First-Year students in the BA and BS programs, and thos who have not declared their major, normally complete from three to seven general education courses, depending on their program of study. First-Year students in the BFA and MusB programs normally complete two to three general education courses as well as foundation courses within their discipline.

First-Year Courses

First-Year Students in most majors are required to have a First-Year Experience course. Incoming students in BA/BS programs may choose from a selection of First-Year Learning Community Seminars (EDG1050). EOP students may choose one of the Learning Communities or an EOP First Year Seminar (EDG1030) taught by an EOP counselor. Students in the following majors have required First-Year Seminars in their majors: School of Art+Design BFA and BS students take COMX (VIS1050), Conservatory of Dance students take Dance Freshman Seminar (DPD1030) and Our Community in Dialogue (DPD1035), Conservatory of Music students take Music Freshman Seminar (MUS1040), Arts Management Majors take Connecting Arts and Community at Purchase (EDG1055) and Biology majors take Biology Freshman Seminar (BIO1880).

Freshman-Year Withdrawal Policy

Freshmen are strongly encouraged not to withdraw from 1000- and 2000-level courses during their first two semesters. The reasons for this policy are both academic and financial:

1. Freshman courses are a necessary foundation for further academic study and should be completed on schedule.
2. Students who fall below a minimum number of credits by withdrawing risk losing their financial aid.

Students struggling in a course should meet with their advisor as soon as possible to discuss the best course of action.