FYS Design Sprint: Crafting a Strong FYS Proposal

Description:
Moving from a disciplinary topic to a First-Year Seminar requires more than just repackaging content; it requires intentional alignment with the college’s four critical outcomes. In this workshop, participants spent time thinking about how they might design a seminar that authentically integrates these goals alongside their area of expertise. We analyzed common proposal pitfalls, talked through design challenges with colleagues, and worked on structuring our course to meet specific review criteria. Participants left with a clear, aligned framework and a solid proposal draft ready (or near ready) for submission.
Date: Wed, February 11, 2026
Time: 1:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: ZSR Library, Faculty Commons Conference Room 664
Facilitators: Kristi Verbeke & Melissa Maffeo
Session Resources:
- Workshop Slides
- Anatomy of an Aligned Proposal
- Workshop Worksheet (Make a Copy for Yourself)
- Peer Review
- Model 1: Irby Proposal
- Model 2: Blee Proposal
- SLO Communication: Fundamental Competency 3
- SLO Critical Reading: Fundamental Competency 1
- SLO Critical Thinking: Higher Order Competency 2
- SLO Inquiry Analysis: Higher Order Competency 1