First Year Seminar (FYS 101)

First-Year Seminar (FYS 101) is a one-credit, semester long course that engages all first-year and transfer students in guided conversations, experiential activities, and written assignments about transitioning to Syracuse University. During this course students will explore and explain personal goals for their education at Syracuse University and develop an understanding of the complex components of identity and how they relate to multiple communities, including finding points of connection with the Syracuse University community.

FYS 101 does count within the 61 credits of Arts and Sciences needed to graduate.

Newhouse students are required to take one course to fulfill the IDEA Course Requirement.

The IDEA course requirement provides undergraduate students the opportunity to explore concepts in social justice, broadly defined. The IDEA acronym encapsulates the core concepts of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility. These concepts are integral to models of social justice and through their examination students can learn about important values, voices, and lives that have been marginalized and erased, along with strategies to create stronger and more just communities.

Transfer and other credit are not accepted for the IDEA Requirement except when they are included in an associate degree as defined in articulation agreements.

IDEA courses may be taught in any of the schools and colleges at the university. They vary greatly in topic area and content.

In addition to satisfying the IDEA requirement in the student’s program of study, IDEA courses may also satisfy other major, minor/specialization or arts and science core requirements. The IDEA requirement may be completed at any time, but students are encouraged to do so early in their curriculum if possible.

A list of IDEA course requirements can be found here.