For Freshmen Only

The College of Liberal Arts has courses and program opportunities created specifically for first-year students. They can ease your transition into life as a CLA undergraduate.

Access to Success (ATS)

The Access to Success (ATS) program is a one-year program for selected freshmen who enroll in the College of Education and Human Development; the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences; or the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

Course and Program Opportunities

Freshman Seminars

Freshman seminars are courses taught by award-winning CLA faculty. They are limited to 20 students. The seminars cover a broad variety of fascinating topics in the arts, behavioral sciences, global issues, politics and culture, and more. It’s a great way to get to know a faculty member better and to explore a topic in-depth. See a list of the seminar topics being offered for the upcoming term.

First-year Interest Groups (FIGs)

When you join a First-year Interest Group (FIG), you are part of a learning community of 20 students. Your group takes three courses together, including CLA 1001, Introduction to CLA Student Life. You can get to know others in your classes, and CLA 1001 is a great introduction to the college and its resources. When you come in for your orientation and first registration, you will learn more about FIGs and how to register for one.

Student Excellence in Academics and Multiculturalism (SEAM)

In the SEAM program, you will join a community of 15-20 first year students who share similar interests or goals and are interested in studying in a multicultural environment.

Your community takes the same 2-4 classes for fall semester. These classes are popular courses that meet graduation requirements.

Courses in Common

First-year students in CLA Honors can participate in Courses in Common. You take the same two or three classes with 17 other new honors students. Sharing courses with the same students is a beneficial and exciting way to start your college career. It lays the foundation for an experience of sharing notes, studying together and exchanging ideas and experiences with a close-knit group of motivated students. When you come in for your orientation and first registration, you will learn more about Courses in Common and how to register.

What You Get Out of These Courses and Programs

Small class size

Most of the classes that you will be taking are small, with 20 or fewer students. (Some classes have a large group lecture, but then small discussion groups of 25 or fewer students meet to talk about the lecture.)

Connection with faculty

Having a small class will give you a better opportunity to get to know some of our esteemed faculty. You will be learning from the professors who write the texts that are used by students across the country. Faculty can provide insights, guidance, advice and more.

Connections with other students

Through these classes and programs you will be connected to a group of motivated students who are interested in studying some of the same topics as you. You can share notes, form study groups, discuss classes and even make friends.

Reserved seats in popular classes

When you participate in these programs, you will have access to classes that are popular and fill quickly. CLA reserves class seats for students in these programs.

Bottom line—these classes and programs will:

Help you adjust to life at the University of Minnesota
Give you an opportunity to connect to a faculty member
Connect you to a cohesive group of motivated students