In Freshman Symposium, a one-credit seminar, students engage in reflection and dialogue while exploring campus resources, developing essential academic habits, building meaningful relationships, and beginning to discern their role within the University community. Each seminar is co-taught by a faculty and student mentor. All courses cover the same core topics while adding in particular themes according to course titles.
Courses include:
A - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Dr. Beth Barrette, School of Education
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
AA - Faith, Meaning, and the Good Life
Taught by: Dr. James Kelly, Theology
Students wanting to dialogue about what makes “a good life” should join this deep dive into faith and the meaning of life.
B - Becoming a Professional
Taught by: Jarred Gibson, Career Services
If you’re looking to hone your professionalism and emotional intelligence skills before you start your career, this is the course for you.
BB - Faith, Meaning, and the Good Life
Taught by: Pat Gunning, Campus Ministry
Students wanting to dialogue about what makes “a good life” should join this deep dive into faith and the meaning of life.
C - Navigating College as a Latina First-Gen Student
Taught by: Trisha Ruiz, Veterans and Student Success
Young Latina women are welcome to join Dr. Trisha Ruiz in discussing navigating college life as a first–generation Latina.
CC - Building Your Future First-Gen Hispanic Students
Taught by: Dr. Ulyses Balderas, Cameron School of Business
All first-generation Hispanic students are welcome to explore college readiness that sets them up for future success.
D - Foundations for Women in STEM
Taught by: Tawana Robinson
For women interested in pursuing a degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) field, this is the course for you to ask questions and learn more.
DD - Global Learning for Your Future
Taught by: Ly Phan, Psychology
Students interested in global learning and study abroad should join this course!
E - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Dr. Francesca Guerri, Social and Behavioral Sciences & Global Studies
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
EE - Navigating College as a First-Gen Student
Taught by: Marek Dojs, Communications
If you are the first person in your family to attend college, register for this course to ask questions and learn to navigate a university experience.
F - Navigating STEM Success
Taught by: Dr. Geny Moreno, Student Success
If you’re interested in a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), let us help you start your journey off well!
G - The Calling to Care in Nursing
Taught by: Dr. Michael Sullivan, Peavy School of Nursing
Nursing equips you to care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. This course lays the foundation to understand that noble call to care for others.
H - The Scholar-Athlete Journey
Taught by: Dr. Victoria Wagner, Psychology
Student athletes are a special part of the UST community, so join this course to talk about your journey as a Celt, socially and academically.
I - The Scholar-Athlete Journey
Taught by: Reeja Awan & Zariah Mcinnis | Rising Stars, Athletics
Student athletes are a special part of the UST community, so join this course to talk about your journey as a Celt, socially and academically.
J - Faith & Friendship as a Catholic Woman
Taught by: Sr. Albert Marie Surmanski, OP Ph.D, Theology
Explore the wonderful beauty of authentic faith and friendship for Catholic women.
K - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Elizabeth Maynard
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
L - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Rajesh Ramakrishnan, Biology
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
M - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Dr. Maia Larios-Sanz, Biology
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
N - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Dr. Tuba Bilgic, International Studies & Modern Languages
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
O - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Kaitlyn Carpenter, Library
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
P - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Carmela James, School of Education & Human Services
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
Q - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Joy Zhou
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
R - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Sana Vawda, Ph.D, LPC-S, LCDC, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
S - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Carrie Moody-Dunsmore, Registrar
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
T - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: H.E. Jenkins, Chief of Police
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
U - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Courtney West, Advancement
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
V - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Mecale Bryant, Veterans Services
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
W - Mendenhall Continued
Taught by: Shundeez Faridifar, Student Leadership & Engagement
Mendenhall Scholars who already participated in the Mendenhall Summer Institute are welcome to continue to grow in connection and leadership through this course.
X - Launching Your Academic Journey
Taught by: Michelle Lopez, Campus Ministry
Learn the ins and outs of starting your academic journey off well!
Y - Building Your Future First-Gen Hispanic Students
Taught by: Erendira Melgoza, Modern & Classical Languages
All first-generation Hispanic students are welcome to explore college readiness that sets them up for future success.
Z - Building Your Future First-Gen Hispanic Students
Taught by: Jeison Cortes, Residence Life
All first-generation Hispanic students are welcome to explore college readiness that sets them up for future success.