Empowering Student Success at WSU Vancouver
The WSU Vancouver First-Year Experience courses, specifically the UNIV 104 and UNIV 304 curriculum, provide students with essential college-ready skills and resources. These courses are designed to increase academic success and foster a deep sense of belonging within the campus community. As the foundational steps of the VanCoug Journey, these courses guide students through three core pillars: Navigate, Discover, and Become.
By participating in the First-Year Experience, students at WSU Vancouver gain a higher GPA and see increased retention rates. The curriculum focuses on building student trust and agency, ensuring learners feel in control of their educational path toward graduation. Through growth-mindset thinking, design thinking, and cultural wealth literacy, students explore their identities while mastering practical strategies like goal setting and time management.
The program utilizes a common read to spark meaningful discussions about race, culture, and identity. Through assignments such as personal memoirs and creative visual projects, students learn to articulate their own stories. Whether you are a fresh high school graduate or a transferring scholar, these courses provide the academic support and community connection necessary to thrive in higher education.
Courses for New College Students
UNIV 104: College Success and Skills
2 Credits UNIV 104 provides first-year students with academic supports, tools, and resources to increase their success and sense of belonging. Students participate in lectures, workshops, group projects, and seminars to build a strong foundation for their university career.
Courses for New Transfer Students
UNIV 250: Success Strategies
1 Credit Identify your top talent themes using the CliftonStrengths assessment. This course helps transfer students develop talents into strengths for academic and professional success while exploring advanced time management and goal-setting strategies.
UNIV 304: Transfer Student Seminar
2 Credits Similar to the first-year seminar but tailored for those entering with prior college experience, UNIV 304 focuses on community integration. It offers the academic tools and virtual or traditional seminar environments needed to master the WSU Vancouver landscape.