UNIV 101: University Experience
UNIV 201: Transfer Experience
UNIV 101 (University Experience) and UNIV 201 (The Transfer Experience) provide an invaluable introduction to college. These elective 1 credit, 12-week courses are designed to help new students adjust to NIU and develop the skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond.
During fall 2007 over 62% of the freshman class (1,864) enrolled in a UNIV 101 course. These courses have an average class size of 21 students to foster close student interaction.
NIU faculty/staff members who teach the course are committed to helping first-year and transfer students succeed. Many sections have a volunteer upperclass Peer Instructor.
Some of the specific topics include learning about:
- Locating and using NIU resources and support services
- Navigating the university (physically and online)
- Improving time management skills
- Setting and reaching academic and personal goals
- Developing effective study habits
- Making good decisions and ethical choices
- Fostering and maintaining relationships (family, friendships, roommates, significant others)
- Living in a diverse, multicultural society
- Sharpening critical thinking skills
- Planning and preparing for your future career
Students who partake in UNIV 101 or 201 will:
- Make a connection with a faculty/staff member who cares about their adjustment to NIU and collegiate career.
- Develop connections with other first-year students who are adjusting to campus life.
- Gain an understanding of the history of NIU and campus traditions.
- Become knowledgeable about university processes, procedures, and university resources available to support their individual academic and personal needs.
- Learn effective time management, note taking, and study strategies that will help students improve their academic achievement.
- Understand the importance of setting goals (academic, career, and personal) and be able to display successful goal-setting strategies.
- Demonstrate their ability to effectively work individually, as well as with others in a group environment.
- Be able to make good decisions and form healthy relationships.
Here's what former students have to say about
UNIV 101/201...
- "I'm glad that I was able to meet new people. I saw different view points and reactions that I normally wouldn't see in any other class."
- "UNIV will help new students feel comfortable coming to a large campus like Northern's."
- "I really enjoyed the class and recommend it to any new student I meet!"
For more information about UNIV 101 or 201 contact:
Orientation & First-Year Experience
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115-2898
office: 815-753-1535
fax: 815-753-7480
e-mail: firstconn@niu.edu
