Academic Support and Advising

FAQs

Why should I take UNC FYE 108?

The transition from high school to college is challenging for most students. National and local research has shown that students who take UNC FYE 108 are more successful in college than those students who do not take the course. UNC FYE 108 helps students identify and practice strategies to succeed in the classroom such as higher-level thinking skills, personal and educational responsibility, interaction with faculty, and campus engagement.

Is UNC FYE 108 required?

UNC FYE 108 is not required, but is highly recommended. It has been proven that students who take UNC FYE 108 tend to get higher grades, and tend to stay in school longer than those who do not. Most first year students take UNC FYE 108.

Do I need to take every class in the First Year Linked Courses, or can I drop one?

First Year Linked Courses have been designed to give you the classes you need to get started on the right track for your major area of study. If you have transfer credit or AP or IB credit that exempts you from one of the First Year Linked Courses that you have been assigned, you can:

  • change to a First Year Linked Courses in which you do not have exemptions
  • get approval to drop the class that you already have credit for
  • not enroll in First Year Linked Courses
  • Approval to drop First Year Linked Courses will be done during your visit to UNC for New Student Orientation.

Can I drop more than one First Year Linked Courses class?

No. Dropping more than one class would not give you the benefits First Year Linked Courses provide. If a student is in First Year Linked Courses and drops more than one linked class, the Director of Learning Communities may remove a student from all of the linked courses in that First Year Linked Courses.

What topics are covered in UNC FYE 108?

See sample syllabi with course topics by clicking this link.

Who teaches UNC FYE 108?

Full-time faculty, staff and administrators, as well as graduate students have the opportunity to teach UNC FYE 108. Each instructor is certified to teach UNC FYE 108, which is accomplished through participating in a number of workshops offered by UNC’s Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning.

Are there First Year Linked Courses available for ALL majors at UNC?

The only undergraduate majors that do not have opportunities to join First Year Linked Courses are any major located within the School of Performing and Visual Arts. This is due to the time frame for auditions, as well as the specific nature of many PVA courses which are dependent upon one’s emphasis area.

Can I take a UNC FYE 108 that is not linked to First Year Linked Courses?

Each year there are a few seats available to students in an unlinked UNC FYE 108 section. These seats are reserved for students whom do not have the opportunity to take First Year Linked Courses, or for students who register for classes after First Year Linked Courses are no longer available.

When do I get to sign up for First Year Linked Courses?

You will be able to sign up for Fall 2009 First Year Linked Courses between March 16, 2009 and June 30, 2009. After June 30th, any students who did not sign up for First Year Linked Courses may try to register for one at New Student Orientation through individual course selection. This is a very limited option, so it is in your best interest to sign up by the June 30th deadline.

Where do I sign up?

First Year Linked Courses ranking is currently available on the same form in which you reserve your space for New Student Orientation. Click the “How to Join” link on the left-hand side of the page for more details.

Can I sign up for First Year Linked Courses in the spring semester?

First Year Linked Courses and UNC’s FYE 108 course are only offered in the fall semester.