Program Objectives
The First-Year Program is a graduation requirement for all incoming undergraduate students enrolling at Manhattanville University with fewer than 30 approved transfer credits. Those entering with 30 or more transfer credits from an accredited college or university are exempt from this requirement.
Note: Credits earned from Advanced Placement coursework and examinations completed in high school do not count towards the 30+ credit exemption from the First Year Program.
The goals of the First-Year Program are:
- To help students develop a solid foundation of technical skills necessary for effectively managing college life.
- To foster the development of foundational academic skills that will build confidence and empower students to meet the high expectations of college-level studies.
- To encourage a sense of belonging to the Manhattanville community.
- To provide students with foundational instruction in critical thinking.
Program Structure
The First-Year Program comprises both the Fall and Spring academic semesters. The 9-credit curriculum includes a First-Year Seminar (3 credits) and 6 credits of First-Year Writing.
First-Year Seminar
FYP 1100 First-Year Seminar: Navigating College
Manhattanville's distinctive first-year seminar is a central part of the university's holistic approach to student success. The course is designed to support the transition into college life by equipping students with the essential tools, academic skills, and connections necessary for a successful and fulfilling academic journey. Our experienced faculty and staff have worked to create a truly supportive and collaborative environment for first-year students, ensuring that they emerge well-prepared to excel academically, connect with peers, and navigate the many opportunities that Manhattanville offers.
First-Year Writing
As part of the first-year program, incoming undergraduate students must take two semesters of introductory College Writing courses. The curriculum is designed to cultivate and strengthen essential skills in critical thinking, written expression, and oral communication. Students are introduced to the foundations of academic writing, including grammar, style, and structure, as well as strategies for written analysis, persuasion, and argumentation. First-year writing continues for a full year; the second semester course is devoted to the development of techniques for research and critical composition that will foster success throughout students’ educational programs.
ENC 1001 College Writing I
This course provides an overview of critical thinking strategies and writing skills that are essential to successful, meaningful academic work at the college level and that facilitate informed citizenship in college and beyond. Students will be guided to develop critical literacy skills, including textual analysis, and formulate cogent arguments through frequent drafting and revision. To ensure students are writing accurately and coherently, they will focus on grammar, word usage, sentence structure, paragraph coherence, and rhetorical modes.
ENC 1002 College Writing II
This course will build on the skills developed in College Writing I. Students will review critical thinking skills and writing skills related to analysis, persuasion, and argumentation, and will also review key concepts of grammar and style. Students will receive continued instruction in analysis and synthesis, as well as in research and documentation. Emphasis will be placed on writing as a process, and the connection between writing and research. Through primary and secondary research, focused revision based on peer and instructor feedback, and development from proposal through multiple drafts, students will produce a long-form, bibliographic essay.
First-Year Program Grade Requirement
Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in their FYP/CSCH 1100 and ENC courses to complete the First Year Program requirement at Manhattanville University. Students who fail to meet the seminar requirement will be re-registered into FYP 1100 in their second semester and placed on academic probation. Students who fail to satisfy the writing requirements will be re-registered into ENC 1001 or ENC 1002 in the following semester at the University and placed on academic probation.
NOTE: While a grade of C- will satisfy the First Year Program Requirement, students in the Castle Scholars Honors Program must meet the program's minimum GPA requirements to remain in good standing.
First-Year Program Withdrawal Policy
Ordinarily, students are not permitted to withdraw from a First-Year Program course. Unusual or extreme circumstances may require a student to request withdrawal from a FYP course. In such cases, the formal approval of both the FYP Director and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences is required. If granted, such a withdrawal does not constitute an exemption from completion of all FYP requirements.