university setting by providing an opportunity to engage in a deep exploration of a significant topic or theme while being introduced to resources and strategies that support student academic success and integration into the university community. These seminars require subject-based reading, writing, and analysis in order to help students continue to develop essential academic skills and cultivate intellectual curiosity. Students further enhance their skills using evidence-based reasoning for decision-making and communication. The First-Year Seminars use a small group setting to foster in-depth class discussion and a close relationship among the students, faculty member, and student peer-mentor. Offered through a specific academic department, the First-Year Seminars will have General Education status. Seminars scheduled with an HNRS Honors designation will be restricted to students in the Commonwealth Honors Program. All RAMS 101 First-Year Seminars cover student success skills in addition to disciplinary content. Students success skills include coverage of topics in the following areas: academic skills, academic expectations, the terminology and structures of academia, resources and support on campus, and expectations as an engaged member of the university community. To this end, all RAMS 101 First-Year Seminars will provide students with the opportunity to: • Develop academic skills (such as taking effective notes, study skills, locating and evaluating sources, critical thinking, and effective communication); • Recognize academic expectations (such as those pertaining to time management, tracking grades and deadlines, utilizing faculty office hours, professional communication, and expectations for college-level work); • Understand the terminology and structures of academia (such as syllabi, course add/drop, course withdrawal, GPA, advising, registration, holds on accounts, majors/minors, prerequisites); • Understand campus learning resources and support services (such as CASA, Whittemore Library, the Center for Inclusive Excellence, advisors, Career Services, Health and Wellness, Counseling Center, Financial Aid, Veterans Services); • Understand the expectations as a member of the university community (such as creating an inclusive community, academic honesty, civic engagement, involvement in campus events).
- Subject
- RAMS
- Type
- course
- Edition
- 2025-2026
- Source
- www.framingham.edu