Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Information For Faculty

Faculty from all academic units are invited to offer 1 credit-hour seminars targeted at first-year students. Enrollment is capped at 18 students and interdisciplinary seminars are encouraged. Faculty are provided a $3,000 stipend.

Faculty interested in developing a First-Year Seminar followed by a short study abroad experience are encouraged to contact the office to explore options.

Why should I teach a seminar?

(Comments from current and past faculty)

  • It encourages innovation, and allows faculty to "think outside the box" within a structure that streamlines the bureaucracy.
  • It's a good way to get freshmen involved with the academic community.
  • I really liked the freshman attitude. They were open (a little wary) but overall interesting, bright, creative individuals. I also never had even one unexcused absence!
  • I like this idea of introducing the students to an area they are not familiar with and giving them an opportunity to find out about the nature and scope of a professor's field of scholarly research.
  • It’s fun to meet incoming students and help them see OSU as a place to expand their minds (rather than fulfilling requirements only).
  • I think this is a good way of giving entering students some notion of the intellectual rigor and demands that are characteristic of programs at the university level.
  • Since I don't really work with undergraduate students on a regular basis, this course allowed me to experience teaching a whole new group of students. I highly recommend teaching a First Year Seminar to other faculty.
  • Small and group-oriented, these seminars provide students an oasis of intellectual discussion and social support in a semester filled with huge lecture courses.  The possibility of taking such a seminar communicates to students that the university cares about their transition into post-secondary education.