In the final episode of our special series on first-year seminars, Sara Chilton, Lauren Feeley, Megan McMechen, and Lucy Sneader discuss best practices for designing and implementing first year seminars that foster academic success, build a sense of belonging and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in college.

In the sixth episode of our special series on first-year seminars, Sara Chilton speaks with Mary, an international student, about her experience in a first-year seminar.

Sara Chilton synthesizes research on how international students are influenced by first-year seminars.

Lauren Feeley interviews Megan McMechen about her experience participating in a first-year seminar as a first-generation college student at a large state school.

In the third episode of our special series on first-year seminars, Lauren Feeley shares recent research on how first year seminars can specifically impact first-generation college students.

Lucy Sneader shares recent research on first-year seminars as high-impact educational experiences.

Megan McMechen discusses what first-year seminars are and why they qualify as a high-impact educational practice.

What are first-year seminars and how do they contribute to students’ college experiences and learning outcomes? In this special series, students in Elon University’s Masters of Higher Education program explore why first-year seminars are considered high-impact educational practices.