UNIV - University Courses

Introduction to the College Experience (ICE) is a one-credit hour course designed to assist the first-year student by providing information and skills essential for a successful college experience. The course is required for all new students entering the University with fewer than 12 credit hours. This course helps students to understand and demonstrate the skills of an active and engaged learner; develop a fuller understanding of a range of learning and studying strategies (time management, note-taking); apply intellectual curiosity inside and outside the classroom; understand and reflect upon Lewis University's Catholic and Lasallian Mission; and understand the importance of respecting and appreciating diversity as a member of the Lewis University community and as a citizen of the world. The course also provides information to enhance advising sessions with the student's academic advisor and introduces students to a variety of campus resources that will assist them during their transition to college life. Small groups of 15-18 students meet once a week and are directed by a selected faculty or staff mentor. Students who fail or withdraw from ICE must repeat the course until a passing grade is earned. Multiple sections of this course are offered in the fall and one section is offered in the spring. Frequently, a contemporary text is chosen to be read by all ICE classes. The theme of this "Common Reader" is often referred to in other first-year general education courses.

Special topics ICE courses are designed to accomplish the same goals as traditional ICE classes (see description for UNIV 10000), but feature readings, assignments, and other coursework that are tailored for specific audiences, such as students enrolled in the Scholars Program, in Nursing Learning Communities, and in the Physical Sciences.  ICE: Special Topics satisfies the University requirement for Introduction to the College Experience.

Introduction to the College Experience: Academic Exploration Program accomplishes the same goals as traditional ICE classes (see description for UNIV 10000), but has been specifically designed to assist those students who have not yet decided on a major. Students are given assistance in evaluating their interests, values and skills in pursuit of declaring a major. Readings, assignments, and other coursework address topics such as personal calling or vocation, career readiness, and the meaning of the liberal arts as these courses relate to professional career preparation. Professional staff from the Office of Career Services serve as First Year Mentors in this course. ICE: Academic Exploration Program satisfies the University requirement of Introduction to the College Experience.

Introduction to the College Experience: SUCCESS (Fall Semester) is a specially-designed section of ICE which accomplishes the goals of the traditional ICE course (see description for UNIV 10000), but is specifically designed for students enrolled in the University's SUCCESS Program. ICE: SUCCESS satisfies the University requirement of Introduction to the College Experience.

ICE: SUCCESS Lab, held each spring semester, continues to address college transition themes covered during the fall semester.  This course is  open only to students enrolled in the SUCCESS Program.

This course is designed to prepare students for study abroad, monitor their experience during study abroad, and aid them in assessing the academic and cultural value of study abroad through a pre-departure session, required communication during the experience, and a re-entry session.