First-Year Experience (FYE)

This FYE is for Spring 2024; students sign-up for the FYE fall 2023. To register for this FYE, email leisa.harmon@minotstateu.edu.

From Edinburgh and Glasgow in the south to the wild Highlands of the north, Scotland is a country full of natural beauty, culture, and history. This FYE will cultivate leadership and communication skills while also preparing you for an immersive experience: spring break in Scotland! Join us as we explore the geography, history, and culture of bonnie Scotland. Ye dinnae ken Scotland yet, but you will!

Important Note: Students are responsible for the cost of the spring break (March 2024) study abroad tour. ONLY sign up for this FYE if you are able to travel out of the country during the program dates.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR3) MW 12-12:50pm, Zeb Wallace
• LEAD 101 Introduction to Leadership, 3 SH (CCS1) TR 9:30-10:45am, Jim Sturm
• COMM 110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking, 3 SH (FC) TR 11am-12:15pm, Jessica Smestad

This Learning Community is designed to help International Students have a positive transition to Minot State University. Students will be encouraged to explore their new environment and take advantage of being in a new place, to expand their perspectives through an introspective awareness of a new culture, and to express themselves through art and communication. The combination of ART 110, COMM 110, and UNIV 110 is a perfect way to find your VOICE at Minot State University. ART 110 will help you find avenues to express your ideas through artistic exploration, COMM 110 will give you the skills needed to communicate and converse at a college level, and UNIV 110 will allow you to discover support services, navigate campus life, understand American culture, and share some of your own cultural background with the MSU community. 

This FYE is designed to facilitate cultural adjustment to life in the United States; therefore, Canadian students are not encouraged to enroll. 

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) TTH 1:00 – 1:50pm, Maleeha Latif
• ART 110 Introduction to Visual Arts, 3 SH (FC) MW 12:00-1:15pm, Amanda Watts
• COMM 110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking, 3 SH (FC) MWF 2:00-2:50pm, Elinam Amevor

While “identity politics,” “wokeness,” and “Social Justice Warriors” often are treated like social media novelties, the truth is that for the past century and a half, many Americans have identified themselves as members of diverse communities who are fighting to gain recognition and justice. Labor unions, “suffragettes," and the Civil Rights movements, for instance, can all be understood as part of a long and continuing history of people striving to produce social change. This learning community gives you the opportunity to examine “communities of justice” in the past and the present, contributing to your own journey of self-discovery. You also will learn tools and techniques that you and other students will use in the Social Science Media Lab to produce a short podcast about an issue you select.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) MW 10:00-10:50, Mark Singer
• HIST 104 US History from 1877, 3 SH, (FC), MWF 9:00-9:50, Joseph Jastrzembski

The courses in this FYE will encourage students to think critically through the application of aspects of the criminal justice system. These will include examining common controversies within the system, including police use of force, sentencing disparities, and overcrowded prisons. Additionally, concepts of law, law enforcement, theory, courts, corrections, and juvenile justice as well as culture, deviance, theory, family and social, racial and ethnic interaction will be integrated into the courses.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) TTH 2:00 – 2:50 pm, Mitchell Gresham
• CJ 201 Intro to Criminal Justice, 3 SH (CCS2) TTH 11:00am – 12:15pm, Maria Kerzmann

An FYE that teaches you how to get that bag... ethically. Join this FYE if you feel like learning about the ethical prism that surrounds economics and business. BADM 120 will teach you what you need to know about the business world, how it's structured, and how to navigate it. ECON 201 will teach you all about how to manage scarce resources, including your time and money. UNIV 110 will bring our ethics the whole way around and give you knowledge of sustainability and responsibility when dealing with time and money. Let's go on this journey together. We'll learn some fun stuff along the way!

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) TTH 11:00-11:50, Linda Conn
• BADM 120 Fundamentals of Business, 3 SH MWF 10:00-10:50 Maleeha Latif
• ECON 201 Principles of Microeconomics, 3 SH (FC) TTH 9:30-10:45, Daniel Ngugi

If you’re the outdoorsy type (or aspire to be), then this FYE is for you! 1) You’ll learn about the planning and logistics that go into a successful camping trip. 2) You’ll learn how to properly prepare for strenuous hiking. 3) You’ll learn how to set up a tent, and sleep in it. 4) You’ll help to plan trip activities. 5) You’ll learn about the geology of that region; and then 6) We’ll get in a van, go to those locations and experience geology in its natural habitat! The UNIV 110 class will delve into environmental aspects of geology that you learn in GEOL 105. On the trip for GEOL 190 we’ll be experiencing geology that you learn about in GEOL 105 and UNIV 110 in places like Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and Dinosaur National Monument. IMPORTANT NOTES: A required 8-day camping trip that includes some strenuous hiking will be involved around the first week of October; please do not sign up for this FYE if you do not know that you can be gone for a week in October. Sense of humor and ability to hike are both prerequisites for this First Year Experience learning community––you need to be physically fit by the start of the semester. Includes a $200 course fee toward trip expenses.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 cr. (RC, PSR2) T 1:00–2:50 pm, Katheryn Kilroy
• GEOL 105 Physical Geology, 4 cr. (FC2, CCS1, CCS4) MF 1:00–2:15 pm; W 1:00–2:50 pm, Joseph Collette
• GEOL 190 Introductory Regional Geology, 2 cr.  TH 1:00–2:50 pm, John Webster

This group of courses will explore the connections between classroom practices and the processes of learning. Why do some students remember pictures and others remember words? Is it useful to label students? Why are some students motivated and others not so much? Does development affect learning? How can educators help students be successful? We will explore these questions through coursework that looks at the complicated decisions that adults and kids in schools make every day and then visit elementary, middle and high schools to apply the information.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) T 1:00 - 2:50pm, Kathy Hintz
• ED 260 Educational Psychology, 2 SH (CCS1, CCS6) TH 1:00 - 2:50pm, Laura Zucca
• ED 260L, 0 SH, time arranged, Kathy Hintz

This group of courses will explore the connections between classroom practices and the processes of learning. Why do some students remember pictures and others remember words? Is it useful to label students? Why are some students motivated and others not so much? Does development affect learning? How can educators help students be successful? We will explore these questions through coursework that looks at the complicated decisions that adults and kids in schools make every day and then visit elementary, middle and high schools to apply the information.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) TH 1:00 - 2:50pm, Kathy Hintz
• ED 260 Educational Psychology, 2 SH (CCS1, CCS6) T 1:00 - 2:50pm, Laura Zucca

• ED 260L, 0 SH, time arranged Kathy Hintz

Great athletes, actors, musicians, and public speakers can control anxiety, minimize stress, utilize imagery, and use relaxation to control their performance. This learning community combines techniques of movement and psychology of sport to examine how both the body and mind influence performance.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) TTH 8:00 – 8:50am, Beth Odahlen
• KIN 126 Yoga, 1 SH (PSR3) TTH 11:00 – 11:50am, Terry Eckmann

Throughout human history, people have become empowered through self- or directed-learning experiences, often overcoming obstacles others have not had to endure. This learning community will highlight learning and education across the modern world. Discover how marginalized people and groups have empowered themselves through learning. How can these examples inspire you to find your own place as a learner?!

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) MW 1:00 - 1:50pm, Bethany Andreasen
• HON 191H The Honors Community, 1 SH, F 1:00 – 1:50pm, Jessica Smestad
• HIST 215H Modern World Origins, 3 SH (FC, CCS2, IP1) TTH 11:00-12:15am, Ernst Pijning

Explore strategies for successful transition to the university community as you embark on your educational journey. How do you balance all the little things to stay healthy, happy, fit, and safe?

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) W 9:00 – 10:50am, Sara Frantsvog
• BIOL 202 Microbiology, 4 SH (FC, CCS1, CCS6), MWF 3:00 – 3:50pm, Rachel Schomaker
• BIOL 202 (Lab) T 3:00-4:50 pm Rachel Schomaker

Explore strategies for successful transition to the university community as you embark on your educational journey. How do you balance all the little things to stay healthy, happy, fit, and safe?

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) M 1:00-2:50pm, Sara Frantsvog
• BIOL 202 Microbiology, 4 SH (FC, CCS1, CCS6), MWF 3:00 – 3:50pm, Rachel Schomaker
• BIOL 202 (Lab) TH 3:00-4:50 pm Rachel Schomaker

Collaborate with other musicians, create your own music, and connect with students and faculty in the MSU music program. In this learning community, students will explore music as both a career and a life-long pastime and use their talents—musical and otherwise—for creating projects to share with the community. All levels of music experience are welcome; required for music majors.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) WF 11:00 - 11:50am, Dianna Anderson
• MUSC 122 Musicianship I, 3 SH MWF 10:00 - 10:50am, Erik Anderson
• MUSC 122L Music Foundations Lab, 0 SH M 11:00 - 11:50am, Erik Anderson
• MUSC 123 Musicianship Lab I, 1 SH, TTH 10:00 - 10:50am, Dianna Anderson

Artists gain mastery of their materials through experience and exposure. "Old school" and "new school" art tools empower artists to create work that emotionally moves a viewer. In this trio of classes, students will explore mediums, make connections, and create a master portfolio. This FYE is open to ALL MAJORS.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) TTH 12:00 – 12:50pm, Amanda Watts
• ART 112 Print, Web, and Social Media Graphics, 3 SH (PSR3, CCS4) MW 4:00 – 6:50pm, Greg Vettel
• ART 122 Two-Dimensional Design, 3 SH (PSR3) MW 9:00 – 11:50am, Bill Harbort

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a question many of us have heard since we were in Kindergarten or younger. As we progress through our education we’re constantly met with advice and suggestions to help us on our career path. Yet,rarely do we consider how society impacts our careers. Sociology can help us gain insight into just how deeply we are impacted by society, no matter what career field we have chosen. In this FYE, we will explore a variety of careers and the role society has in shaping our physical, mental, emotional, and relational health, our identities, and the organizational structures of our chosen careers.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) online asynchronous, Christine Borden-King-Jones
• SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology, 3 SH (FC, PSR1) online asynchronous, Erin Baker-Giese

POWER Up with skills and resources to successfully meet the academic and personal challenges as a college student. This learning community focuses on empowering you to be a successful student and an engaged and healthy individual through physical activities and cognitive concepts of health-related fitness and wellness.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) TTH 2:00pm - 2:50pm, Katy Allers
• KIN 100 Concepts of Fitness and Wellness, 2 SH (PSR3) MW 12:00pm – 12:50pm, TBD

In this first-year learning community, you will explore what it means and takes to be a computer professional in the 21st Century and knowledgeable about Big Data. Through hands-on experiences, you will explore and learn foundational concepts and skills regarding hardware, software, data analysis and visualization which are needed to succeed in the profession. You will learn how to write Python code which is the popular programming language for Data Science. Also, learn about careers and other skills needed to be a successful techie in today's data-driven world.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) TTH 9:00 - 9:50am, Darren Seifert
• CSCI 111 Introductory Programming and Big Data, 4 SH MTWTH 10:00 - 10:50am, Daren Erisman

In this first-year learning community, you will explore what it means and takes to be a cyber (computer) professional in the 21st Century. Through hands-on experiences, you will explore and learn foundational concepts and skills regarding hardware and software (applications and operating systems) which are needed to succeed in the profession. You will learn how to write code which is the foundation of getting cyber technology hardware to work. Also learn about careers and other skills needed to be a successful techie in today's world.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) TTH 9:00 - 9:50am, Darren Seifert
• CSCI 160 Computer Science, 4 SH (CCS1) MTWTH 2:00 - 2:50pm, Scott Kast

This activity-based FYE will address the importance of creating balance in our lives, so we can have time to do the things that make us feel happy and fulfilled. Focusing on the dimensions of wellness, students will learn how to adapt to the academic demands of college while living a healthy lifestyle.

• UNIV 110: First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) MW 11:00 - 11:50am, Rachel Simonson
• KIN 126: Group Exercise, 1 SH (PSR3) MW 2:00 - 2:50pm, Terry Eckmann

College will be starting soon and everyone seems to be asking questions that make you cringe, “What are you studying?” or “What is your major?”.  Do you immediately hesitate in answering these questions, and reluctantly respond, “I’m not sure”?  This may seem scary, but don’t worry; you are not alone! This learning community will help you explore your interests and learn more about yourself while exploring your personal, career, and educational goals.  You will be equipped with the resources to make informed decisions about majors and careers that are right for you.  Embrace your status of exploring your options!

• UNIV 110 First Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) TTH 11:00 am – 11:50am, Heather Martin
• COMM 110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking, 3 SH (RC) TTH 9:30 – 10:45am, Jessica Smestad

Explore the various characters, settings, and plots in the field of communication disorders, and unlock the secrets behind powerful storytelling. Through story experiences in the community, students will develop critical skills for the profession of speech-language pathology.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) MW 2:00 - 2:50pm, Kayla Fisher
• CSD 150 Profession of Communication Disorders, 2 SH, TTH 2:00 - 2:50pm, Erin Holt

All superheroes have an origin story – you do, too! Explore your superpowers and your Kryptonite. In this learning community you will learn about what it takes to be a leader, build self-awareness, and cultivate your own leadership skills. You identify, create, and analyze popular origin stories as well as your origin story and those of local leaders.

• UNIV 110: First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) 2^nd 8 weeks Oct 16 to Dec 7 MTWTH 2:00-2:50pm, Christine Borden-King Jones
• LEAD 101: Introduction to Leadership, 3 SH (CCS1) MWF 9:00-9:50am, James Sturm

In this first-year learning community, you will explore what your personal goals are for life and success, and how to meet them financially and personally.  Students will learn about how to identify and set goals, how to make difficult decisions, and balance personal and financial wellbeing. Come and explore who you are, what you want, and how to get it!

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) MW 9:00-9:50 am,  Katelynn Albers
• FIN 251 Personal Finance, 3 SH (PSR3) TTH 11:00-12:15am, David Frantsvog

For many, the personal and professional skills, relationships, and habits developed in college will set the tone for life after college. The Balancing Instincts FYE will enhance your ability to communicate with yourself and others. If you are looking to start your college experience off on a positive note, then join us as we practice yoga, engage in social dance experience, and develop healthy habits.

• UNIV 110 First-Year Seminar, 2 SH (RC, PSR2) TTH 10:00-10:50am, Karina Stander
• KIN 101 Dance, 1 SH (PSR3) MW 8:00 – 8:50am, Terry Eckmann