First Year Seminars at Hardin-Simmons

(ABILENE, Texas)–At Hardin-Simmons University, all first year students at Hardin-Simmons have the opportunity to take a First Year Seminar course. These courses are offered each Fall semester and allow professors to teach a unique course they are passionate about while, at the same time, sharing important knowledge and skills for students as they make the transition from high school to college.

Although each FYSM section is based on a theme such as Hogwarts at Hardin-Simmons, The Disney Version, or The C.S Lewis Society, the content may include challenging reading, writing, and group work. Throughout the semester, students will not only learn about their chosen FYSM topic, but also key tools for navigating their college and professional careers. They also gain important life skills.

“First Year Seminars introduce academics, Hardin-Simmons values, and create social and academic support,” stated Dean of General Education, Dr. Laura Pogue. “These are key strategies for students to be successful.”

Students in the Hogwarts at Hardin-Simmons FYSM attend their sorting ceremony to find out what house they belong in.

HSU’s collection of First Year Seminar courses are called FYSM: Gateway because they are designed as a gateway into the Hardin-Simmons Foundational Curriculum Journey, centered on three fundamental questions: Who am I? Who are You (God)? What about my Neighbor?

Included in each First Year Seminar is a student mentor, aptly identified as a First Year Mentor, who attends each class, meets with the professor, and visits with the students inside and outside of the classroom. “The First Year Mentor is more key than we ever realized it would be,” stated Dr. Pogue. “We are so blessed to have such fabulous students who want to give so much of their time to help other students.”

The group of First Year Seminar courses originally began with only 3-5 sections. In the last three years, it has grown to include over 20 sections, now including two Honors Colloquiums, rather than the previous one.

To learn more about what sections are available, visit FSYM page of the Hardin-Simmons website.