Living-Learning Community: Freshman Year Experience (FYE)

You can join a unique residential community where students who are enrolled in FYE live together in one of two residences. There are 192 students in the FYE program, so you will be living with freshmen who, like you, have chosen to participate in this exciting living and learning experience. The residential community will sponsor a variety of activities which enhance your FYE coursework. Your FYE instructors and Peer Mentors will participate in activities outside the classroom. The bond between your life and your educational interests will grow and strengthen as a result of this experience.

FYE is centered around Univ 150: Freshman Year Experience. This year-long course, designed especially for entering freshmen, combines student development with the academic curriculum in a supportive learning community. The themes for this course are self-identity (fall semester) and global identity (spring semester). Essential writing, speaking, critical thinking, and information competence skills are integrated with an introduction to the academic disciplines across topics and readings that challenge students to think about their own identity, personal goals, and the purpose of education. Lectures, readings and small-group discussions challenge students to think about critical issues college freshmen face as they become adults in today's world. Together UNIV 150A and UNIV 150B fulfill General Education requirements in Areas A1 (Written and Oral Analysis) and A3 (Critical Thinking). The remaining three units count as electives towards graduation.

Although residentially based, there are a few spots available in FYE for students who are not living on campus.

FYE Residential Activities might include:

  • Film series
  • Dinners with faculty
  • Opportunities to develop multimedia expertise in FYE computer lab sessions
  • Trips to San Francisco, the Sonoma Coast, the redwoods, or other nearby attractions
  • Special FYE-based study sessions in the dorm to support your writing, oral communication, or critical thinking skills

More Information

For more information on FYE, please go to the FYE webpage.

A completed Housing License Agreement is required to sign up for this option, and requests are considered in a first come, first served order by License Agreement date. Please go to the Housing Office's website to find more information on submitting your Housing License Agreement.