SPES 1004: SPES First Year Seminar

This course is an introductory seminar to academic and career planning in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. It’s designed to promote a multidisciplinary perspective when exploring topics and problems (1 credit).

 SPES 1004 is designed for you, the first-year Virginia Tech student – freshmen and transfer – with the intent of equipping you with the appropriate tools necessary to engage in substantive exploration and discovery of yourself and the world around you. We will accomplish this through numerous curricular and co-curricular opportunities to help you develop into reflective and responsible learners and citizens. 

3 Things You Should Know

1. You will develop an atmosphere of collaboration camaraderie among first year students
2. You will discover the diverse degree programs and majors in SPES
3. You will employ digital and information literacies necessary for academic success

Key Learning Experience

Discovering career opportunities and making professional connections with SPES alumni.  You will connect with a SPES alumni and conduct an informational interview that will give you an example of careers and opportunities available while at Virginia Tech and after graduation. 

What will be the most enjoyable part of the course? What can students learn from this part of the course?

Meeting and connecting with other students in your major and in SPES through group discussions and reflections.

Other Things to Know?

This course is a unique course about your major and SPES that you will share with like-minded first year experience students, creating life-long friendships. 

Contact: Karen Drake-Whitney