UNIV 101

In a small classroom setting, UNIV 101 helps new students make a positive transition to Loyola University Chicago by helping them adjust to academic and student life. Students will develop relationships with their classmates, faculty/staff instructor, and Peer Advisor in order to foster an inclusive and welcoming community. To make the most of their experience at Loyola, students will participate in meaningful discussions, personal reflection, and engaging activities within and outside of the classroom to learn more about themselves, others, Loyola, and the City of Chicago.

Goals

1. Foster student academic success and the achievement of their academic goals
2. Connect students to Loyola University Chicago, our mission, and the City of Chicago
3. Support student wellbeing and sense of belonging at Loyola University Chicago

Learning Outcomes

As a result of engaging in UNIV 101, students will be able to:

1. Create an academic and co-curricular plan to make the most of their experience at Loyola.
2. Choose resources and opportunities, on- and off-campus, that help them achieve their academic, social, personal wellbeing, and career goals.
3. Describe how the Jesuit mission of Loyola University Chicago, and the City of Chicago, influence their experience at Loyola.

Most students will enroll in a general section of UNIV 101, which consists of students from across campus with different majors and identities. In addition, some sections are available for students with specific majors, communities, and identities. These special UNIV 101 sections may include:

Magis sections, for students who identify as… 

• Asian students
• Commuters
• First-generation college students
• LGBTQ
• Pre-health
• Students of color
• Undecided/undeclared

Major specific sections, for students majoring in…

• Communications
• Engineering 
• Helping Professions (Social Work, Education, etc.)
• Nursing
• Public Health
• Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM)

Program specific sections, for students involved in….

• Achieving College Excellence (ACE)
• First-Year Research Experience (FYRE)
• Interdisciplinary Honors Program
• Learning Communities
• NCAA Athletics
• Quinlan School of Business Honors Program
• Rambler Success Program (RSP)
• Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs (SDMA) Mentorship Programs

Fall Opportunities for UNIV 101 Students

In addition to taking UNIV 101 together, students are encouraged to connect with each other and their Peer Advisor (PA) and instructor outside of class time. Formal opportunities may include:

• New Student Convocation and First-Year Text discussions
• Dinner Crawl
• UNIVxAthletics
• Academic Planning Workshop

University faculty and staff who have earned a Master’s degree or higher are encouraged to apply to teach UNIV 101 each fall. Interested faculty and staff can direct questions to our office at firstyearexperience@luc.edu. 

Undergraduate students who want to support new students in transitioning to academic and student life at Loyola are encouraged to apply to be a Peer Advisor. Peer Advisors co-teach two sections of UNIV 101, and mentor up to 44 first-year students. The Peer Advisor commitment is approximately 7 hours/week in the fall, plus training that begins the semester prior to service. Peer Advisors are paid an hourly rate in accordance with City of Chicago minimum wage. Please direct questions to PeerAdvisors@luc.edu. 

Click here to view the Academic Advising Syllabus.