Provisional University Bulletin (2026-2027)

The First Year Writing Program at Brandeis University, administered by the University Writing Program, includes two courses: the First-Year Seminar (FYS) and the Composition Seminar (CSEM). The First-Year Seminar, which all students complete during their first year, emphasizes writing as a means of thinking, exploring, and understanding. It also makes transparent differences in conventions within the disciplines, so that students can apply their writing skills to courses in their major and throughout the Brandeis curricula. Each student chooses a seminar from a range of interdisciplinary topics.

Prior to FYS, some students complete the Composition Seminar, a one-semester course that offers additional experience with college writing. CSEM is taught in a small-group setting, allowing for opportunities to workshop ideas and writing strategies in a collaborative environment with seasoned instructors. Major course goals include building up confidence and flexibility to adapt to the different types of writing that students are assigned in college.

The requirement will be satisfied by completing one First-Year Seminar (FYS) in the student's first year. Students who do not satisfy this requirement within their first two semesters are subject to administrative withdrawal.

First-year students entering prior to fall 2025 must satisfactorily complete one UWS or FYS course.