Program Overview
Program Overview
The First-Year Seminar is a requirement for all new students at Penn State. Students must take the first-year seminar within the first two semesters of enrollment. First-year seminars are either identified by the course abbreviation "PSU 005" or by the suffix "S," "T," or "X." They are normally taught by full-time faculty, and the class size is limited to about 24 students.
Program Goals
First-year seminars have two overarching goals:
- Engage students in the scholarly community.
- Introduce students to the faculty.
Program Activities
Activities to achieve these goals include:
- Introducing students to University study and to Penn State as an academic community.
- Acquainting students with learning tools and resources.
- Providing opportunities to develop academic relationships with faculty and peers.
- Introducing responsibilities as members of the community.
Program Structure
The First-Year Seminar Coordinator for Penn State Berks oversees the program. The coordinator is Dawn Pfeifer Reitz, Associate Teaching Professor, Communication Arts and Sciences.
Program Resources
Resources for the First-Year Seminar include:
- First-Year Seminar Background Information
- First-Year Seminar Guidelines for Students
- FYS: Student Seminar Requirements
- FYS: Objectives for Students
- FYS: Faculty Out-Of-Class Requirements / Formats
- FYS: Faculty Questionnaires
- FYS: Student Resources
- FYS: Faculty Resources
Common Reading Program
The Common Reading Program is an integral part of the First-Year Seminar. It includes an overview of the program and a FAQ section.
Penn State Berks Overview
Penn State Berks is nestled on 258 beautifully landscaped acres in Berks County and is easily accessible from anywhere in eastern Pennsylvania and neighboring states.
Academic Programs
Penn State Berks offers various academic programs, including:
- Baccalaureate Degrees
- Registrar
- Course Schedule
- Academic Advising Center
- Thun Library
Admissions
Admissions information includes:
- First-Year Students
- Visit Us
- En Español
- Dual Enrollment
- Adult Students
- International Students
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and financial aid information includes:
- Tuition & Cost Calculator
- Paying Your Bill
Continuing Education
Continuing education programs include:
- Adult Learner Admissions
- Practical Nursing Program
Resources
Resources available to students include:
- Canvas
- Community Engagement
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Driving Directions
- LionPATH
- First-Year Seminar
- Faculty Directory
- Staff Directory
- University Police and Public Safety
Campus Directory
The campus directory provides information on various departments and services.
Footer Legal Menu
The footer legal menu includes information on:
- Privacy
- Non-discrimination
- Accessibility
- Copyright
University Information
The Pennsylvania State University is the governing body of Penn State Berks. The university's address is 2100 Stoudt Road, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. The university's copyright information is available.