Student Success Seminars

U100 Cohorts

University 100: Freshman Seminar

U100 guides and supports students as they join the CSUN community. Small class sizes allow students to meet other freshmen and begin building a sense of belonging on campus. Students will visit and learn about the CSUN resources and services available to help them throughout their academic journey. Through course projects, activities, and discussions, students will discover and develop their personal strengths and interests while also gaining the knowledge and skills needed to help them in their academic and personal development. 

First year freshmen can enroll in a general section or one of many cohorted sections. See below for the descriptions of the cohorts offered.

U100 College & Major-Based Cohorts

In these sections, first-year students are grouped with other students in their major or college. These sections provide a nice opportunity for new students to meet others in their major and learn about the specific campus resources and opportunities related to their major and college. In addition, many of the assignments and projects in these sections are tied to the cohort theme.

College of Humanities (COH) Freshman Connection*

In this cohort, students with majors in the College of Humanities are placed into a learning community and take both U100 and RS 100: Introduction to Religious Studies together.

College of Science & Mathematics (CSM) Freshman Connection*

In this cohort, students with majors in the College of Science & Mathematics are placed into a learning community and take both U100 and a Math course together.

David Nazarian College of Business & Economics (DNCBE)

This cohort is for students with majors in the David Nazarian College of Business & Economics.

David Nazarian College of Business & Economics (DNCBE) Freshman Connection*

In this cohort, students with majors in the David Nazarian College of Business & Economics are placed into a learning community and take both U100 and IS 212: Information Systems for Business Users.

Department of Child & Adolescent Development (CADV) Freshman Connection*

In this cohort, students with majors in the Department of Child & Adolescent Development are placed into a learning community and take U100, CADV 150: Foundations of CADV, and CADV 180: Statistics in Applied Developmental Science together.

Department of Criminology & Justice Studies (CJS)

This cohort is for students with majors in the Department of Criminology & Justice Studies. Students enrolled in these sections also take a section of CJS 101: Introduction to Criminology & Justice Studies together.

Department of Deaf Studies (DS)

This cohort is for students with majors in the Department of Deaf Studies and students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Department of Health Sciences (HSCI) Freshman Connection*

In this cohort, students with majors in the Department of Health Sciences are placed into a learning community and take U100 and HSCI 132: History of Preventive Medicine & Public Health together.

Department of History (HIST)

This cohort is for students with majors in the Department of History.

Department of Kinesiology (KIN) Freshman Connection*

In this cohort, students with majors in the Department of Kinesiology are placed into a learning community and take both U100 and KIN: Foundations of Kinesiology together.

Department of Theatre (TH)

This cohort is for students with majors in the Department of Theatre.

Exploratory

This cohort is for students who have not yet declared a major. Some students in this section may also take ENGL 113A: Approaches to University Writing together.

U100 Identity-Based Cohorts

Advancing Chicanx/Latinx Scholars (ACLS)

This cohort is designed to empower frosh Chicanx/Latinx college students with the essential skills needed for success in college, personal growth, and their professional pursuits. Through on-site visits and dynamic in-class presentations students will have the opportunity to develop a profound sense of belonging at CSUN by forming connections and relationships with classmates, Chicanx/Latinx student leaders, and members of the campus and wider Chicanx/Latinx community. They will explore their cultural identities and Chicanx/Latinx values and traditions which can support their academic success and social emotional well-being.  Students will engage in critical discourse to deepen their understanding of social justice issues impacting Chicanx/Latinx students and communities. Topics include community-based learning, ethical decision-making, information competence and literacy, goal setting, self-discovery, learning skills, time management, health and safety, and holistic wellness. The course includes frequent writing assignments, self-reflection, and learner-centered activities and discussions.

Black Excellence (BE)

This cohort is designed to empower students from African descent during their transition to college. Through interactive discussions, guest speakers from the Black community, and campus partner visits freshman students will explore their personal strengths, interests, and sense of belonging within the CSUN community. Moreover, they will gain essential skills in seeking help when needed, setting realistic goals, and accessing information resources necessary for lifelong learning. With a focus on promoting individual health and well-being, students will also engage with issues that impact the Black community currently and in CSUN’s history. While appreciating the representation of the African diaspora, students will gain a deeper understanding of their own identities and the collective experiences of Black students on campus. This course embodies the intersection of personal growth, academic excellence, and cultural awareness, preparing students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

The Central American Experience (CAS)

This cohort is designed to empower students to cultivate holistic well-being while deepening their understanding of the Central American experience within CSUN. Through interactive discussions, guest speakers, and campus partner visits freshman students will explore their personal strengths, interests, and sense of belonging within the CSUN community. Moreover, they will gain essential skills in seeking help when needed, setting realistic goals, and accessing information resources necessary for lifelong learning. With a focus on promoting individual health and well-being, students will engage with issues that impact the Central American and Transborder community, fostering a deeper understanding of their own identities and the collective experiences of the Latine students on campus. This course embodies the intersection of personal growth, academic excellence, and cultural awareness, preparing students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Other U100 Cohorts

Bridge to the Future: Black Scholars Matter (B2F: BSM)

This cohort is required for students who are part of the Bridge to the Future: Black Scholars Matter program.

Bridge to the Future: Canoga Park High School (B2F: CPHS)

This cohort is required for students who are part of the Bridge to the Future: Canoga Park High School program.

First Year Experience Living Learning Community (FYE-LLC)

This cohort is for students living in CSUN Student Housing First Year Experience: Living Learning Community.

Deaf, Hard of Hearing, & Deaf Studies (DHH/DS)

This cohort is for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or majoring in Deaf Studies.

FreshStart (EOP)

This cohort is required for students who are part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). These sections emphasize and incorporate EOP’s key pedagogical elements, including, but not limited to: community building, community of mentors, EOP RRAM (Respect, Responsibility, Attitude, Maturity), critical thinking, appreciation for diversity, social justice, self-reflection, and decisions and consequences.

General Education Honors (100HON)

This cohort is for students who are part of the GE Honors Program.