CSE 1001: First-Year Experience
- Leadership
- Future students
- Current students
- Alumni
- Donors
- Corporate partners
- Faculty and staff
- K-12 Outreach
All first-year students in the College of Science and Engineering take CSE 1001: First-Year Experience. This required one-credit, A–F graded course is taught by College of Science and Engineering staff and undergraduate teaching assistants. CSE 1001 provides an opportunity to learn college success strategies, explore majors and careers, learn how to get involved on campus, and discover what your future in science and engineering will entail. Most importantly, CSE 1001 provides space for students to connect with others, learn about themselves, and prepare for their time in college.
A main component of the CSE 1001 course is peer mentorship. The course relies on undergraduate teaching assistants to mentor first-year students in class by providing guidance on academics, the collegiate experience, and preparation for future years. Teaching assistants collaborate with their class co-lead to facilitate class discussions and activities and share their own experiences as current CSE students. Additionally, students are required as part of the class to meet one-on-one with their CSE 1001 teaching assistant to discuss how the first semester of college is going. Both first-year students and teaching assistants alike say this is their favorite part of CSE 1001.
A major component of CSE 1001 is to help students explore, learn, and understand the 20 CSE undergraduate majors. To do so, we require students to complete a Major Exploration Assignment by researching various majors by conducting web research and attending live or in-person departmental events. Students can start their exploration by checking out the Major and career exploration webpage.
There will also be a Major Exploration Fair where students can learn about prospective majors.
Major Exploration Fair
Monday, Sept. 29, 2025
Noon-4 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union, Great Hall
Undergraduate teaching assistants play a vital role in mentoring first-year students, leading discussions, and supporting the CSE 1001 experience. Learn more about the role, responsibilities, and how to apply on the CSE 1001: Teaching assistant webpage.