Welcome and Overview

Everyone is welcome here!

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an educational experience and community that acknowledges, understands, values and respects equity, diversity and inclusion in our course, TransitionU: Community, Identity, and Inquiry. This community-like online classroom will use any and all differences to improve the educational experience for all students.

These differences can include age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, experiences, and any other way a person identifies.

We are all part of this dedicated and ongoing effort to foster an inclusive learning environment that welcomes all individuals, encourages open, tolerant and respectful communication and supports students throughout their educational journey.

We are committed to this effort as it inspires education, inspires creativity, supports students and contributes to an inclusive community of belonging.

You are invited to fully engage in our course offerings while maintaining autonomy in your learning and tending to your wellbeing. Our learning community provides an open space for the critical and civil exchange of ideas. Trigger Warning: Some readings and other content in this course may include topics that some students may find offensive and/or traumatizing. We ask all students to join us in helping to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and sensitivity.

Together we will create a safe and inclusive learning community. ^[1][2]

Course Purpose

The purpose of the TransitionU course is to help new students make a successful transition to University, both academically and personally. This course aims to foster a sense of belonging, promote engagement in the curricular and co-curricular life of the university, articulate to students the expectations of the University and its faculty, help students develop and apply critical thinking skills, and help students continue to clarify their purpose, meaning, and direction.

The course is made up of 4 distinct, yet connected themes/sections::

Theme 1: Community and Wellness

Theme 2: Identity and Narrative Writing

Theme 3: Inquiry and Academic Literacy

Theme 4: Campus Partner Presentations