First Year Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have to take a First Year Experience?

  Mostly no, but depending on your major, you might. 

  A first-year experience course is not required by the University of Montana's general education system. However, some majors do have a first-year course included as one of their major requirements. Ask your advisor if you have a required first-year course.

• Will my grade in COLS 194 be included in my college GPA?

  Absolutely. You at UM awards a traditional letter grade that will be factored into your term and cumulative GPA. This class does allow students to change from a traditional grading option to a credit/no credit option grading option. Your instructor and advisor can help determine if this is right for you. Pro tip: The paperwork must be completed during the class, not after grade roll.

• Is this a big class?

  No. The class is capped at 20 students. Your instructional team will know your name and you will know the names of the other students in your class. 

• Is You at UM a study strategies class?

  No. Our instructional teams will offer several strategies for succeeding at UM, but the curriculum is focused on design thinking. If you are struggling or are just looking for some new ideas, chat with your instructor or the peer educator. They can absolutely help.

• Is this class just for students who do have not declared a major?

  Nope. Students from all majors are welcomed into the You at UM program. Our classes are typically half-and-half when it comes to students who haven't declared a major and students who have declared a major.

• Will I get anything out of this class if I have already declared my major?

  Yes. Utilizing design thinking to explore your major and your desired pathway allows you to dig deep into where that major might lead you. We look to help you enhance your studies at UM and to align your major with your life. In addition, we will support you and help you "try" that major or career on to see if it authentically aligns with you.

• Will I get anything out of this course if I haven't declared my major yet?

  Yes. From establishing a community of your peers to drafting three potential paths forward, you will have many opportunities and friends to help you address one of the core wicked problems of college, "What will I study?" We like to reframe this to "Who do I want to grow into?"

• How long is this class?

  This 2-credit class is an early-out, short course. We end class sessions in early November. Having 3-hours back in your weekly schedule going into your first set of finals can help ease the stress and give you the time to start prepping early.

• Is this class hard?

  This class hinges on attendance and participation. It is an active workshop where students will need to engage with the material, with their classmates, and with their instructional teams. Students who invest in themselves in these ways during the course do well. Also, there are no tests or long writing assignments.