Freshman Development Seminar (FDS) 100 is a University of the Virgin Islands (UVI)
student success course for all freshmen and matriculating students entering UVI with
less than 24 credits. FDS is designed to aid students in their successful transition
to college.
UVI is dedicated to the success of its students and FDS 100 fosters this pledge to
student success. Numerous fundamental elements of lifelong learning are part of its
curriculum, including critical thinking and written communication skills. FDS 100
is housed under the Center for Student Success and overseen by the Director of Student
Success and Mr. David Capriola .
Through a freedom of learning approach, FDS 100 is taught with small class sizes to
encourage the intellectual, communicative, and collaborative skills needed for discussions,
written work, and readings that are an important part of academic success. FDS 100
helps students to develop and achieve academic success early. In FDS 100, students
are exposed to:
Developing Competence
- Intellectual and interpersonal skills necessary to navigate through your new college
environment.
Managing Emotions
- Recognize, accept, express and control (in acceptable ways)
Moving through Autonomy toward Interdependence
- Not dependent or independent, can rely on others; role of mentors
Developing Mature Interpersonal relationships
- Open to different cultures, lifelong, healthy relationships
Establishing Identity
- Coming together of all aspects of self
Developing Purpose
- Career direction, personal ambitions, interests (learn skills to build a successful
future)
- Devoting time, energy and resources to what matters and is meaningful to you
Developing Integrity
- Values and internal and external motivators
- Developing congruence (balance between self interest and social responsibility)
Although the course is introductory, it is interdisciplinary in nature and designed
to encourage students to explore new ideas, new topics and new disciplines. Prominent
professors from various disciplines and departments within UVI help share and engage
students with topics such as studying, test taking, note taking, time management,
critical thinking, memory, how to register for classes, career awareness, health,
relationships and information technology. FDS 100 is offered each Fall and Spring
semester. While geared mostly for new freshmen, the course is open to all students.
Students who are undecided about their major, will especially benefit from this course.
It takes students down a path that often leads to a choice in major that allows them
to feel more certain.
The course earns students one degree credit and is required for graduation. New full-time
students are required to take FDS 100 in their first semester. Students transferring
to UVI with more than 24 degree credits or who have credit for a student success course
at another institution are exempt from the course. For more information about FDS
100 contact the
Center for Student Success or speak to an academic advisor when registering for classes.
Resources for Freshmen
