The Briggs First-Year Seminar:
Building Foundations for Student Success
The transition to college is one of the most pivotal moments in a student’s academic journey. At Lyman Briggs College, the First-Year Seminar (FYS) is designed to ensure that this transition is not only successful but transformative.
This one-credit course, piloted in Fall 2025, equips students with essential academic and professional skills—time management, scientific study strategies, goal setting—while fostering a strong sense of belonging within the Briggs community. What sets FYS apart is its peer-led model: experienced student mentors, supported by faculty experts, guide small-group discussions, facilitate interactive learning, and provide individualized support.
Through a 12-week curriculum grounded in collaboration and curiosity, students engage in reflective practices, connect with campus resources, and explore career pathways. The seminar culminates in creative projects that demonstrate applied learning and personal growth.
Why this matters:
- Enhances student retention and engagement
- Builds academic confidence and resilience
- Strengthens community and peer networks
The Briggs First-Year Seminar is more than a course—it’s an investment in student success and well-being, and an example of a high-impact practice essential to the distinctive LBC curriculum.
