisors support the students as they complete the First Year Curriculum and move to an upper-level college program. First year students follow an established curriculum, giving them direction and purpose in their initial course selections while offering the chance for development of intellectual skills and exploration within the University before moving to a college. They are challenged to develop intellectual engagement in their studies, including the invitation to join in research activities on campus, offered through the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Helping students find their footing at the University and begin their journeys toward later success.
During the first year, every student works closely with a full-time, professional academic advisor, first to build the initial schedule and then to adjust to the demands of university life and course work. Advisors make sure the courses that students choose are a match for the plans they have indicated. In group meetings and in individual meetings, the First Year faculty provides support and advice to the students as they learn new academic skills, meet new learning objectives, test their interests, and begin to plan for their futures. By April of the first year, students are ready to move into upper-level college programs and work with the faculty and advisors in the various colleges and departments.
The First Year of Studies serves as a model for working with new students in a university setting, helping students find their footing at the University and begin their journeys toward later success.
