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College of Education Undergraduate Seminars

About the Seminars

Our First- and Second-Year Seminars offer unique opportunities to establish a solid foundation for both personal and academic growth. Our courses help students smoothly transition into college life and deepen their academic and professional development in a supportive and engaging environment. With a variety of options available, our courses are designed to accommodate a wide range of student needs, ensuring that all students are well-prepared for future academic and career challenges.

Enroll through MyUNLV today and take the first step towards enhancing your educational journey at UNLV.

The First-Year Seminar supports your transition to college life by helping you build a strong foundation for personal, academic, and professional success. In this small, supportive course environment, you'll develop essential skills such as time management, effective study strategies, and goal-setting, all while exploring Life Design principles that guide your college experience with purpose.

As part of the seminar, you’ll participate in weekly Touchstones discussions that invite you to think critically about civic engagement and your role in the broader community. You’ll also conduct a semester-long research project focused on college success, allowing you to explore strategies that promote well-being and achievement in higher education. You’ll be empowered to take ownership of your learning, connect meaningfully with peers and mentors, and lay the groundwork for your future academic and career goals.

This seminar is tailored to provide specialized support and engagement with the following format options:

  • Bi-weekly, In-Person: These sections meet twice a week, providing a consistent schedule that helps first-year students integrate smoothly into university life.
  • Web-Live: For non-traditional students requiring more flexibility, our online seminar meets virtually every other week, allowing you to engage with course content and community from wherever you are.
  • Asynchronous: Offered in the summer, this format allows you to complete coursework at your own pace without scheduled meeting times, perfect for those with varying schedules or commitments.

We also offer special sections for the following student populations:

  • Education Majors Section: This section is specifically crafted for future educators, concentrating on the unique challenges and opportunities in the field of education, providing an immersive experience into the educational community right from the start.
  • Military-Affiliated Students Section: Recognizing the distinct needs of our military-affiliated students, this dedicated section provides support and resources tailored to ease the transition from military service to academic success. Complete the registration form to secure your spot.
  • GEAR UP Alumni Section: Aimed at students transitioning from the GEAR UP program, this seminar continues the supportive GEAR UP framework, focusing on strategies for college success and fostering strong peer networks.

The Second-Year Seminar challenges you to engage critically with complex topics, enhance your communication skills through weekly Touchstones discussions, and apply your knowledge in meaningful ways. Throughout the semester, you will also engage in Life Design activities that expand on ideas from First-Year Seminar and encourage you to reflect on your personal and professional aspirations, helping you create actionable plans for your future.

You’ll also undertake a comprehensive service-learning project. This hands-on project allows you to explore a social issue of personal significance, design, and execute a social issue campaign—improving your research abilities, deepening your civic engagement, and enabling you to make a tangible impact on your community. Together, these components of the seminar not only enhance your academic skills but also equip you with practical tools and experiences to effectively navigate your personal and career pathways.

The Second-Year Seminar offers various scheduling options to accommodate your needs:

  • Bi-weekly, In-Person: Meets 2x week for in-depth engagement and regular interaction.
  • Hybrid: Combines online learning with weekly in-person meetings, offering flexibility while maintaining a classroom connection.
  • Asynchronous: Offered in the summer, this format allows you to complete coursework at your own pace without scheduled meeting times, perfect for those with varying schedules or commitments.

You'll find a supportive learning environment where instructors are dedicated to guiding you through this transformative experience. Whether you're refining your career goals or enhancing your civic awareness, this course is an opportunity to develop skills that will serve you throughout your life.

Unlock the full potential of your transfer experience at UNLV with the Transfer Student Seminar, crafted to ensure a smooth and enriching transition into our university community. The seminar kicks off with "Designing Your UNLV," where you'll engage in activities that enhance your university life and align with your academic and personal goals. The course progresses to "Designing Your Life," encouraging you to expand your horizons through strategic conversations with professionals and mentors, along with practical experiences like job shadowing and professional workshops to guide your career and personal development.

A key feature of the seminar is a comprehensive service-learning project, where you will tackle a significant social issue through collaboration with a local non-profit organization. This project blends academic research with real-world application, enhancing your civic engagement and research skills, and culminates in a presentation that highlights your ability to apply your learning to make a tangible impact on the community.

The Transfer Student Seminar at UNLV offers a variety of course formats to meet your specific needs and preferences:

  • Bi-weekly, In-Person: While the course is open to all students, it is specifically designed to address the unique needs and experiences of military-affiliated students. These sessions meet twice a week, exploring military themes and providing a community-focused environment that supports the transition of military personnel into academic life. All students who are interested in understanding these perspectives and contributing to the discussions are encouraged to sign up for the course. Complete the registration form to secure your spot.
  • Asynchronous: Available during both the fall and spring semesters, this format offers flexibility for all transfer students to engage with course materials and complete assignments according to their own schedules.

By participating in the Transfer Student Seminar, you'll not only meet essential general education second-year seminar and multicultural requirements but also gain a rich, supportive educational experience tailored to maximize your success and integration at UNLV.

The COE Seminar Program at UNLV plays a vital role in supporting special sections of COE 103 and COE 202 within the youth and undergraduate Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. This targeted support ensures that students in these programs are equipped with essential academic and life skills that prepare them for successful transitions into higher education and future careers in education. Students are provided with specific training and learning opportunities designed to enhance their academic readiness and professional development.

Learn More

Are you interested in enrolling in one of our Seminars or exploring teaching opportunities within the program? For more information about the program or to express your interest in teaching, please contact:

Chelsie Hawkinson
First- and Second-Year Seminar Coordinator
College of Education
Chelsie.Hawkinson@unlv.edu