First-Year Experience
Your class choices will depend heavily upon your interests, experiences and ambitions. But almost certainly it will combine parts of the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum with some exploratory steps towards a major.
Opportunities for your first year at Augustana
So much will happen in your first year at Augustana! All first-year students have access to the following opportunities and resources, and yet every Augustana student’s first year is unique to their experience and the choices they make.
Whatever adventures you pursue in your first year on campus, you’ll have a strong community to make sure you’re off to a great start, and to support you all the way.
What courses will I take in my first semester?
This page will give you a general idea of what to expect in your first semester of classes.
Success Teams
Success Teams are dedicated, dynamic teams of Augustana professionals for every student. Your Success Team is customized according to your goals and needs, from year to year.
Augie Peer Mentors
Augie Peer Mentors are students supporting students—fellow Vikings who’ve been in your shoes and are here to help you navigate your Augustana journey.
PACE Mentorship Program
The PACE Mentorship Program is an optional program open to all first-year and transfer students, designed to promote cultural understanding and a sense of belonging.
International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation is a required program for all new international students and an essential part of your transition to Augustana College.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week is designed to support first-year and new transfer students in their transition into the Augustana community.
Austin E. Knowlton Honors Program
The Austin E. Knowlton Honors Program is a special academic opportunity for high-achieving students.
Brenda Barnes Leadership Academy
Augustana College invites students into a leadership series aimed at engaging and uplifting future leaders from Illinois.
Emerge Leadership Program
Emerge is Augustana's national award-winning premier leadership development experience for first-year and new students.
Physical and Environmental Geology in the Grand Canyon
Are you interested in the environmental and geological sciences? Do you love a challenge? If so, join us for GEOL 105 Physical and Environmental Geology in the Grand Canyon, our environmental geology field course and motorized raft trip!
TRIO Student Support Services at Augustana
TRIO programs are designed to identify and provide services for eligible first-generation students and students with disabilities.
Gender Inclusive Housing
All-Gender Communities are supportive living environments for students who identify outside of the traditional gender binary.
Groups and activities
Nearly 200 student organizations, interest groups, club sports, ensembles, honor societies, fraternities and sororities, and other groups are based on campus.