Academic Exploration

Fall Colloquium and In-House Classes

Colloquium Topics and Guest Speakers

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Exploration of Values
  • High School to College Transition
  • Exploration of Health
  • Exploration of FSU Academics
  • Discovery of Academic Majors
    • Undergraduate Program Directors from various majors are invited to speak with the students about their programs of study. Students are then able to network with these faculty members and ask questions about the major.
  • Discovery of Career Options
  • Meet the Exploratory Career Liaison
  • Exploration of Finances
  • Discovery of Healthy Relationships
  • Discovery of Leisure Time
  • Discovery of FSU International Opportunities
    • International Programs
    • Global Exchanges, CGE
  • First Semester Reflection

Peer Mentor Discussion Sessions

As the second part of the fall colloquium, students meet with their Peer Mentors in groups of 10-12. During these sessions, Peer Mentors create a welcoming and casual atmosphere by starting each class with personal check-ins about weekly highs and lows, sharing stories and photos from their own freshman experiences, and facilitating ice-breaker activities. The sessions cover essential topics, including time management, mental health awareness, financial aid guidance, email etiquette, professionalism, academic strategies, and class registration procedures. Throughout the semester, Peer Mentors facilitate specialized programming within these weekly discussion sessions, including taking students to Market Wednesday, hosting presentations from CHAW (Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness) who spoke about the nine dimensions of wellness, welcoming RENEW (Realizing Everyone's Need for Emotional Wellness) Peer Educators to speak with students about health and wellness topics, and collaborating with Unconquered by Debt Peer Mentors to help students create their own personal budgets. 

During the spring semester, Peer Mentors encourage active participation through group discussions, social activities, and interactive exercises while maintaining an informal environment that allows students to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their own experiences. These sessions were complemented by community-building events outside the classroom, including paint-a-pot activities, bowling outings, and trips to the FSU Lakefront Park, to foster connections between students and mentors.

In-House Classes

Students are also required to take one in-house class that also satisfies a CoreFSU requirement. However, each fall there may be different options based on course availability.

  • ENC 2135: Research, Genre, and Context
  • PHI 2010: Introduction to Philosophy
  • IDS 2393: Social Movements - Hunger Games Trilogy
  • SLS 1203: Introduction to Exploration of Academic Majors

Spring Discovery Networks

Courses

Students are required to complete one Discovery Network. Below are examples of previous Discovery Networks. However, each spring there may be different options.

  • HUM 1921: Seminole Athletics 360 – The Team Behind the Teams
  • HUM 1921: Media, Marketing, and Communications
  • HUM 1921: Building Connections: Networking & Strategic Engagement in University Relations
  • HUM 1921: Pre-Law Mentorship Journey – Exploring Law, Building Skills, and Shaping Futures
  • HUM 1921: STEM