USAO began the 2022-2023 academic year with a brand-new class: Freshman Seminar. The class is being overseen by Dr. Brenda Brown, the dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Humanities. The class consists of two groups: the large and the small group. The large group is held in Te Ata auditorium Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The small groups are scattered throughout the week depending on the professor’s schedules. The students receive one credit hour upon completion of the large group class, and two credit hours for the completion of the small group class.

A few professors who teach this class are Dr. Brown, Dr. Nicholas Boyde, assistant professor of Chemistry, and Dr. J.C. Casey, professor of Communication.

The class is intended to help incoming freshmen to adapt to life at college. It also helps freshmen to lay out a “graduation plan”, or a schedule of the classes they need to graduate. The class also promotes clubs and other organizations that may interest freshmen.

Every incoming freshman to USAO is required to take the class. While there are many mixed feelings about the class, one group of students seems to feel positive about this class: international students. Two international students were interviewed, although they wished to remain anonymous.

“The class is informative,” said one student. “I would recommend the class to other freshmen, although I would change the time the class is held at.” he said.

Another student described the class as easy and useful. When asked whether or not she would recommend the class to others, she stated that, “Yes, every freshman should take this class. I wish these classes would last longer.”

International students are not the only ones fond of the freshman seminar; Some first-generation students also share the same sentiments.

“I think the small group will be very helpful,” said Dylan Guillen, a first-generation student. Guillen also stated that the Freshman Seminar small groups have helped him tremendously, and that he loves his small group professor.

Many of the students who were interviewed liked the small group class that they are enrolled in. Whether hated or loved, the freshman seminar is helpful to those who really need it.

Paul Tointigh is a third-year Communications major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.