First Scholars Courses

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FIRST - First Scholars Courses

FIRST-100: College Success (Credits: 0 to 2)

This course is part of the First Scholars Program which will ensure that participating students achieve social and academic integration. With an emphasis on lived experience, first-generation and traditionally underrepresented students will learn academic success strategies, will understand their social identities to successfully navigate college, and will participate in the social fabric of Westminster. This course also provides a general orientation to Westminster's resources. Students are introduced to college offices and services, explore major and career options, and develop college success skills.

FIRST-200: Community-Based Learning (Credits: 0 to 2)

This course is part of the First Scholars Program, a program designed to ensure academic and social integration for 4-year students. Through this course, students will expand their development of skills in leadership, collaboration, diversity understanding, and community engaged learning. We will focus on furthering our understanding of our own personal identity. We will take that understanding and integrate it into the community to better understand our own roles and responsibilities within our local community.

FIRST-300: Accessing Developmental Opportunities (Credits: 0 to 1)

This course will continue to strengthen the collegiate experience of our First Scholars by helping them to find their place at Westminster and develop academic, self-management, professionalism, and critical thinking skills. The course was created with the vision of expanding institutional support for first-generation students and to serve as a bridge as they navigate their campus environment and explore developmental opportunities such as internships, research opportunities, and fellowships.

FIRST-400: Graduation Transition (Credits: 0 to 1)

This course will continue to strengthen the collegiate experience of First Scholars by strengthening their understanding of identity and allow them to apply their academic, self-management, professionalism, and critical thinking skills. Students in this course will understand how issues of power, privilege, and oppression inform issues like policy, laws, values, and culture. Students in this course will also develop a transition plan for post-graduation - be it graduate school or entering the workforce.