Engage 100 Experiences

Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs) are the perfect way to dive into college life with a supportive community of fellow first-year students who share your interests. When you join a FIG, you'll be enrolled in a cluster of courses tailored to your major or career path, making it easier to connect with classmates and succeed together. Plus, you'll participate in a fun and engaging FIG Colloquium, led by an experienced upper-division student who can offer guidance and support. To enroll, work with your advisor to select a FIG cluster that fits your schedule and identify the FIG’s title in the appendix of “It’s All Academic.”

For more information contact Freshman Interest Group Office at FIGs@admin.fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

Inquiry, investigation, and discovery are at the heart of Florida State's mission. Every faculty member is engaged in groundbreaking original scholarship, and as an undergraduate, you can join research mentors in their work in laboratories, libraries, studios, and beyond. Imagine how you can connect your classroom learning and intellectual interests as you work with faculty members, Ph.D. students, and startup companies on research and creative projects. You will also be part of a supportive undergraduate research community through the UROP colloquium. Near the end of this 2-semester program, you will present your research as part of the campus-wide Undergraduate Research Symposium.

For more information contact Alicia Batailles at alicia.batailles@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

Living–Learning Communities (LLC) are a small group of students who live together, share an interest, and take one or two of their classes together — usually in a small classroom inside their residence hall. An LLC provides freshmen with a supportive network of peers and distinguished faculty as soon as they arrive at FSU. This experience is available through an application process.

For more information contact Dr. Courtney Barry at cbarry@admin.fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

Navigating Your FSU Experience is designed to help first-year students successfully transition to Florida State University. This course invites first-year students to experience the many opportunities Florida State University has to offer and chart their own course to a successful college experience. Students will explore their own values, engage with campus resources, and apply college success strategies to effectively navigate their transition to FSU.

For more information contact Madeline Thompson at mthompson7@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring

The University Honors Colloquium is a one-credit, pass/fail course offering in both Summer B and Fall. This course is required of all first-year Honors students. Classes are peer-led and assist students in their transition from high school to college by addressing the areas of personal growth, academic and intellectual development, and community building.

For more information contact Liz Iaconis at eiaconis@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

Designed for Music students to help establish community, healthy study habits, academic and career goals, and learn how to be a Seminole in the College of Music. This course is for Music majors.

For more information contact Rachel E. Ward reward@fsu.edu, Dr. Joanna Hunt, jchunt@admin.fsu.edu at reward@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Summer B

This special topic course is designed to help students discover the right major and career options for them by exploring their values, interests, and skills. By exploring the three fundamental components of Florida State University's Exploratory program - Self, Major, and Career - students will gain skills in thoughtful introspection, critical reasoning, and disciplined thinking. Throughout the course students research majors and work together with their Instructors and Exploratory Peer Advising Leaders to learn more about their major and career goals, as well as themselves, to ultimately declare their major with confidence! This course is for Exploratory majors.

For more information contact LaShae Roberts at lroberts@admin.fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring

Special emphasis will be placed on effective time management skills, organization, test-taking, preparing for internships and future employment, campus resources, and other skills development for successful academic and social integration into the university. Within the structure of this course we will discuss utilizing accommodations, understanding personal strengths and challenges, and working with faculty members. This program is designed specifically for students registered with the OAS and is co-facilitated by a student leader registered with the OAS who understands the dynamics of utilizing accommodations with oversight by a full-time teaching faculty member and OAS staff.
To enroll, contact the Office of Accessibility Services at oas@fsu.edu.

For more information contact James Harding at jharding@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

Inquiry Approaches to Teaching invites students to explore STEM teaching as a career or a supplement to their STEM major. In the course, students, working in pairs, teach STEM related lessons in secondary classrooms to obtain firsthand experience with planning and implementing inquiry-based curriculum.

For more information contact Robin Smith at smith@bio.fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring

These sections of The Florida State Experience course support first-year students (FYS) in their engagement and academic success at Florida State University Panama City. Students will explore various institution resources available on the Panama City and Tallahassee campuses. This course involves weekly in-person class meetings, engaging with course material on Canvas, and discussing challenges and successes in and out of school. Students will develop valuable skills to enhance their academic performance and foster connections with peers and faculty. Finally, this course provides a supportive environment to help students transition successfully into university life.

For more information contact Dr. Tyler Towne at ttowne@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

This seminar informs students on careers and career pathways in health professions and the academic, professional, and personal preparation needed to pursue a career in health. Class meetings, activities, and guest speakers are planned to inform students on healthcare and the health professions, knowledge of the various roles of the healthcare team, and the resources to help students explore their career interests and goals. This seminar is for students in the Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences program.

For more information contact Lauren Kendall at Lauren.Kendall@med.fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring

This course helps new residential students at FSU build connections, develop essential life and academic skills, and navigate their transition to college with confidence. Through interactive discussions and activities, students will set personal wellness goals, enhance study habits, and explore their role in the FSU community. By the end of the course, students will have a stronger sense of belonging, strategies for academic and career success, and tools to maintain their well-being throughout college. Enroll in IDS 1107 (Housing section) to start your journey to success at FSU!

For more information contact Stephanie Tillman at sftillman@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

Renewable energy, fast fashion, zero waste, what is sustainability anyway? Does it matter if you skip the straw? Get involved with Sustainable Campus as we discuss practical ways to create a more sustainable society and deconstruct sustainability trends to dispel common sustainability myths. To enroll, search for IDS 1107 in Schedule Assistant, then choose the section for “Student Guide to Sustainability”.

For more information contact Holly Smith at hsmith17@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring

This course will provide the tools to develop and apply college-level study skills, cultivate meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and students; enhance leadership and character development; and promote awareness of campus resources that can enhance individual student achievement. This course will be taught using a combination of classroom lectures and discussions, small group activities, ongoing personal reflection, and independent readings and assignments.

For more information contact Miguel Negron at mnegron@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Summer B

This version of the Human Experiences Course is designed for first-year Service Scholars. This course serves as their introduction to the Tallahassee community. Students complete at least 20 hours of service across 5 areas as they critically explore social issue areas in the community and more broadly.

For more information contact Dr. Joi N. Phillips at jnphillips@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

Community-Rooted Service Leadership

Students with an interest in developing community-rooted service leadership skills, regardless of their previous experiences in service, will explore the elements that support meaningful service-leadership in and with community.
Students will work with mentors connected to service-leadership programs in the Center for Leadership & Service and will be given opportunities to apply skill sets developed within the course through proposal development and direct community engagement.
Community-Rooted Service Leadership engages dialogue and community embedded experiences to explore intersections of identity, community, and positive, sustainable change.
To enroll, search for IDS 1107 in Schedule Assistant, then choose the section with the title of the theme you are interested in (topics: Community-Rooted Service Lead).

For more information contact Bridgid Shannon at bpshannon@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

Introduction to EngageTLH

The EngageTLH program, housed in the Center for Leadership & Service, allows students to get involved in regular or one-time service in the Tallahassee community through non-profit partnerships addressing a variety of community challenges. The Engage 100 EngageTLH course provides opportunities to engage with community partners, meet campus and community leaders, practice reflection, and develop facilitation skills that will prepare them to not only reflect on their own service journey, but to guide others in that process as well.

For more information contact Bridgid Shannon at bpshannon@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

First-Year Connections and Success is designed to help students transition smoothly into college life at Florida State University by focusing on academic success, personal growth, and purposeful engagement. Through structured discussions and activities, you'll explore the value of both academic and extracurricular learning experiences, learn about valuable resources on campus, and develop strategies for thriving academically and personally. By the end of the course, you'll have a clearer sense of your goals and how to connect with the FSU community to achieve them.

For more information contact Norris Boyd at nboyd@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Summer B

The Future Innovators section of the Florida State Experience specializes in working with first-time in college students to promote academic success in your freshman year and beyond. This section will specifically introduce you to programs, services and resources here at FSU to assist you in engaging in innovative research, events and entrepreneurship. In addition, within this section you will plot a course of action (Game Plan) to take advantage of these resources throughout your time here at Florida State University. The resources and programs you will engage with will educate you about activities during and beyond your first semester. The meeting schedule will represent a wide range of potential student interests from technology-based activities to international programs. In the first week of the course, you will complete a questionnaire so that I will have a better understanding of your interests in research and general innovation. This will help me to tailor the semester activities to the needs and interests of the class. You are invited to participate in this program at no cost.
To enroll, search for IDS 1107 in Schedule Assistant, then choose the section for “Future Innovators”.

For more information contact Wisley Dorce at wes@innovation.fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring

This course is designed exclusively for first-semester students who earned an Associate of Arts (AA) degree while in high school. Students in this course will proactively reflect on how the high school AA degree impacts their identity and plans at Florida State. Moreover, students will explore FSU’s resources and culture and learn from fellow students by engaging in active dialogue.

For more information contact Heather Shattuck at hshattuck@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring

This course aims to help new students meet peers with similar interests, explore FSU's resources, have success in the humanities, and gain insight into career opportunities with a History major.

For more information contact Dr. Claudia Liebeskind at cliebeskind@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

The QUEST Scholars Program of FSU's Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE) is designed to invest in students for their success at FSU and beyond. QUEST Scholars can expect to have access to transition, academic and developmental services to thrive at Florida State and set the stage for a positive post-graduation experience. Students will meet with assigned peer leaders weekly to building community, strengthen connection to FSU and establish their plan for their college quest.

For more information contact Austin McDonald at aam22q@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

This course is designed specifically for first or second semester students who have declared Nursing, NFA as their major. The class meets once a week and centers around the nursing profession and the admission requirements needed to enter the College of Nursing at FSU. Current nursing students will serve as a resource and mentor throughout the class. Weekly guest speakers include members of the nursing faculty, nursing advisors, nurse leaders from the community and successful Nole Nurse Alumni who are working in the profession. Additionally, we will explore resources available to all students at FSU including The Academic Center for Excellence and The Counseling and Psychological Services Center. Community involvement is also a key component of this course as we will be volunteering together as a group in at least one community program during the semester.

To enroll, search for NUR 1010.

For more information contact Susan Baker at sabaker@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring

This course is designed with one objective in mind: your successful navigation through potentially bumpy roads, unexpected roadblocks, and safe detours in transition to your college lifestyle, relationships, academics, and campus home. Within this 6-week course we’ll experience personal reflection and campus-focused activities, practice strategies for effective and time-saving study-skills, and role-play scenarios for first-year situations like communicating with your professors. By the end of this course, you will have a well-prepared and versatile roadmap to guide your first-year journey at FSU.

For more information contact Dr. Samantha Tackett at stackett@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Summer B

Discover your path to a successful business career in this course, where you'll connect with FSU alumni and faculty, explore diverse career options, and build lasting relationships within the College of Business community.

For more information contact Mark Zeigler at mzeigler@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring

This course helps you figure out who you are, who you want to be, and where you want to go. It teaches you to use the Design Thinking process to actively create the life you want based on your interests, strengths, characteristics, values. This course also explores your purpose in college, selecting your major, educational wayfinding, innovating Florida State experiences, developing an entrepreneurial mindset, and creating your preliminary post-graduation plan. This hands-on class utilizes small group discussions, personal and group reflections, in-class activities, field experiences, and design team collaboration. It could also lead to supportive friendships and mentoring support.

For more information contact Ahmed Negm at ahmed@innovation.fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Summer B

Have you ever wanted to create your own tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG)? Do you enjoy roleplaying and want to learn more about the history and value of this activity? Are you interested in finding other like-minded students on campus? Welcome to "Tabletop Roleplaying Game Design: Crafting Worlds and Narratives," an immersive and hands-on course that invites students to delve into the captivating realm of TTRPG design! Roleplaying games are an important part of the modern game design and interactive media industries. Even more, the act of engaging in roleplay mirrors real-life situations and can help you better prepare to tackle real-world challenges. Roleplay games teach you to critically think through complex situations and see yourself through different perspectives.

For more information contact Corbin Nall at cgnall@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring

This course is designed to help students build their skills in working one-on-one with others in a variety of contexts, providing them with experience that will aid them in virtually any major or career path. Students will learn effective strategies for helping others (and themselves) learn, working through conflict and disagreement, aiding people in different stages of distress, working with clients, supervising others as a teacher or employer, and collaborating with others. Students will develop their emotional intelligence, ability to handle conflicts, customer service aptitude, and other essential skills for improving their educational and career capabilities. Students in this class can expect to attend class once weekly, use Canvas to access course materials, and be ready to participate in classroom activities and have open discussion about each week's topic. A final project and presentation that connects your own goals with the concepts of the class and identifies relevant campus resources and activities will be due at the end of the semester.

For more information contact Dr. Shane Hockin, William Johnston Building G050 at shockin@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

This section of The Florida State Experience course is geared towards incoming students in a declared STEM major (Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Math, Physics, etc.) The course is designed to help set up STEM students for success by developing effective study skills, understanding challenges that exist for STEM majors, and by beginning to utilize campus resources available at FSU.

For more information contact Emily Burgess at eburgess@eng.famu.fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring

Students with an interest in developing community-rooted service leadership skills, regardless of their previous experiences in service, will explore the elements that support meaningful service-leadership in and with community.
Students will work with mentors connected to service-leadership programs in the Center for Leadership & Service and will be given opportunities to apply skill sets developed within the course through proposal development and direct community engagement.
Storytelling: Create Community will explore storytelling through a variety of platforms and media as a tool for building connection and community on campus and beyond.
To enroll, search for IDS 1107 in Schedule Assistant, then choose the section with the title of " Story Telling" in the Special Topic.

For more information contact Paige Rentz at prentz@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

This course requires students to identify an appropriate (approved) Experiential/Laboratory Learning venue to shadow, volunteer, or visit as part of the course requirement to engage and experience the real world of healthcare settings or health-related research laboratories. This seminar facilitates student engagement in experiential learning, promotes thoughtful reflection on academic and pre-professional experiences, and stimulates discussion of various career options.

For more information contact Haiyan Maier at hmaier@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Spring

Participating in the Out-of-State Student Success course will allow first-year students the opportunity to explore what FSU campus has to offer by completing cultural and/or academic excursions and reflecting on their experience. Students will also participate in small group discussions and activities geared toward fostering a student's home-state and FSU pride. In addition to their Out of State Navigator (peer mentor), students will be matched with a Noles Everywhere Ambassador who will conduct outreach and offer support for a roster of students from the same region or in the same academic discipline. Through guest speakers and activities, students will explore resources connected to career and professional readiness. During small group activities, intentional grouping will allow students to interact with students who have similar goals (career aspirations, academic discipline, hobby, region, etc.). The Out-of-State Student Success (IDS1107) course is a 1-credit-hour class designed to provide first-year students who are from beyond Florida with a set of experiences that will introduce them to the academic culture at Florida State University while also promoting connectedness to FSU and the Tallahassee community.

For more information contact Casey Yorks at cyorks@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

This course introduces diverse aspects of everyday life in the Arabic-speaking regions of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Students will develop a basic critical understanding of various social and cultural phenomena such as education, gender roles, religion, food, music, and literature unique to these regions. This course is a survey course, but much of the material focuses on very specific topics – in a sense, these act as a kind of scattershot sample of the region's diversity, with the understanding that they represent the tip of a much larger iceberg. Students will be regularly asked to compare the cultural phenomena in the MENA region with societies they have lived in so that they can make the unfamiliar more familiar.

For more information contact Zafer Lababidi at zlababidi@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

This course will cover a variety of topics related to critical thinking including evaluating research and scholarly literature, artificial intelligence applications in higher education, scholarly/scientific communication, and spotting fake news/information. Resources and examples will focus on health topics and health literacy. This course will be entirely class-discussion and group activity based. While there will be no homework or activities to hand in, students must be prepared to be focused and engaged on each week’s topic as a requirement to pass the course. This engagement program specializes in working with first year college students to promote retention and academic success in the freshmen year and beyond.

For more information contact Jules Bailey at jules.bailey@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall

The purpose of SLS 1004: Strategies for Academic Success is to connect and support students in various STEM fields as they navigate their first semester of college. The curriculum covers effective study techniques tailored for STEM majors, professional communication skills, helping students identify and apply for research labs and internships, and career exploration. Students will develop a professional LinkedIn profile and a resume with guidance from the Career Center’s STEM Liaison. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of the academic strategies needed to be successful as a STEM major, have a supportive STEM community from which to build, and a path to explore for their career goals.
Enroll in SLS 1004 to take the first step towards achieving your academic and career aspirations in the STEM fields!

For more information contact Holly Hunt at hhunt@fsu.edu

Semester(s) this class is offered: Fall, Spring