What I’ve discovered about myself and my college experience through the Clarkson University First Year Seminar
Welcoming the Next Chapter
Each fall, a new class of first-year Golden Knights make their transition from high school to college, or as transfer students continuing their education. Among the first steps in that transition is enrollment is the Clarkson University First Year Seminar (FYS), a course specifically designed to support students during this initial adjustment and help them feel at home at Clarkson.
About Me
My name is Lauren Kneer, and I’m an Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering double major in the Class of 2027. Since arriving at Clarkon, I’ve participated in the First Year Seminar program in nearly every role—from student, to peer mentor and leader, and finally, as a student coordinator. Having experienced FYS through these different lenses, I’ve seen firsthand the meaningful impact this course can have on a student’s college experience.
What Is Clarkson University’s First Year Seminar?
FYS is a required, one-credit, pass/fail course for all incoming first-year students. Though small in credit, its value is significant. The course meets once a week for 50 minutes and focuses on easing the transition to college life by introducing students to key campus resources, academic expectations, and tools for both personal and professional development.
Each section of FYS is facilitated by a peer leader and several peer mentors—upperclass students who are trained to guide first-year students through their semester. This peer-led structure creates a welcoming and relatable environment where students can ask questions, build connections, and gain confidence.
Why It Matters
When I began my time at Clarkson, I was unsure of how to navigate the college environment and campus lifestyle. FYS played a key role in helping me adjust. Weekly sessions covered practical, though often overlooked, topics like academic and tutoring resources, effective study strategies, time management, campus involvement, professional experiences, and mental health support.
Just as valuable as the lessons was the sense of community. FYS placed me at a table with peers who were also classmates, allowing for early collaboration, connection, and friendship—relationships I may not have formed otherwise. My peer mentor became not only an academic guide and familiar face on campus, but someone who remains a friend long after the course ended.
From Participant to Peer Leader
My positive experience with FYS—and the mentorship I received—inspired me to give back to the program. I wanted to be that same source of encouragement and guidance for future students. Becoming a peer mentor allowed me to connect with first-year students on a deeper level, helping them navigate their transitions and share in their successes. I understood how meaningful that support had been for me, and I wanted to pass it on.
As I moved into leadership roles within the program, first as a peer leader and eventually as a student coordinator, I became even more involved in shaping the course. I collaborated with faculty and staff, helped hire and train new mentors, and provided feedback on session content, classroom activities, and integration of on-campus resources such as the Student Success Center, Drop-In Tutoring, and the Writing Center. These roles allowed me to contribute directly to FYS’s evolution, ensuring that it stays relevant and useful for each incoming class. Being part of that continuous improvement process has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time at Clarkson.
Being a FYS peer leader also developed my leadership, communication, and organizational skills. It pushed me to think critically about how students learn and grow, and how mentors can better serve them, not just academically, but holistically.
The Broader Impact
The confidence, connections, and skills I developed through FYS influenced every aspect of my college experience. Beyond the classroom, it encouraged me to pursue leadership positions, seek out opportunities, and believe in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the Clarkson community.
Over time, I became involved in a wide variety of organizations and initiatives on campus. I currently serve as President of WTSC–The Source, Clarkson’s student-run radio station, and incoming President of the Underwater Robotics SPEED Team. I’m also the team lead for Clarkson’s NASA RASC-AL Competition team and previously served as Treasurer of the Clarkson Math Club. These leadership experiences were possible because I had the foundation of confidence, time management, collaboration, and self-advocacy that FYS helped me develop.
Additionally, FYS connected me with people and programs that shaped my future. I found my first on-campus job and leadership role through the FYS network, and I’ve continued to build relationships with mentors and peers who challenge and support me every step of the way. The sense of community I felt in that first 50-minute class continues to resonate through every corner of my Clarkson experience.
A Lasting Takeaway
At its core, the Clarkson University First Year Seminar is more than just another course on your schedule—it’s a springboard for personal growth, connection, and long-term success. It’s a rare opportunity to pause during an otherwise fast-paced semester and focus intentionally on building the habits, relationships, and self-awareness that college demands.
It teaches you how to take ownership of your education, how to access support when you need it, and how to recognize your potential before you even know what you’re capable of. It encourages you to ask questions, stay curious, and participate fully—both in class and in campus life.
FYS is where I learned not just how to be a student, but how to be a leader. It’s where I gained the confidence to raise my hand, try something new, and support others as they did the same. Whether you’re looking for guidance, connection, or simply a strong start, Clarkson University’s First Year Seminar can be the place where it all begins.
