First Year Experience

Immerse yourself in the themes that resonate with you in your First-Year Experience (FYE)—a high-impact practice that introduces you to the College curriculum in an interdisciplinary environment. You’ll sharpen the essential skills of writing, analytical thinking, information literacy, and critical thinking while getting acquainted with classmates in your first year.

FYE Programs: Fall 2025

Choose one program when registering for fall courses. FYE is required for incoming freshman and non-exempt transfer students.

Registering for an FYE Program

Registration for programs is on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs vary in semester hours (SH), so please note the number of semester hours and talk to your academic advisor about your choices. If you are an enrolled student, you can find the schedule here.

Transfer students will receive a letter from the Registrar's Office letting them know whether or not they are exempt from the FYE requirement. To contact the office, call 618.374.5100.

Principia's Academic Vision

Principia College’s academic unit strives to create a collaborative and inclusive academic community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and sees each other as infinitely capable and divinely whole. Our rigorous globally-focused curriculum and character-based approach honors diverse perspectives and develops creative problem solvers who use their academic skills to benefit their communities and the world.