ACADEMIC SUPPORT & SERVICES
SEAM
Student Excellence in Academics and Multiculturalism (SEAM) is a fun and intellectually rewarding way to start at the University of Minnesota for first-year students in the College of Liberal Arts (CLA); College of Biological Sciences (CBS); College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS); and College of Design (CDes). SEAM helps you make the transition to a large, world-class research university through specially designed learning communities. By taking classes together, you will find a supportive and friendly multicultural learning environment. We hope you will say yes and join other outstanding individuals in SEAM.
SEAM is a program of communities. A SEAM community consists of 15-20 first year students who share similar interests or goals, have expressed a desire to study in a multicultural environment, and take the same 2-4 classes for fall semester. These classes are popular University of Minnesota courses that meet graduation requirements.
Each community is designed around a first year seminar or freshman seminar. Seminars are one or two-credit classes taught by faculty and/or staff. The classes give SEAM students an opportunity to work with faculty and instructors in their interest area, to enhance skills for being successful students, and to have the chance to form a community, both socially and academically.
While SEAM is primarily a fall semester program, you will have the option of continuing with your community spring semester. You will have access to reserved SEAM seats in mathematics, economics, and other popular classes for spring semester
Communities 1-7
SEAM 1:STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Community (CLA)
Expose yourself to the “life of the mind.” Sharpen critical reasoning. Learn how to interact with faculty and students as intellectual colleagues. Transition to the University of Minnesota culture of science, technology, engineering and math.
- University writing 4 credits
- Mathematics 3-4 credits
- First-year seminar (CLA 1301) 2 credits
SEAM 2: Drugs: Scientific, Social, and Medical Perspectives
Examine the role of drugs, legal and illicit, in modern society from scientific, social, and medical frameworks. Explore behavior, politics, and marketing within the realm of pharmacology.
• CLA 1301 SEAM seminar
• University Writing
• Math/Science/Social Science elective
SEAM 3: Health Sciences Community Embark on a career in the health sciences.
Learn about requirements for professional programs, from nursing to pharmacy, and take the necessary prerequisites.
• CLA 1301 SEAM seminar
• University Writing
• Math
• Science/Social Science elective
SEAM 4: Cross Cultural Perspectives on Drugs
Examine drug policies in global society and the societal and cultural influences of drugs and the interrelationships between these factors to gain an interdisciplinary perspective on the multitude of roles that drugs play in various social and cultural institutions, and in our daily lives.
• CLA 1301 SEAM seminar
• University Writing
• Math/Science/Social Science elective
SEAM 5: Science, Sex, and Society: How do we know what we know?
Tackle recent gains in our scientific understanding of sex from biological, evolutionary, social and behavioral perspectives which impact identity. Develop and sharpen fundamental skills in the natural and social sciences.
• CLA 1301 SEAM seminar
• University Writing
• Biol 1001 or science elective
• Math/Social Science elective
SEAM 6:Intercultural Communication
Learn across cultures to create a cohesive team that understands and benefits from each other’s unique perspectives. Build skills in intercultural competency. Challenge fellow multicultural and international students to be more effective in multicultural and international environments.
• CLA 1301 SEAM seminar
• University Writing
• Math/Science/Social Science electives
SEAM 7: Exploring Business and Discovering Leadership
Explore the options for pursuing a business interest within a global context. Discover leadership skills, traits, and trends.
• CLA 1301 SEAM seminar
• University Writing
• Math
• Econ 1101 Principles of Microeconomics
• EdPA 1301W Personal Leadership in the University
Communities 8-14
SEAM 8: Race and Ethnicity Community (CLA)
Develop a better understanding of the dynamics of race and culture in the United States. This is an ideal community for students undecided about their major or career plans.
- University writing and critical reading (EngC 1011) 4 credits
- Introduction to psychology (Psy 1001) 3 credits
- Introduction to multicultural American literature (Engl 1301) 4 credit
- First-year seminar (CLA 1301) 2 credits
SEAM 9: Asian Americans and U.S. Race Relations
Examine the place of Asian Americans within U.S. race relations through law, history, sociology, and popular culture. What is the importance of race in the “age of Obama?” SEAM 9 students will be able to participate in the Multicultural Civic
Engagement Program during spring semester.
• AAS 1902/Hist 1902 Asian Americans and
U.S. Race Relations SEAM seminar
• University Writing
• Ethnic Studies/Social Science elective(s)
• Math/Science elective
SEAM 10: Understanding Your World (CFANS)
Gain a firm understanding of how meaning is made and what your contribution can be. Learn to become successful and appreciate how diversity of opinion crafts our world.
• CFAN 1902 Ways of Knowing and Science
SEAM seminar
• University Writing
• Math elective
• Science elective
SEAM 11: Science, Sex, and Society: How do we know what we know?
Tackle recent gains in our scientific understanding of sex from biological, evolutionary, social and behavioral perspectives which impact identity.
Develop and sharpen fundamental skills in the natural and social sciences.
• CBS 1905 SEAM Seminar
• University Writing
• Math elective
• Science elective
SEAM 12: Biology in Our Lives
Everyday we run across biology. What is meant by a bioterrorism threat? How is biological evidence influencing a trial outcome? How is pollution affecting different cultures? What’s happening to the arctic environment?
• CBS 1905 SEAM Seminar
• University Writing
• Math elective
• Science elective
Advisors
CLA SEAM students are primarily advised through the Martin Luther King Jr. Program or through other CLA Advising Communities. For questions regarding orientation, placement tests, and registration, contact: 19 Johnston Hall, 612-625-2300, www.mlk.umn.edu.
CBS and CFANS SEAM students are advised through
their respective student services offices. For questions regarding orientation, placement tests, and registration, contact: CBS, 229 Snyder Hall, 612-624-9717; CFANS, Karl Lorenz, 190 Coffey Hall, 612-624-9299.
Why Join SEAM?
- Small college advantages within a large research university
- Free tutoring in major courses such as math, chemistry, and economics
- Improved chances for achieving excellent grades
- Close connection with programs such as Bookmark (free book loans), internship programs in public schools, cultural programs (free tickets)
- Close relationships with faculty and staff
- Integrated in-class and out-of-class activities
Student Excellence in Academics and Multiculturalism
Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence
140 Appleby Hall
128 Pleasant Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-8063
mcae@umn.edu
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
This information is available in alternate formats, please call 612.624.0594.