Harvard University homepage
HARVARD.EDU

HOME /

Information for Academic Advisors

Background photo of a faculty and students in a First-Year Seminar.

On This Page

ADding a spring term seminar
FAQ for advisors
DATES & DEADLINES

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:

  1. Are taught by some of our most distinguished faculty;
  2. Bring together First-Years in a welcoming and engaging intellectual environment;
  3. Often include special activities that enhance the learning experience.
  4. Certain seminars include Post-Seminar Modules. For the 2025–2026 academic year, see details here.

Applying Over the Summer Through Our Application System

  1. Students access our program application system for fall and spring term seminars during the summer.
  2. Instructions for applying to a seminar
  3. As part of their application, students provide a brief statement on why they are interested in each Seminar.
  4. Following the application deadline, faculty will review students’ applications and an algorithm is then run to match students with Seminar seats.

Students may still apply and find placement in
spring term seminars with open seats
during registration in November and during Add/Drop Period in January.

Opportunities to enroll in a Spring First-Year Seminar:

(1) During the November Course Registration Period, November 5-19, 2025.
(2) During the January Add/Drop Period, January 12-February 2, 2026

Adding Seminars with open seats

  • For Spring term, students who were placed in a Spring seminar over the summer will see their seminar as part of their enrolled courses section of the Crimson Cart.  
  • Students who were not placed or haven’t applied over the summer are able to enroll in First-Year Seminars with open seats when course registration opens in November.
  • Students should browse seminars & check for spring term open seat availability.
  • We will have a changing list of seminars with open seats on our website.
  • 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:

  1. Directing students to our website https://firstyearseminarprogram.college.harvard.edu/
  2. 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 may enroll in one seminar in both semesters. 
  3. Remind students about the deadline for adding Spring Term Seminars of Weds, November 19, 11:59PM, midnight.
  4. Have students contact us with questions: firstyearseminarprogram@fas.harvard.edu or 617-495-1523.

FAQS for ADVISORS

My advisee received a Spring seminar slot in August. When will my advisee see the seminar enrollment in Crimson Cart?

When the Registrar opens the Crimson Cart, 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 5th to Nov 19th, 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 5th-19th during Course Registration Period
  • During the January 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 5th to Nov 19th (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?

Each seminar is 4 degree credits. 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. 

What are Post-Seminar Modules?

Post-Seminar Modules are special learning opportunities offered following certain First-Year Seminars—in January for Fall Seminars and in May or summer for Spring Seminars. Modules allow students to deepen and expand upon their Seminar experience through exceptional activities, either on campus or abroad. Post-Seminar Modules are offered to students at no cost. Students who enroll in a Seminar with an associated Post-Seminar Module are expected to be available and committed to participating in the Module. 

Still have questions?

Contact our office, firstyearseminarprogram@fas.harvard.edu, 617-495-1523.

Dates & Deadlines

2025-2026 Dates

Wed, October 22: Crimson carts open for registration planning

Wed, November 5-Wed, Nov 19: Registration for Spring Term Courses

Wed, December 3: Last Day of Fall Term Classes

Mon, January 12-Mon, Mon, February 2: Add/Drop Period for Spring Term

Mon, January 26: 1st Day of Spring Term Classes

Wed, April 29: Last Day of Spring Term Classes