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First Year Matters

Common Moment

First Year Matters (FYM) is an annual program for incoming freshman students that explores the challenges we face as a result of global climate change and its impact on cultures and ecosystems around the world. Over the summer, First Year students receive a link to readings that explore the Feet to the Fire theme of that year. They are asked to complete the reading before arriving on campus. These readings serve as a shared frame of reference during the Feet to the Fire seminars and discussions that take place during their first week on campus. Seminars feature faculty members from the arts, humanities, social sciences and science and mathematics.

Students are encouraged to attend the many additional events scheduled for this week, which include lectures scheduled by student activity groups, films and group dinners. A list of the current academic year's activities can be found on the University's FYM website.

The week culminates in the Common Moment on Foss Hill. This performance is produced by the Center for the Arts and include music and dance related to the Feet to the Fire theme. Each unique performance is interactive and allows students to connect the materials learned throughout the week with the arts. At the conclusion of the Common Moment the students assemble in a histogram representing the results of the survey question answered by the students earlier in the week.

University First Year Matters Page