What will you learn about while in
Freshman Seminar?

In your first week of class, you are going to be introduced to UM and its history. There are so many reasons to be proud of this distinctively Christian school! You will also learn about events and ways you can get involved on campus! Through all of these class sessions, you will have developed life long friendships –this class is your connection to meet students, staff and faculty at the University of Mobile.

Prior to the beginning of the semester, you will complete a survey that will serve as a portion of your Freshman Seminar grade. The results of your survey will be helpful to better understand your unique pattern of strengths and needs while in college. During the first semester, you will meet with the Student Success Center (SSC) staff to discuss the results of your survey.  The survey results and the interview will help success mentors link you to the services and resources you might need in order to succeed.

Throughout the semester, Dr. Mashburn, UM Professor of Philosophy, will meet with you as a freshman group. You will encounter a range of issues from both philosophical and practical perspectives. Topics to be discussed are such as the nature of the university, liberal arts, and the purpose of knowledge.

By the end of your first semester in college, you will have learned about important information to help you become a successful student, including time management, study skills, stress management, how to budget money, and how to choose a major.

We hope you enjoy your University of Mobile first-year experience!

See ya there!
The Staff at the Student Success Center
251-442-2292

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	“An advantage of Freshman Seminar is the exposure of new students to faculty whose interest and expertise might be in areas new to the students experience and begins to immediately broaden the students’ view of the world. Freshman Seminar allows many new students to meet and interact with professors that they might otherwise not.” Steve D. Carey scarey@mail.umobile.edu Associate Professor of Biology B.S., Salem College; M.S., University of Southern Mississippi
	"What’s great about Freshman Seminar is that it gives me an opportunity as a Professor to relate with the students one-on-one as they transition into their college experience. One topic the students were especially interested in covered budgeting money which was more comfortable for me to teach because it’s what I enjoy most." Rusty Roberts rroberts@mail.umobile.edu Assistant Professor of Accounting, B.S., University of Mobile; M.AC., University of South Alabama
	“Freshman Seminar is a class in which the lessons learned are geared to impact the students immediately by helping them adjust from high school to college. It is an opportunity to learn from teachers from all content areas, broadening the student’s exposure to faculty that they might not otherwise encounter.”   Dr. Robert Olsenrolsen@mail.umobile.edu Assistant Professor of Christian Studies B.A., North Carolina State University M.Div., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
	“Freshman Seminar is a course that is beneficial for the transitioning of the student from dependence to independence. As students experience this transition they will learn how to manage their lives as independent individuals through the topics taught. It is a privilege to be a part of this process and to get to know the students personally.” Shirley Sutterfield shirleys@mail.umobile.edu Director of Student Retention, University of Mobile B.S., University of Mobile M.A., University of Mobile
	"I am looking forward to meeting and working with UM Freshmen! We will learn from each other all about Freshmen life at UM. This course will be beneficial to you in learning about the UM family and campus activities. FS 100 will be an interactive course to help you learn everything from managing your time to what it takes to be a successful college student." Mrs. Brenda Chastain bchastain@mail.umobile.edu Instructor in Education B.S. Troy University M. of Ed. University of West Alabama Ed. Specialist University of South Alabama
	“The reason I love coaching at the college level so much is that I have the opportunity to develop relationships with young adults who are at the stage in life where they are choosing their direction in many areas. As a Freshman Seminar instructor, I am getting a chance to develop those relationships with students that I may not other wise have gotten the chance to know. I look forward to the interaction and the topics this course provides.”  Brian Personbperson@mail.umobile.edu Head Women’s Soccer Coach/Assistant Athletic Director B.S., University of Alaska-Fairbanks M.B.A., University of Mobile
	"Life after high school can be a stressful experience. Freshman seminar can ease this stress by empowering you with a support system of fellow students and seasoned faculty members. I look forward to guiding you through the awesome experience of your first year in college." Mrs. Amy Taylor ataylor@mail.umobile.edu Business Administration Assistant Professor of Economics and Business
	Dale Johnson djohnson@mail.umobile.edu Assistant Professor of Communication B.A., University of Louisiana at Lafayette M.A., University of North Texas
	“Freshman Seminar is going to lay the foundation for your college career at the University of Mobile. I look forward to helping you maneuver your way through one of the biggest transition periods of your life.” Meaghan McGuiremmcguire@mail.umobile.eduCounselor B.A., University of Mobile M.A., University of Mobile
	"Freshman Seminar is a great way to maximize your skills as a student so you can get the most out of your UM experience. As a Freshman Seminar teacher and Director of Campus Ministries, I am looking forward to getting to know each of you and helping you through your college career." Neal Ledbetter neall@mail.umobile.edu Director of Campus Ministries B.S. Auburn University, M.Div. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

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"I really enjoyed my freshman seminar class this semester. We were able to discuss a lot of different issues every college student goes through during their first semester. I learned about how to plan ahead for my future here at the University!"
Paige McCauley
Elementary Education
Mobile, AL

“Being a freshman in college can be so overwhelming, but at the University of Mobile it is an easy transition! The Freshman Seminar class really does help prepare you for your college career. I have really enjoyed learning all the different ways to get plugged in and all the helpful tools of studying.”
Amanda Roach
Theology
Olive Branch, MS

"I enjoyed my Freshman Seminar class because I got to meet several other freshmen. During class, we explored what we would like to do as our careers, which was pretty exciting. Also, this class showed me that it is ok to seek help from my advisor and teachers when needed."
Debby Faught
Communication/Journalism
Greensboro, AL

“Freshman Seminar pinpoints the many new responsibilities presented to every college freshman, including time management, budgeting, and future planning. Freshman Seminar assists students in learning to practice responsible habits not through 'crash and burn' trail and error, but through constructive wisdom given by helpful UM professors.”
Amy Wright
Global Business
Mobile, AL

"Since I was a long way from home, Freshman Seminar gave me a chance to meet some of the other new faces at UM. It was a fun, laid back class that gave you a chance to learn about the university and how it operates. Freshman Seminar also gives you a chance to learn about yourself, your habits at school and how you can improve on them."
Ben Healey
Journalism/Marketing
Australia

"Freshman Seminar gave me the opportunity to relate with other freshmen who were going through the same transitions that I was going through.  Gathering in a classroom setting with fellow students and a professor who was able to relate to our experiences, was both an encouragement and a blessing that taught me about organization skills, relationships, and the true University of Mobile freshman year experience."
Miles McCauley
Church Music
Montgomery, AL

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After you register for classes, you will be invited to join the Freshman Seminar Group on MyUM. There you will have access to additional Freshman Seminar information.