Foundations for Self-Discovery & Lifelong Learning
New students are able to start their time at Rice with a course specifically geared toward their transition to college and to life at Rice University. This course will allow students to establish a path to achieve their goals, investigate resources and programs available at Rice, and learn how to navigate the university while maintaining their social, academic, and personal well-being. Instruction will combine classroom discussion, information from various campus departments, self-assessments and reflections, and intentional activities to allow students a safe and purposeful opportunity to discover more about themselves and the campus around them as well as establish a basis for growth in college and into their careers.
Course Instruction
This course offers a unique style of instruction that combines interactive presentations, guest speakers, and group-based projects to enhance the sense of community within each section. Each section has a professional staff instructor and at least one upperclassmen student who serves as a Peer Guide and is a resource for students in the classroom setting and beyond.
Peer Guides
First Year Programs and UNIV 110 instructors select a number of established students to serve as Peer Guides for each section. These students serve as co-instructors, assist with in-class and out-of-class activities, and provide a support system for students in the course. If you are interested in learning more about how to become a peer guide for future semesters, contact Student Success Initiatives at success@rice.edu
Spring 2024 Sections
22012 UNIV 110 001 Ahjah Green & Victor Castillo 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Tues/Thurs
Former students who have taken the class have had the following to say about their experience:
“UNIV 110 was a fantastic community where I not only felt valued as an individual but also where I felt safe to express my opinions. It was a great “excuse” for me to get involved all over campus and it also taught me so much about myself. I expected a class where I had time to kind of self-discover but this class actually guided me toward understanding myself deeper than I ever could by my own valor. Plus, it was tons of fun.”
“I got ‘spammed’ with FYP emails last summer, and I ignored them all, thinking that UNIV 110 would be another one of those lame touch-feely courses from high school. Spring registration rolled around, and so did more emails. ‘What do I have to lose?’ I said, and I signed up for UNIV 110. THAT WAS ONE OF THE BEST ACADEMIC DECISIONS I’VE EVER MADE. I love this class—it was so personal and collaborative—and I now have so many new, CLOSE friends and have learned SO MUCH.”
