First Year Seminar
The Smeal College of Business First-Year Seminar (PSU 6) is designed to help new students learn about the University and Smeal College communities. This required course is designed to offer first-year students the following:
- Small Class Environment - approximately 20-24 students are enrolled in each section
- Teamwork and Collaboration - opportunities to work with classmates on team projects and presentations
- College Life - an introduction to the University academic and student life services, such as how to use the library and other University resources
- Choosing a Major - a review of majors in the college of business
PSU 6 Course Overview
One of the main goals of PSU 6 is a review of majors in the Smeal College and the careers those majors traditionally lead to after graduation. Students work in teams to conduct research and deliver a presentation to their classmates on a specific area of business. Other major topics covered in the course include:
- Business Ethics and Society
- Leadership
- Diversity in the Workplace
- Community Service and Corporate Citizenship
In addition to the major topics associated with PSU 6, students will be engaged in discussions regarding:
- Study Skills, Time Management & Goal Setting
- University Resources, including the University Learning Center and the Office of Career Services
- Overview of the Schreyer Business Library and the business research databases
- Business Simulation Case Study
Supplementing classroom learning, several out-of-class opportunities are provided to enhance and reinforce the material. For example, Executive Interaction is an information session where corporate professionals are invited to speak about their careers and the fields they represent. Past representatives have been from companies such as Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Vanguard, Towers Perrin, and Footlocker.
Only students enrolled in the Smeal College of Business or the Division of Undergraduate Studies may take PSU 6.