Welcome to UNI 101: New Student Seminar

UNI 101/HON 101 is a new student seminar course designed as an introduction to college life and intended for freshmen and new transfer students. Taught by faculty, administrators and staff, the course provides students with an opportunity to adjust to the academic and social environment of college under the guidance of a faculty/staff mentor and in the presence of a small group of peers.

How Do I Register for UNI 101?

Most students register for UNI/HON 101 during orientation after consultation with an academic advisor. If you are an incoming freshman who did not pre-register for UNI 101, please contact your advisor or University College at uc@marshall.edu.

What’s the Format?

UNI/HON 101 is a one-credit hour course which is graded credit/no credit (CR/NC). It is taught in a non-traditional, non-lecture style. Some sections are offered for 8 weeks and meet twice a week while several sections are taught twice a week for 10 weeks. Others are offered for 16 weeks and meet once a week. Many UNI 101 sections are college specific – meaning faculty from one college teach for students in the same college. In addition, several sections of special interest UNIs are offered including African American student issues, disabled student issues, and adult/returning student issues. Any student with a desire to learn a new perspective is welcome to enroll in a special interest UNI 101 section.

Is There a Required Text?

Currently the only required texts for UNI/HON 101 are the OneBook and a specially designed academic planner which is available for purchase at the campus Bookstore and Stadium Bookstore. For more information on this year's OneBook, please visit http://www.marshall.edu/onebook. Many instructors also require the Marshall University undergraduate catalog, a journal and/or a three-ring binder.

UNI 101 Goals:

• introduce practical study skills such as time management, effective note taking and reading
• build library research skills
• enhance written and oral communication skills
• identify goals for career and personal growth
• provide opportunities for students to meet other students
• involve students in the total life of the University
• teach students rules, regulations, and academic procedures
• enhance a respect for diversity and awareness as a member of the University community
• introduce services, resources, and opportunities

Why take UNI 101?

Students should take UNI 101 for a smooth college transition and to become familiar with MU support services. Freshmen taking UNI 101 are 27% more likely to return for their sophomore year. Students who complete UNI 101 have an average GPA of 2.9, compared to 2.6 for students who do not successfully complete UNI 101. Successful UNI 101 students are more likely to graduate.

UNI Advisory Board

To help Marshall strengthen the New Student Seminar, an advisory board was established in Fall 2003 to provide oversight and future direction. The Board meets twice per term, not including Summer.

Is UNI 101 a requirement?

UNI 101 became a graduation requirement for all incoming freshmen beginning Fall 2006. Students who have a concern regarding this requirement are encouraged to speak with their respective Associate Dean.

UNI 201-- Peer Mentoring

Upperclassmen may have the opportunity to be a peer mentor for a UNI 101 class by enrolling in UNI 201, a one credit hour graded course. Students trained as peer advisors will lead discussions and campus field trips, and work with faculty and staff advisors in the design and implementation of the freshman introduction to campus life and classes.

Students interested in becoming a peer mentor and enrolling in UNI 201 should contact Michelle Duncan in University College.