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Your First Year Experience

At the 成人大片, we know that the first year is important in laying the right foundation for your success throughout your college career. The First-Year Experience (FYE) is a student-centered initiative designed to assist first-year students in making a successful transition to college and to prepare you to make the most of your college experience. Below are some "ospreytunities" to get involved with FYE!

Osprey Connections Experience

Interested in taking courses together that ask a BIG question? Listed below are our Osprey Connections Experience course groupings available this fall.

  • Explorations of Gothic
    The Gothic shows us what we fear. And it explores ways of facing our fears--along with the costs of ignoring what we might like to bury that remains undead. From its initial inception to present day, Gothic literature has not only proven to be one of the most enchanting genres of literature, but has also taken a strong place in the literacy canon with its power to address cultural anxieties, subvert established systems of thought, defy social conventions, and speak from the depths of human (and perhaps extra-human) nature. But how did the Gothic begin and why? To answer this, we will dive into the shadowy realm of the Gothic. We will examine history's first glimpse of the tribal Goths and later emergence of Gothic architecture. We will look to a cross-cultural Gothic as we explore modes of writing and thinking about contemporary gulfs inherited from an undead past. We will respond to the father of American and southern Gothicism: Edgar Allen Poe, and others, as we work at reading and writing our way through what we struggle to name or know or resolve. These pairings or classes will encourage collaborations and composed responses that empower us in the face of anxieties that might steal our voices or isolate us. 

    Courses within this grouping:
    • ENC 1143 - Writing with Evidence & Style
    • LIT 2000 - Intro to Literature 
  • The Vampire We Need
    Classical vampire tales such as Bram Stoker's Dracula often include a segment in which the heroes of the tale must conduct rigorous research on the blood-sucking fiend in order to defeat it. Hunched over a giant table in a dimly lit study, they pore over letters, diaries, newspapers, ship logs, and ancient texts on demonology to synthesize this information and find a way to put their undead foe in the coffin for good. This course pairing aims to replicate this thrilling and urgent mode of academic inquiry. We will explore the vampire from the past to present, starting with early folklore, the vampire tales that predate Dracula, and then moving on to Dracula. Finally, we will examine vampires of the modern age, whether those be Louis and Lestat of Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles, Stephenie Meyer's own Edward Cullen, or other vampires more recent and obscure. "Each age embraces the vampires it needs" is the famous claim of vampire scholar Nina Auerbach. We will conduct research on the vampire's iron grip on popular culture, each of us choosing a vampire of our very own to study, and, once we understand their purpose, put to rest. 

    Courses within this grouping:
    • ENC 1143 - Writing with Evidence & Style
    • LIT 2000 - Intro to Literature
  • Theater and Jacksonville
    Learn about the power of storytelling and performance through an immersive first-year learning experience to explore theater and community engagement. This pairing invites students to delve deeply into the craft of writing and performance, while discovering how theater can serve as a powerful vehicle for community dialogue. Students will engage actively with performances, workshops, and collaborative projects that connect classroom learning to real-world issues. By merging thoughtful writing practice with hands-on theatrical experiences, students will develop critical communication skills and a deeper understanding of the transformative role theater plays within communities.

    Courses within this grouping:
    • ENC 1143 - Writing with Evidence & Style
    • THE 2000 - Theater Appreciation
  • Theater, America, and You
    Shakespeare's Hamlet defines the purpose of theater as "to hold...the mirror up to nature". Lin-Manual Miranda comes at the same idea from the other end: "What's incredible about Hamilton...is everyone's seeing a bit of themselves in it". Both Shakespeare and Miranda argue that the purpose and attraction of theater is showing us ourselves: our nation, our society, our values, our problems. Somehow, theater captures this "human truth." How does theater do that? How does it operate? When we look in theater's mirror, what looks back at us today? In these courses, we will examine the answers to these questions. We will use various works of theater as the basis to explore theater elements and techniques, from acting to direction to lighting to costumes to media to choreography. In connecting theater to historical context, production, and theory, we will explore ways in which theater can 'defy gravity' as a collaborative art form, while still capturing the essence of the human condition. We will get hands-on experience with these elements and techniques, exploring the theatrical resources and organizations 成人大片has to offer. Together, we will explore this off-campus in and around Jacksonville too, attending local theater productions and performances outside of class. We will also bring theater professionals and experts into the classes to expand our knowledge. And finally, we will perform scenes from works we've read, or even works we created ourselves!

    Courses within this grouping:
    • ENC 1143 - Writing with Evidence & Style
    • THE 2000 - Theater Appreciation
  • Health and Wellness
    What does it mean to be healthy or ill? What does it mean to be well or unwell? How have these concepts been depicted in literature over time, and why have those depictions emerged? Through a combination of lectures, transformational learning experiences, and discussions students will interrogate existing notions of health and wellness as they build writing skills. This course pairing provides a valuable opportunity for students to enhance their understanding of health-related issues and develop close-reading skills that can be applied in various professional and personal contexts.

    Courses within this grouping:
    • ENC 1143 - Writing with Evidence & Style
    • LIT 2000 - Intro to Literature
  • What is Health? What is Wellness?
    What are the differences between cultivating health and/or wellness at the individual level as opposed to at the public level? Do the choices we make for our individual health/wellness always align with those we might make for the public health? This course pairing offers a unique blend of personal and public awareness and effective writing skills, providing students with the tools to articulate and advocate for health-related issues.

    Courses within this grouping:
    • ENC 1143 - Writing with Evidence & Style
    • HSC 2100 - Personal and Public Health

Consider a Living-Learning Community

Living-Learning Communities allow students with similar interests to connect academics with residential life by taking classes together, living on the same floor in the residence hall, participating in out-of-class activities that enhance what they are learning in class, and creating meaningful relationships with faculty, staff and other LLC students. Listed below are some of the Living-Learning Communities available to you. Some of the LLCs have a required course that you take together and some do not.

  • ASL Zone
    This community is for any first-year student who has experience with American Sign Language, is a heritage ASL user, wants to learn more about ASL, or is interested in ASL, Deaf Education, and Interpreting majors or minors. LLC participants will build connections with fellow students, faculty, and staff, and will create bonds within the Jacksonville community. No required courses are taken together, but you should enroll in an ASL course at your appropriate level.
  • Business
    This community assists you in becoming a competitive candidate for a career in business. The Coggin College of Business LLC creates a cohort of students interested in many areas of business. Applicable majors include the nine business majors. Required course taken together: GEB 1011.
  • Environmental Sustainability
    This community fosters critical thinking about environmentalism and sustainable projects. Students will engage in experiences in the campus environment, local Northeast Florida ecosystems, and beyond. Students will be empowered to make a positive impact on their environment in ways that are exclusive and unique to the first-year students in the LLC. Required course: either BSC 1010C or HSC 2100.
  • Freshman Admit Nursing (FAN)
    The FAN LLC is open to first-year students admitted into the Freshman Admit Nursing program. Through shared living spaces, collaborative learning opportunities, and engaging activities, you will receive mentorship from experienced nursing faculty and peers. Required course taken together: NUR 1010.
  • Film
    Are you a film enthusiast dreaming of a career in the film industry? This vibrant community is open to all incoming students with a passion for film. You will dive into the world of film, building lasting relationships with fellow film lovers, and gain hands-on experiences with others. Required course taken together: ENC 1143.
  • Healthy Osprey
    The Healthy Osprey LLC is open to all incoming first-year students who want to continue or start living a healthy lifestyle. All levels of fitness are welcome to participate, and "healthy" is pursued to the fullest extent of the word. As a participant in the Healthy Osprey LLC you will experience organic gardening, the high-ropes course, group fitness classes, healthy cooking demonstrations and much more. Required course taken together: HSC 2100.
  • Honors
    The Hicks Honors College is intentional in its efforts to create a living and learning environment within our Honors community. The goal is to create a seamless transition between learning in and outside of the classroom. This community will heighten student intellectual and personal growth and promote a greater degree of engagement in campus life. Required course taken together: IDH 1923.
  • La Casa & La Maison
    This LLC is designed for French and Spanish majors and minors looking to immerse themselves in language and culture while living in a supportive academic community. With courses in Spanish or French, faculty mentorship, cultural events, and immersive opportunities, this LLC is a unique experience for students passionate about language. For first-year and returning students.
  • Making a Difference in Education (M.A.D.E.)
    The MADE LLC is open to first-year students who plan to major in education. This LLC will provide a range of opportunities to connect with faculty, explore careers within the education field, and prepare students for the General Knowledge Exam. Students will benefit from skills workshops, classroom tours, leadership opportunities and faculty support. Required course taken together: EDF 2260.
  • Music
    The Music LLC boasts a musically immersive environment for music majors to foster creativity, collaborate with other artists, and enhance their musical talents. Participants in the Music LLC can expect a close relationship with faculty and staff from the School of Music, programs catered directly to the interests and passions of the community, and support in establishing your personal musical identity and network.  For first-year and returning students.
  • Pre-Medical
    This community assists you in becoming a competitive candidate for admission to professional schools in the medical field. The Pre-Med LLC creates a cohort of students interested in the medical profession. Applicable majors for the Pre-Medical LLC include biomedical sciences, biology, chemistry and physics. Students must be interested in pursuing medical, dental or veterinary school to be eligible. Required course: BSC 1010C or CHM 2045.
  • ROTC
    The Army ROTC LLC provides a place where students can further develop lifelong leadership and communication skills, increase their physical, social and emotional health, and improve their understanding of the Army. For first-year and returning students.
  • Sport Management
    Are you passionate about sports and looking to turn that passion into a career? This community is perfect for students majoring in sport management or anyone interested in a career in the sport industry. For first-year and returning students.
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)
    The STEM LLC connects first-year students interested in pursuing a degree or career in science (non-medical aspects of science), technology, engineering, or math. The living-learning community will help students develop the academic and professional skills needed to succeed in their careers and socially at UNF. Required course taken together: ENC 1143.
  • THRIVE
    The THRIVE LLC is open only to students who are accepted into the THRIVE program at 成人大片or serve as an ally or mentor for the THRIVE program. Students will experience tailored study halls and tutoring, weekly THRIVE classes on executive functioning and career development skills, and individualized attention from the THRIVE program staff. For first-year and returning students.

Attend Week of Welcome

Want to get familiar with UNF? The Week of Welcome (WOW) helps to kick off the new schools year and allows you to get connected the moment you step on campus with events and opportunities to help you learn your way around the nest. This first week will give you a head start to flourish socially and academically by participating in campus programs and school traditions.

Past Week of Welcome events have included:

  • Welcome to the Nest Party
  • Flight School
  • Block Party
  • Pep Rally
  • SG Comedy Night
  • Food Truck Frenzy
  • Dive-In Movie Night
  • Market Days
  • Eco Adventures
  • Welcome to College Luau
  • Ozzie's Weekend

For more information and a schedule of this year's events, visit the Week of Welcome website.

Visit WOW Webpage

Get Involved

Students who get involved on campus in both academic and co-curricular activities tend to have better grades and have a more enjoyable college experience overall. Though being at a university can feel intimidating at first, becoming involved with student organizations and connecting with university departments can quickly transform anxiety into comfort, and inevitably open doors to bigger opportunities. You will begin to establish relationships, create connections, and define your First-Year Experience.

Getting involved can take many forms. With more than 150 student organizations, multiple service opportunities, campus events and friendly people to help you find the right resources, finding your niche at 成人大片is simple. Visit our Osprey Involvement Center website for a list of current student clubs and organizations at UNF. Also, talk with your academic advisor about student organizations within your major of interest.