Introduction to University Life
Introduction to University Life (UNLF) is a student success seminar for incoming TCU students to help them cultivate habits of learning and academic achievement. This one-credit-hour, seminar-style course provides knowledge, skills and strategies to help students successfully transition into academic life at TCU. Courses are taught by instructor-mentors and student peer guides who facilitate engaging conversations about important topics. Students are introduced to fundamental questions and issues of the university experience—the nature of higher education at TCU; critical thinking; how to study for and reflect upon course material and experiences; academic and personal integrity; setting goals; taking responsibility; stress and time management; exploring campus resources; and developing life-long learning habits.
Introduction to University Life is under the direction of Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs Reginald Wilburn, R.A.Wilburn@tcu.edu.
Key Elements
Assigned Readings – To encourage reflection and generate class discussion, students are assigned a small number of readings on topics related to higher education, learning, and the academic community.
Goal Setting and Reflection – Students complete an in-class exercise to generate learning goals for their first year of college.
Written Reflections – Students respond to compelling ideas from readings and class discussions with two short personal reflections, approx. 500 words each.
Campus Experiences and Community Service – Instructors will suggest and approve campus experiences or volunteer opportunities for students that promote growth, learning, and familiarization with TCU and our broader community.
Mentor Meetings – Each student will meet once with the instructor and once with the Peer Guide outside of class time.
Mentorship
Mentoring is an important component of Intro to University Life. Each student meets once with the instructor and once with the Peer Guide for half-hour sessions during the semester. These meetings provide meaningful connections for support, guidance and shared Horned Frog spirit.
Peer Guides
Peer Guides are upper-division students who serve as mentors, resources and role models for students in each section of the UNLF course. Peer Guides work with the course instructor to help facilitate conversations, exercises and activities in the course. They play a vital role in engaging new students in important conversations about the college experience.
Instructors
The instructors for Intro to University Life are full-time faculty and professional staff from all corners of TCU. They opt to teach a section as a unique opportunity to engage with new students. All UNLF instructors share a common syllabus and student learning outcomes, with the opportunity to customize some aspects of the course to match an instructor’s individual style and areas of expertise.