Below is a list of questions we've frequently been asked over the years. If you have a question that is not answered below, contact the office of the dean of first-year students and academic services at 410-617-5547 or fyp@loyola.edu. What are First-Year Programs? - Learning communities designed and taught with beginning scholars in mind
- Opportunities to learn what a Jesuit/Catholic education is all about
Why should I join a First-Year Program? - To gain a smoother transition to University life
- To develop lasting friendships with other members of the program
- To take classes taught by professors who also serve as their students’ academic advisors
- To learn to make the most of your Loyola experience
- To enjoy a chance to better appreciate Baltimore as your home-away-from-home
How does a First-Year Program fit into my studies? The Alpha Program is one of the five three-credit academic courses that first-year students take in the fall semester. It can be a core, major, or elective course. Alpha students may choose to live with other Alpha students in Alpha House, which is located in Campion Tower or in a traditional residence hall on the east side of campus. Collegium makes up two of the five three-credit academic courses first-year students take in the fall semester. All Collegium courses fulfill core and/or major requirements. Collegium students are also co-enrolled in FE 100, which is a one-credit elective. Collegium students live together in Collegium House, located either in Campion Tower or in a traditional residence hall on the east side of campus. FE 100: The First-Year Experience is a one-credit elective that serves as an “extended orientation.” It helps familiarize students with life at Loyola and life in Baltimore City.
How many First-Year programs can I take? Only one. Each program is unique in its own way. Each involves out-of-class activities with the professors, so taking more than one would overload a first-year student's schedule. We believe it is important for students to have time for other campus activities.
Does Loyola offer other first-year themed communities in addition to Collegium, Alpha, and FE 100 Leadership Experience?Yes. Learn more about our first-year themed residential communities. | 
