Program Features

Click the bullets below to learn more about each of the elements of UNF's Freshman Experience Program.

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Week of Welcome

Week of Welcome (WOW) takes place during the weekend before fall semester classes begin and continues into the first weekend of the semester. WOW is designed to create an environment where students new to the University of North Florida (UNF) flourish socially and academically. To view a list of WOW events, click here.
UNF Reads!

The UNF Reads! common reading program is designed to ease first-year students' transition into college level work while creating a common intellectual experience for freshmen students. Students read the common book during the summer before their freshman year, and have the opportunity to participate in a number of events surrounding the themes introduced in the book during the Fall semester. To find out more about the UNF Reads! book selection for this year and a list of upcoming UNF Reads! events, click here.
Ospreys Involved

Get rewarded for getting involved! Ospreys Involved is a program that offers first-year students an incentive for participating in campus events. The goal is to help students meet new people, make connections, and take advantage of the great academic, cultural, and social events that the University has to offer. Students earn points by attending Osprey Involved approved events and then at the end of the semester celebration they can redeem their points for great prizes! Check the Opsreys Involved Facebook page for approved events and start getting involved!
Freshman housing and meal plan requirement

The University of North Florida is committed to ensuring the academic and personal success of its students. In working to fulfill this commitment, over the past several years we have learned that living in on-campus housing can make a world of difference in what our students take away from their college experience and in their success rates. Consistent with this perspective and to ensure the quality of the first year experience the University of North Florida requires all first-year students to live in on-campus housing. To find out more information about this requirement, click here.
Living-Learning Communities

Experiences that integrate your academic and social life create deeper level of understanding and foster student success. Learning communities help students do just that by bringing together students who have similar academic interests and giving them a common learning experience that goes beyond the classroom. Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) are special learning communities where students live on the same floor in a residence hall, participate in out-of-class activities that enhance what they are learning in class, while creating meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and other LLC students. To find out more about the Living-Learning Communities that are available in the Fall click here.
Osprey Advantage courses

Get started on your major from day one! The Osprey Advantage courses are designed to introduce you to your intended major, while giving you the foundational tools necessary to be successful in that major. You will have the opportunity to meet faculty in your field of study and start networking with the very faculty who could one day provide letters of recommendation, guidance on careers and internship placements, or mentored research opportunities. Also, you will get to know UNF staff and peer leaders who will support you as you navigate your first semester of college. You will engage in exciting campus social and cultural events and connect with campus resources that will enhance your overall UNF experience. For a list of Osprey Advantage courses available for Fall 2012 click here.
Philosophy General Education course requirement

Philosophy is a general education requirement that all freshmen must take. One focus of the philosophy course will be to sharpen students' critical thinking skills through a process called "reflective judgment." For a list of the Philiosphy courses that fulfill this General Education requirement click here.
Venture Studies courses

Venture Studies courses prepares students to successfully navigate the transitions of college life, integrate knowledge across the disciplines and apply it to real world problems, learn how to articulate what they know and how their perspective of themselves and the world has been transformed, and determine goals and a plan to reach them. Venture Studies also breaks down the classroom walls by extending learning out into the Jacksonville community through hands-on community-based projects! For more information on Venture Studies click here.