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Information for Academic Advisors
Background photo of a faculty and students in a First-Year Seminar.
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About First-Year Seminars
First-year Seminars are an ideal introduction for incoming students to the unique opportunities awaiting them at Harvard. These small courses:
- are taught by some of our most distinguished faculty;
- bring together First-Years in a welcoming and engaging intellectual environment;
- often include special activities that enhance the learning experience.
FOR SPRING TERM 2025
Students may still add a First-Year Seminar
during Course Registration from November 6-20.
Opportunities to enroll in a Spring First-Year Seminar:
(1) Anytime between November 6th-20th during Course Registration Period.
(2) Anytime between January 8-February 3, 2025, during the Add/Drop Period.
For Spring Term Seminars, students can still join seminars with open seats when registration opens on Weds, November 6th with a petition through my.Harvard until the registration deadline, Weds, November 20th, 11:59PM, midnight.
Adding Seminars with open seats
- Students who were placed in a Spring First-Year Seminar over the summer will see their seminar as part of their enrolled courses section of the Crimson Cart starting on October 23rd.
- Students who were not placed or haven’t applied over the summer are able to enroll in First-Year Seminars with open seats starting on November 6th when course registration opens.
- Students should browse seminars & check for open seat availability on November 6th
- We will have a changing list of seminars with open seats on our website until the registration deadline on Nov 20th, and again during Add/Drop in January
- Email instructors directly for permission to join open seminars
- Include a reason why they wish to enroll in the seminar, as instructors will look for the student’s enthusiasm about the class.
- If the instructor approves the enrollment, students should send back an email confirming that they’ll enroll ASAP and copy our office: firstyearseminarprogram@fas.harvard.edu.
- They will also need to add the seminar and petition through the My.Harvard system to enroll officially.
We’d appreciate your help in:
- Directing students to our website https://firstyearseminarprogram.college.harvard.edu/
- Encourage them to apply to First-Year Seminars since it is a class that won’t be available for them in later years.
- Remember: Students apply over the summer to both Fall and Spring seminars, and they can enroll in a seminar in both semesters.
- Remind students about the deadline for adding Spring Term Seminars of Weds, November 20, 11:59PM, midnight.
- Have students contact us with questions: firstyearseminarprogram@fas.harvard.edu or 617-495-1523.
Applying Over the Summer Through Our Application System
- Students access our program application system for fall and spring term seminars during the summer.
- Instructions for applying to a seminar
- As part of their application, students provide a brief statement on why they are interested in each Seminar.
- Following the application deadline, faculty will review students’ applications and an algorithm is then run to match students with Seminar seats.
FAQS for ADVISORS
My advisee received a Spring seminar slot in August. When will my advisee see the seminar enrollment in Crimson Cart?
The Registrar opens the Crimson Cart on Oct 23rd. Students will then see their First-Year Seminar as part of their enrolled classes on My.Harvard.
Can my advisee still apply to a First-Year Seminar in the Spring?
Absolutely! Please direct students to check the seminars for open seats on the First-Year Seminar website. The list will likely change between Nov 6th to Nov 20th, so please encourage your advisee to check it frequently.
How can my advisee apply to a Spring Seminar if there’s no application process?
There are two opportunities to enroll in Spring First-Year Seminars:
- Anytime between November 6th-20th during Course Registration Period.
- Anytime between January 8-February 3, 2025, during the Add/Drop Period.
Students should browse the Seminars with open seats on the First-Year Seminar Program website, and email instructors directly for permission to join open seminars. Students should include a reason why they wish to enroll in the seminar, as instructors will look for enthusiasm about the class.
If the instructor approves enrollment, students should confirm that they’ll enroll ASAP and copy firstyearseminarprogram@fas.harvard.edu. Students should also petition through the My.Harvard system to enroll officially.
Where can my advisee learn about Spring Seminars with open seats?
A changing list of seminars with openings is available on our website between Nov 6th to Nov 20th (Course Registration deadline) and again during Add/Drop in January.
How many courses can my advisee be enrolled in during the Spring?
Students can enroll in 5 courses during the Spring semester, and a First-Year Seminar can be one of those courses.
How many First-Year Seminars can my advisee enroll in during the Spring?
Students can enroll in one First-Year Seminar during their spring term.
Will my First-Year Seminar count for concentration/department credit?
Some departments will count a first-year seminar for concentration/department credit. Students should consult the Head Tutor or the Director of Undergraduate Studies in a department for more information.
Still have questions?
Contact our office, firstyearseminarprogram@fas.harvard.edu, 617-495-1523.