First-Year Seminar

Fall 2007

As a part of Alvernia’s commitment to a smooth transition, we require every incoming student to participate in the First-Year Seminar Program.  The program is designed for new college students and the emphasis is on learning and adopting the principles and methods that will promote academic success and personal development in college.  The faculty for these first-year seminar classes have been specially selected.   All freshmen students will be reading two books, Chew on This by Eric Schlosser and Caped Crusaders 101 by Jeffrey Kahan and Stanley Stewart.  Chew on This is about making healthy choices and examines the fast food industry.  Caped Crusaders 101 uses superheroes in order to discuss such important issues as race, politics, and business ethics.  The common readings will be assigned during the first semester by each of the instructors.  It is hoped these common readings will build community on campus by pulling together students and professors as well as build critical thinking skills.  Further, it will enable both students and teachers to share experiences and discuss important life values. 

Unique to Alvernia College, each First-Year Seminar has a class that is theme-based and is linked with a class that is a core requirement.  For example, one of the themes is “Getting to Know The Berks County Community and Caring for It” and each student in this section of the First-Year Seminar will also be enrolled in English Composition.  The students will visit interesting places in Berks County throughout their first semester of college such as the GoogleWorks Art Center and Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary.  The students will then have the opportunity to write about their experiences.  The purpose of this link is to have a team of faculty working with the same cohort of students.  This relationship helps first-year students develop the academic skills necessary for success in college.  The faculty partnerships are in place to mentor and guide your child through a successful first semester and promote his or her future success.

We encourage you to click on ‘Class of 2011’ for more information.  

We look forward to meeting your sons or daughters as they embark upon one of the most challenging and exciting stages of their lives!