First Experiences
Course Attribute

The First Experience Course Attribute (FE) is awarded to courses that enroll first-year or first-year transfer students and incorporate key principles related to the first-year experience as outlined by the

What Works Clearinghouse and the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition These courses, available across various colleges/schools and departments at the University of Utah, will be listed in the general course catalog and semester class schedules starting Fall 2026.

application form

pDF Version

Please apply using online application form. PDF version is non-fillable and for preview purposes only.

Sample Evaluation Rubric

What Does the FE Attribute Do?

Courses with the FE attribute demonstrate the University of Utah is committed to the success of its first-year students by providing easily identifiable courses that support their transition to college. FE courses will connect, empower, and impact a students’ first year by building community, connecting to essential resources, and connecting coursework to future goals. Having the attribute on your course will show students that it has been specifically designed to support their transition and success at the University of Utah.

Timeline & Important Dates

Sept – Oct 31, 2025	Course consultations are available with the First Experience Working Group if you would like support prior to submitting your application.
Oct 31, 2025	FE attribute application deadline for Fall 2026
Nov 3 – Nov 26, 2025	Review and confirmation period

Sept – Oct 31, 2025

Course consultations are available with the First Experience Working Group if you would like support prior to submitting your application.

Oct 31, 2025

FE attribute application deadline for Fall 2026

Nov 3 – Nov 26, 2025

Review and confirmation period

Once approved, the FE attribute is valid for three years, after which, an evaluation and assessment is needed prior to reapplying for the attribute. The second approval is valid for five years.

Requirements for a FE Course:

1. Incorporate the 3 FE Design Principles:

Principal	Focus	Examples include but are not limited to
Connect (Community)	Foster community through peer interaction and engagement with faculty, staff, and campus resources	Experiences that intentionally foster community within the class, program, and college; meaningful connections to faculty and staff (visits to office hours and campus resources, and reflecting on those experiences); collaborative/team projects and constructive dialogue (e.g., project-based learning assignments, early research team opportunities, seminar discussion).
Empower (Knowledge & Skills)	Support academic transition and confidence-building through research, writing, and self-assessment	Examples include but are not limited to: Opportunities to apply relevant academic strategies (e.g. information literacy, research experience, discipline-specific writing); course assignments that integrate the opportunity to access and apply content learned in class and from institutional partners, such as academic advising, tutoring, wellness services, student success coaching (e.g., reflective self-assessment with goal-setting, collegiate-level scholarly presentations, major pathways).
Impact (Pathways & Purpose)	Support students in connecting their academic experience and coursework to future goals, career paths, or societal contributions	Examples include but are not limited to: Opportunities to apply relevant academic strategies (e.g. information literacy, research experience, discipline-specific writing); course assignments that integrate the opportunity to access and apply content learned in class and from institutional partners, such as academic advising, tutoring, wellness services, student success coaching (e.g., reflective self-assessment with goal-setting, collegiate-level scholarly presentations, major pathways).

Principal

Focus

Examples

include but are not limited to

Connect (Community)

Foster community through peer interaction and engagement with faculty, staff, and campus resources

Experiences that intentionally foster community within the class, program, and college; meaningful connections to faculty and staff (visits to office hours and campus resources, and reflecting on those experiences); collaborative/team projects and constructive dialogue (e.g., project-based learning assignments, early research team opportunities, seminar discussion).

Empower (Knowledge & Skills)

Support academic transition and confidence-building through research, writing, and self-assessment

Examples include but are not limited to: Opportunities to apply relevant academic strategies (e.g. information literacy, research experience, discipline-specific writing); course assignments that integrate the opportunity to access and apply content learned in class and from institutional partners, such as academic advising, tutoring, wellness services, student success coaching (e.g., reflective self-assessment with goal-setting, collegiate-level scholarly presentations, major pathways).

Impact (Pathways & Purpose)

Support students in connecting their academic experience and coursework to future goals, career paths, or societal contributions

2. Be a credit-bearing course (example: 1 - 3 credits).

3. Include the following syllabus statement that summarizes what the FE attribute does:

This course fulfills the requirements for the First Experience (FE) attribute, which is part of the university’s commitment to supporting the success of first-year students in their transition to college life. Courses with the FE attribute are designed to help you Connect with peers, faculty, and the campus community; Empower yourself with academic skills, confidence, and self-awareness; and Impact your future by linking your education to personal goals, career aspirations, and societal contributions. We’re excited to have you here and look forward to supporting your journey at the University of Utah. Welcome!

4. Include the following statement about the FE in the course description:

How to Apply for the FE Attribute

Step 1: Review the criteria and prepare your syllabus

Step 2: Submit the Application Form or PDF Version

Please apply using online application form. PDF version is non-fillable and for preview purposes only.

Applications are reviewed by the First Experience Attribute Review Committee (FEARC), which includes representatives from colleges and schools at the University of Utah.