** This Course is FULL but you can sign up for the waitlist ** For more than 15 years, the First-Year Experience Seminar (FE 100) has helped students familiarize themselves with the unique challenges of residential college life. Social gatherings, outdoor adventure experiences, field trips to culture-rich Baltimore, community service projects, Jesuit spiritual programs and challenging classroom dialogues are just a few of the opportunities FE 100 provides to help students make the most of their first year at Loyola. Inside and Outside the Classroom
FE 100 allows you to experience Loyola inside and outside the classroom. Taken in the fall, this one-credit extended orientation course introduces you to your new environment through informal group activities and discussions, and provides you with the opportunity to get to know other first-year students and potential mentors. FE 100, which is taken in addition to the normal five course, 15 credit class load, meets 12 times throughout the course of the semester. The Course
FE 100: The First-Year Experience is a great way to get your college experience at Loyola off to a good start. Designed to meet the needs of students who want to become a part of the college community early on, FE 100 helps you learn how to obtain desired services at the College, get to know other freshman, and meet people who could serve as mentors or resources during their college careers. This course continually evolves to meet the changing needs of first-year students. The atmosphere of the class is informal, the information and experiences provided are unique and valuable, and the discussions are lively. Each class also takes two excursions into Baltimore to help students learn a little about what the city has to offer. There is no fee for the course, which requires about 20 hours of your time throughout the course of the semester. You will also earn one credit, which will appear on your transcript. Topic 1
Introduction
Your first group meeting is an informal introduction to your instructors, each other, and the purpose of the class. It will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions that have gone unanswered during your first few days at Loyola. You will also learn about the academic advising system and ways to get involved at the College. Topic 2
Social Gathering
Your instructor team will host an enjoyable gathering, most likely off campus, at a nearby park or home. Here you will get to know your classmates and instructors and enjoy some good food. Topic 3
An Overview of Service Opportunities in Baltimore & Beyond!
The Center for Community Service and Justice at Loyola College is recognized nationally for its community service programs. Two-thirds of Loyola students participate in community service during their four years at Loyola. Every fall, over forty agencies come to campus for the annual Community Service fair in McGuire Hall. FE 100 students attend this fair to get a sense of the needs of the Baltimore community, the agencies working to respond to those needs, and the opportunities for student involvement. Topic 4
Service & Justice: Key Elements of a Jesuit Education
Why is community service so much a part of a Jesuit education? What do we mean at Loyola when we speak about justice? These questions will be explored and current students will share their stories about becoming involved in community service and works of justice. All FE 100 students will also participate in a class service experience in the city of Baltimore. Topic 5
Learn, Lead, and Serve
One of the principal objectives of a Loyola education is to enable students to “learn, lead, and serve in a diverse and changing world.” Your class will develop this topic and hear from students leaders about getting involved. Topic 6
Time Management and Counseling Services
As mid-semester approaches, many first-year students experience a need to develop better time management and organization skills in order to meet the demands of college academics. Most students find this session very helpful. In addition, services provided by the Counseling Center will be discussed. Topic 7
Outdoor Adventure Experience
Much of education today is experiential and outdoor education is used to help you and your classmates come together as a group and learn more about your personal strengths and weaknesses while undertaking some physical group initiatives. These experiences are fun and challenging. Topic 8
Jesuit Spirituality and Education
You will learn about the Jesuit tradition in higher education as well as the Examen, an important part of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Through a lecture specifically designed to lead first-year students toward a discussion of the mission and core values of Loyola College, you will come to understand the purpose of a Loyola education. Topic 9
Personal Well-Being
To address this topic we often schedule a national speaker who uses humor to help students make responsible and safe choices in their academic and social lives, as the speaker directly and openly focuses on sexuality and responsible decision-making around relationships. Topic 10
Difficult Dialogues
When you walk onto the Loyola campus, you will be exposed to a wide range of issues and challenges. Racism, class privilege, and sexism are among the topics your class may address, particularly in light of the service experience of the course. Topic 11
Academic Major and Career Explorations
In this class, you will be given direction on how to go about the process of choosing a major, whether to select a minor, and how to investigate career choices and internships. Other academic issues such as the Honor Code and study abroad may be addressed, and an introduction to the library resources may be included. Topic 12
Baltimore Excursion
The class will give you the opportunity to explore Baltimore, often referred to as “Charm City.” You will have the chance to attend a cultural event, visit a museum or dine at an ethnic restaurant. All students who participate in Collegium will also be enrolled in FE 100, which is required of all Collegium participants. | 
