FirstChoice FAQ
Q: What is FirstChoice?
A: FirstChoice is a program that offers first-year students the opportunity to take a course smaller in size that focuses on the transition to college, and helps students make connections to faculty and peers. These courses are offered in different subject areas and for special interest groups. There is something for everyone!
Q: Who should take a FirstChoice course?
A: All first-year students must take a FirstChoice course.
Q: How do I choose a FirstChoice course?
A: Some courses are for students who have declared a specific major. These Gateway Courses are restricted and sometimes required for specific majors. For example, Gateway to Business is required for all incoming first-year majors in the School of Business.
You also may have been invited to join the Honors Program or CHAMPS. If you have been identified as one of these students you will be directed to pre-register for the appropriate courses.
Preceptor Courses and the Service Learning courses are open to any first-year student, so make your choice based on your interests.
Living and Learning Communities offer a block of courses that a group of 19 students can take together while living in the same residence hall.
Q: How is SUNY Oswego's FirstChoice Program different from freshmen seminar courses at other colleges?
A: Instead of a "one-size-fits-all" course, hwe offer many different options for students to learn about services and resources on campus, get to know a faculty member, and enjoy a small-class setting while exploring other interests. The courses are all small in size but the topics of the classes are as varied as our majors and our students' interest.
Q: How do I sign up for a FirstChoice course?
A: Once you officially enroll at SUNY Oswego, you will receive information on how you can go online and select a FirstChoice course. This will help us pre-register you for three of your courses before you come to Orientation.
Q: Is FirstChoice a remedial program?
A: Definitely not. Most FirstChoice courses are open to all college students. First-Year Select offers sections for students needing remedial assistance in math or English, while the Honors Program offers opportunities for students looking for a challenge.
Q: Is FirstChoice a requirement?
A: All first-year students are required to take a FirstChoice course because know that a smaller class allows students to better connect with faculty, an important element to growth and success.
Q: Can students take more than one FirstChoice course?
A: It is possible to take more than one FirstChoice course but since we have a limited number of seats everyone will choose one during pre-registration. At Orientation if there are still seats available, students may be able to take another with approval.
Q: Can I take a FirstChoice course in the spring semester?
A: FirstChoice courses are only offered in the fall for incoming first-year students.
Q: What happens if I don't choose a FirstChoice and wait until Orientation to register?
A: It is important that all first-year students go online and complete the FirstChoice process in order to ensure that we have the correct information, such as major. All first-year students will be pre-registered for three courses prior to Orientation. If you don't make a choice you will be pre-registered into one of the FirstChoice courses that still has seats available and two general education courses.
Q: I took AP courses and/or courses at a community college during high school, should I take the preceptor in that subject?
A: You should avoid picking courses that may already be covered by AP or prior college credit. We have a wonderful variety of other subjects to choose!
