First-Year Seminar

First-Year Seminar (FYS) is designed to introduce you and all first-year students to a Christian liberal arts education. More specifically, FYS provides space for you to reflect on three important questions: Where am I? Where am I coming from? Where am I going? Along with your peers, you’ll reflect on these questions by reading texts, watching films, writing journals and discussing ideas. You’ll improve your communication and interpersonal skills through formal writing and speaking projects. By the end of the semester, you’ll understand what it means to pursue a Christian liberal arts education and have the academic skills necessary to succeed at Northwestern and beyond.

FYS mentors

FYS classes are taught by faculty and staff from a wide variety of fields who are committed to the integration of faith and learning and helping new students succeed. Furthermore, each FYS section is assigned two peer mentors who help students with writing and speech projects, as well as provide general guidance and advice on navigating their first semester at Northwestern.