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Your First Year Experience

At the University of North Florida, we know that the first year is important in laying the right foundation for your success throughout your college career. The First-Year Experience (FYE) is a student-centered initiative designed to assist first-year students in making a successful transition to college and to prepare you to make the most of your college experience. Below are some "ospreytunities" to get involved with FYE!

Osprey Connections Experience

Interested in taking courses together that ask a BIG question? Listed below are our Osprey Connections Experience course groupings available this fall.

  • Explorations of Gothic
    What's haunting you? From its inception, Gothic literature has not only proven to be one of the most infectious, enchanting, and delightful genres of literature, but has also prevailed in the literary canon with its power to address cultural anxieties, subvert established systems of thought, defy social conventions, and traverse the depths of human nature. In this course pairing, we dive into the shadowy realm of the Gothic. 

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Gothic History, Art & Architecture
    • LIT 2000 - Intro to Literature 
  • The Reality of the Unseen
    How does the supernatural shape our reality? This set of classes invites you to question, to wonder, and to look beyond what's visible. Discover how disciplines such as Religious Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology and Philosophy peel back the layers of our fascination with the supernatural.

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Reality of the Unseen
    • LIT 2000 - Intro to Literature
  • Classical Music Careers
    How can we find relevance for classical music in today's technology? In these courses, students will explore music practice, business principles, and creative writing techniques to examine how storytelling and poetic expression intersect with the entrepreneurial endeavors of the music industry.

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Music Entrepreneurship
    • LIT 2000 - Intro to Literature
  • Border Cultures of the Hyphen
    How are issues of immigration, identity, and multiculturalism experienced in American society? What is Living on the Hyphen? A hyphen is a connection, a continuity and a celebration of all our identities. In this set of courses, students will explore issues of multiculturalism, belonging, borders, and immigration in the United States through film, popular music, performances, and specific experiences of immigration in Florida and the U.S.

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Ni De Aqui, Ne De Alla
    • LIT 2000 - Intro to Literature
  • Comics & Conversations
    In our current cultural climate, it can feel difficult to have meaningful conversations about difficult topics. This set of classes will explore difficult conversations from a unique angle: the comic and graphic novel. We will examine how graphic narratives illustrate the possibility for conversation. Students will read graphic narratives and try their hands at making them, in the form of zines. Ultimately, we will discover what stories we can tell when images and text meet.

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Difficult Conversations
    • HUM 2020 - Intro to Humanities
  • Supercharged Citizens
    How can individuals impact governments beyond voting? This pairing focuses on a citizen's role in a democracy and the numerous ways citizens can impact government beyond voting. Students will dive into the underpinnings of a democratic society and be introduced to a variety of effective writing tools that can be used to inform and persuade elected and appointed decision makers.

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Citizen Superheroes
    • PHI 2010 - Intro to Philosophy
  • Theater, Health and Community
    *Open to native speakers of Spanish and intermediate-level Spanish speakers.

    How can theater be used to promote health and well-being? These classes allow students to combine theater, health, and community through a curated experience. Students will flex their creativity and communication skills in real time with community activities and creation within the health field.
    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Teatro para la salud
    • THE 2000 - Theater Appreciation
  • Religion, Popular Culture and Human Behavior
    What can we learn about religion and human behavior from pop culture? This pairing of courses introduce students to the fundamental concepts of psychology and formal writing skills. Pop culture is a vital component of contemporary societies across the world. It informs our basic senses of who we are and what is important. Examples will be drawn from film, sports, music, media, marketing and more. 

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Representing Religion in Pop Culture
    • PSY 2012 - Intro to Psychology
  • Life and How To Live It
    You are here, in part, because this is the next step in the life you wish to live. But what will that life be? What SHOULD it be? We will examine the different "lives" we lead (scholarly, civic, family, religious, professional) and the different definitions of what makes for a "good" life. We will examine the different ways in which each of these lives are dependent on and/or competing with each other. In short, how do we construct a life that is meaningful to both ourselves and our larger communities? 

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Life and How To Live It
    • SYG 2013 - Sex, Race and Class
  • Shaping a Strong STEM Identity
    What does it mean to be "good" at mathematics? Many of us believe math is about speed, correctness and natural ability. In these courses, we will redefine what it means to do math (and STEM more broadly) as a creative and joyful enterprise characterized by the thrill of taking on and conquering a challenge. You will thrive as a STEM thinker and writer who constructs mathematical patterns with towers, flies drones, and builds robots in a community of learners! 

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Writing to Learn in STEM
    • MAC 1105C - College Algebra with Recitation
  • Writing About Code
    How does computational thinking prepare you to live and work in the 21st century? This set of courses focuses on learning the "big ideas" of computing. Preparing students for their role in a data-driven world, students will use Python coding exercises to illustrate and reinforce concepts as well as writing assignments to understand how we communicate complex computational thinking. Students will also gain a historical perspective of computing and where it is heading, including the advancements of emerging technologies like generative artificial intelligence.

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Computational Thinking in the Age of AI
    • IDC 2000 - Beauty and Joy of Computing
  • Myth, Religion and Culture
    Cultures use stories to shape the key questions of human existence - who are we, where did we come from, and where are we going? Through myths, rituals, and symbols, people have created identities in response to cultural change and paradigm shifts. Students will examine a range of stories in a variety of cultural and historical moments, and understand the powerful impact stories have on daily life and cultural systems. 

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Religions and Storytelling
    • REL 2300 - Comparative Religion
  • The Body
    What is - and is not - the body? Across these classes, students will investigate questions about where and how the body begins, exists, changes, is augmented, and ends. By thinking through the body, its needs, and its limits, we will gain access points to our own research-based academic writing and begin to develop as members of our discourse communities.

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Beginning College Writing for Nurses
    • HSC 2100 - Personal and Public Health
  • Career Writing
    This set of courses gives students tools for doing college work that is meaningful and constructive for their intellectual and career goals. Students will read, evaluate, and cite relevant and reliable sources; develop and present a research question for a chosen field or discipline of interest; and create and revise career documents, including a cover letter, conveying measurable impacts evidenced by professional and academic work.

    Courses within this grouping:
    • IDS 1932 - Workplace Writing
    • EDG 2000 - Career Planning & Professional Success

Consider a Living-Learning Community

Living-Learning Communities allow students with similar interests to connect academics with residential life by taking classes together, living on the same floor in the residence hall, participating in out-of-class activities that enhance what they are learning in class, and creating meaningful relationships with faculty, staff and other LLC students. Listed below are some of the Living-Learning Communities available to you. Some of the LLCs have a required course that you take together and some do not.

  • ASL Zone
    This community is for any first-year student who has experience with American Sign Language, is a heritage ASL user, wants to learn more about ASL, or is interested in ASL, Deaf Education, and Interpreting majors or minors. LLC participants will build connections with fellow students, faculty, and staff, and will create bonds within the Jacksonville community. No required courses are taken together, but you should enroll in an ASL course at your appropriate level.
  • Business
    This community assists you in becoming a competitive candidate for a career in business. The Coggin College of Business LLC creates a cohort of students interested in many areas of business. Applicable majors include the nine business majors. Required course taken together: GEB 1011.
  • Environmental Sustainability
    This community fosters critical thinking about environmentalism and sustainable projects. Students will engage in experiences in the campus environment, local Northeast Florida ecosystems, and beyond. Students will be empowered to make a positive impact on their environment in ways that are exclusive and unique to the first-year students in the LLC. Required course to take: HSC 2100.
  • Healthy Osprey
    The Healthy Osprey LLC is open to all incoming first-year students who want to continue or start living a healthy lifestyle. All levels of fitness are welcome to participate, and "healthy" is pursued to the fullest extent of the word. As a participant in the Healthy Osprey LLC you will experience organic gardening, the high-ropes course, group fitness classes, healthy cooking demonstrations and much more. Required course taken together: HSC 2100.
  • Honors
    The Hicks Honors College is intentional in its efforts to create a living and learning environment within our Honors community. The goal is to create a seamless transition between learning in and outside of the classroom. This community will heighten student intellectual and personal growth and promote a greater degree of engagement in campus life. Required course taken together: IDH 1923.
  • Making a Difference in Education (M.A.D.E.)
    The MADE LLC is open to first-year students who plan to major in education. This LLC will provide a range of opportunities to connect with faculty, explore careers within the education field, and prepare students for the General Knowledge Exam. Students will benefit from skills workshops, classroom tours, leadership opportunities and faculty support. Required course taken together: EDF 2260.
  • Music
    The Music LLC boasts a musically immersive environment for music majors to foster creativity, collaborate with other artists, and enhance their musical talents. Participants in the Music LLC can expect a close relationship with faculty and staff from the School of Music, programs catered directly to the interests and passions of the community, and support in establishing your personal musical identity and network. Required course taken together: MUS 1241.
  • Pre-Medical
    This community assists you in becoming a competitive candidate for admission to professional schools in the medical field. The Pre-Med LLC creates a cohort of students interested in the medical profession. Applicable majors for the Pre-Medical LLC include biomedical sciences, biology, chemistry and physics. Students must be interested in pursuing medical, dental or veterinary school to be eligible. Required course taken together: BSC 2932.
  • ROTC
    The Army ROTC LLC provides a place where students can further develop lifelong leadership and communication skills, increase their physical, social and emotional health, and improve their understanding of the Army. Required courses taken together: MSL 1001 and MSL 1001L.
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)
    The STEM LLC connects first-year students interested in pursuing a degree or career in science (non-medical aspects of science), technology, engineering, or math. The living-learning community will help students develop the academic and professional skills needed to succeed in their careers and socially at UNF. Required course taken together: CGS 1930.
  • THRIVE
    The THRIVE LLC is open only to students who are accepted into the THRIVE program at UNF or serve as an ally or mentor for the THRIVE program. Students will experience tailored study halls and tutoring, weekly THRIVE classes on executive functioning and career development skills, and individualized attention from the THRIVE program staff. No required course taken together.
  • Stonewall
    The Stonewall theme community is an opportunity for students to live in a gender-inclusive housing environment with peers. UNF Pride Club provides programs and events for students to opt to participate in.

Attend Week of Welcome

Want to get familiar with UNF? The Week of Welcome (WOW) helps to kick off the new schools year and allows you to get connected the moment you step on campus with events and opportunities to help you learn your way around the nest. This first week will give you a head start to flourish socially and academically by participating in campus programs and school traditions.

Past Week of Welcome events have included:

  • Welcome to the Nest Party
  • Flight School
  • Block Party
  • Pep Rally
  • SG Comedy Night
  • Food Truck Frenzy
  • Dive-In Movie Night
  • Market Days
  • Eco Adventures
  • Welcome to College Luau
  • Ozzie's Weekend

For more information and a schedule of this year's events, visit the Week of Welcome website.

Visit WOW Webpage

Get Involved

Students who get involved on campus in both academic and co-curricular activities tend to have better grades and have a more enjoyable college experience overall. Though being at a university can feel intimidating at first, becoming involved with student organizations and connecting with university departments can quickly transform anxiety into comfort, and inevitably open doors to bigger opportunities. You will begin to establish relationships, create connections, and define your First-Year Experience.

Getting involved can take many forms. With more than 150 student organizations, multiple service opportunities, campus events and friendly people to help you find the right resources, finding your niche at UNF is simple. Visit our Osprey Involvement Center website for a list of current student clubs and organizations at UNF. Also, talk with your academic advisor about student organizations within your major of interest.