Core Competency Areas

Academic Engagement, Personal Growth, Health and Wellbeing, Career Development. Social and Cultural Connection, and UConn 101

FYE Class Requirements

All UNIV 1800 and UNIV 1810 instructors must incorporate at least one lesson plan, assignment, or Campus Partner presentation from each competency area.

Returning instructors are encouraged to adopt new course materials, but have the option to keep their existing materials so long as they fit into the new competency area requirements.

New and returning instructors may find this worksheet helpful to design a class that fulfills all six competency areas.

Sample Syllabi
Sample Syllabus Course Materials
Custom Syllabus Worksheet

Academic Engagement

Building academic determination and learning to find excitement in learning

Lesson Plans

Time Management
Using a Syllabus
Responsible AI Use
Critical Thinking
Embracing Curiosity (MoD)
Information Literacy
How to Choose Your Courses

Assignments

Writing Center
Professor Interview
Research Connections Scavenger Hunt
Semester Map
Semester at a Glance

Personal Growth

Developing self-efficacy, resilience, and positive perspective

Assignments

Weekly Reflections
Giving Good Advice
Letter to Your Future Self
Vision Board
My UConn Journey

Health & Wellbeing

Increasing capacity for self-care and knowledge of  UConn’s health and wellness services

Assignments

One Week Wellness Log
Boundary Setting Practice
Meditation Practice

Career Development

Learning career skills early and accessing opportunities to launch from college to career

Lesson Plans

LinkedIn & Resumes
Career Values Cards
Elevator Pitch
Financial Literacy
Building Your Network
Developing Your Personal Brand
Career Competencies

Social & Cultural Connection

Cultivating healthy relationships and making meaningful contributions to the UConn community

Assignments

Involvement Fair
My UConn Journey
Breakfast Club
Self-Introduction Presentations
UConntribution

Campus Partner Presentations

The William Benton Museum of Art: Critical Looking Workshop
UConn Cultural Centers

College Navigation Skills

Exploring UConn and acquiring skills to independently navigate the undergraduate experience

Lesson Plans

Husky How-To
UConn Jeopardy
Challenge Group
Scavenger Hunt
Month of Discovery

Assignments

Interview Professor
MoD
Involvement Fair
Challenge Group
Meet with advisor