About First Year Directions

The class does a great job of introducing you to all the resouces the University of Miami offers student, I know that even when I thought I knew everything, there was still more to learn...The workload that my FYD professor provided the students was a perfectly digestible amount as well. I don't see anywhere for improvement because the class functioned perfectly.

School of Nursing and Health Studies student

jonsclass
FYD created a safe space for me as a first-semester student. The class size, being fewer than fifteen students, allowed a true sense of community and comfort. The content we covered was genuinely helpful in encouraging first-year students to get involved and try new things on campus. This class introduced me to resources I would have never known about...and my professor made this course even more enjoyable, as he seemed genuinely engaged and interested in every student’s story and perspective and showed the utmost care for the students. At the beginning of the semester, I completed an insights survey that revealed I didn’t feel like I belonged at UM and wasn’t sure if I wanted to return. Thanks to this course, the professor, and the shared experiences within the class, I now feel like I truly belong.
School of Nursing and Health Studies student

No matter where you go, it's always scary to make a change. This class not only alleviated that fear but also taught me a lot about what to expect and plan for my first year.

School of Education and Human Development student

One of the biggest strengths of the FYD course was how it supported a smooth transition into university life. The course provided helpful structure during the first semester and encouraged self-reflection, time management, and goal-setting. It also introduced important campus resources and helped me feel more confident navigating academic expectations. Overall, FYD created a supportive environment that emphasized personal growth, accountability, and engagement within the UM community.

School of Communication student

museum

This course at UM does a great job helping students adjust to college life and learn about all the resources available on campus. It also helps you set goals and get to know other students, which makes the transition feel easier.

Frost School of Music student

FYD has been a good way to test and explore what the University has to offer. The Engagement Activities try to familiarize students with resources and a community they otherwise wouldn't tap into without encouragement. Also, the professor was amazing. He made me love the university more and helped us manage our time properly. My FYD instructor was one of the best professors I had in all my academic years.

College of Engineering Student

This course was strong in exposing me to different resources on campus in all aspects of college life. This class provided valuable insight and guidance to first-year students in terms of how to get their bearings and find their belonging.

School of Education and Human Development student

I appreciated the fact that FYD was trying to get people more involved on campus. Because of this class, I actually was introduced to the manager of the model shop and got a job. I really enjoyed visiting the library, and the guest speakers who came in to talk were amazing - I loved listening to their valuable experience.

School of Architecture student

FYD really helped me find my way around UM in every sense - I met new people, understood how UM works, and got a lot more engaged on campus. I also gained confidence in myself to take advantage of everything this university has to offer. This class was such a breather and a great way to find my place at UM, and the assignments encouraged reflection and made it easier to adjust to college life. This class is worth taking!!

College of Arts and Sciences student

coachl

First Year Directions doesn't just set you up for the first year of college. It teaches you how to be successful after graduation and in life.

School of Education and Human Development student

I really enjoyed the community of the class; it felt like a good checkpoint during the week and gave new students a really heartwarming small-knit community. Our professor was the best!

College of Arts and Sciences student

imag

The course provides students essential information about the various resources that the university offers for students to succeed during their time here. In addition, it allows students to feel more confident and connected with the campus as they learn about the numerous supports available for them.

School of Nursing and Health Studies student

My FYD instructor taught me the importance of using my tools and resources on campus - I wouldn't have been encouraged to use them without this class.

College of Arts and Sciences student

The course taught me many topics and allowed for networking and soft-skill development. A very informative course for freshmen and a good way to start off college.

College of Arts and Sciences student

First Year Directions (FYD 101) is a one-hour seminar class that includes topics and themes about navigating and utilizing campus resources, promoting health and wellness, exploring internship and career paths, growing as a student and a leader, implementing study skills and goal setting strategies, and embracing a culture of belonging.

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  • Why Take FYD?

    In just one hour a week, you will:

    • Match with a trusted staff mentor on campus - our instructors are Transitional Guides, Cane Navigators (your academic advisor), Success Advocates, representatives from Housing and Residential Life, Toppel Career Center, Multicultural Student Affairs, Department of Orientation, Athletics, and more!
    • Build a peer network of students from your school or college
    • Develop an academic plan for your major that includes extracurricular activities
    • Discover academic resources, study abroad options, and get first-hand guidance from the Toppel Career Center on how to build your resume and secure your first internship
    • Understand UM’s values and traditions and how they shape our community
    • Explore leadership and community service opportunities available both on and off-campus

  • FYD Results

    On average, students who take FYD successfully continue to their second year at UM at a 2% higher rate than those who do not take the course and finish their first year at UM with a 0.11 higher cumulative GPA (that’s the difference between a 2.9 and a 3.0!). 

    Results

  • FYD Themes

    ✓ Build a Sense of Belonging at UM
    ✓ Clarify Purpose & Motivation
    ✓ Navigate Academic Success 
    ✓ Explore Academic & Major Pathways 
    ✓ Plan for the Future
    ✓ Strengthen Self-Assessment Skills
    ✓ Practice Ethical Digital Engagement
    ✓ Learn from Campus Experts
    ✓ Connect Majors to Careers
    ✓ Develop Leadership Skills
    ✓ Foster Community & Cultural Awareness
    ✓ Connect to the Miami Experience
    ✓ Discovering New Interests and Hobbies
    ✓ Exploring Campus Life
    ✓ Building Healthy Routines & Habits
    ✓ Prepare for the Future
    ✓ Beginning the Path Toward Graduation
    ✓ Developing Grit & Resilience

FYD in the News

Success Program Launch: Incorporating VR Into the First-Year Seminar

Inside Higher Ed

For Jim Larrañaga, teaching didn’t end with his coaching career

Sun Sentinel

Meta For Education Brings Immersive VR Experiences To Any Classroom

forbes.com
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