Transitioning from high school to university life can be a two-edged sword. There are confidence-building experiences like doing well on your first test and there are positively deflating experiences, like being overwhelmed by projects and assignments. Glenn Miehls, director of advising, hopes to make the transition a little smoother for students entering UF this fall. Miehls, along with faculty representatives from all colleges, have designed a University-wide First Year Seminar for incoming freshmen. The goals of the class is to promote a greater understanding of UF’s academic culture, improve connections between students and students and faculty/staff and create higher levels of academic achievement. “We want to see the students get off to a great start,” said Miehls. “For some, it’s too easy to bury their heads in their dorm rooms. This will make it harder for certain students to fall through the cracks.” While the individual programs will offer classes like, “Intro. To Health Professions” and “First Year Experience for Animal Science Majors,” the common curriculum will address study habits, advising, and promote familiarity with University resources. “It will also be a way for students in different majors to interact and make friends who may have other interests,” added Miehls. “We think this will promote an identity with the entire University and not just a program or major.” Things to Know