The second year of college can be full of questions. It’s that in-between space where students are past the nerves of the first year, but still finding their confidence. For students experiencing that transition, UGS 210: Second-Year Seminar offers something important in a college course: dedicated time and space to reflect, reset, and plan ahead.
Designed for second-year students who want structure, support, and a stronger sense of direction, UGS 210 encourages students to pause and think more deeply about their college journey. Whether they’re exploring majors, considering career paths, or just trying to figure out where they fit at MSU, this course helps create a welcoming space for discussion and shared experiences.
More than just academics
Introduced this spring 2025, UGS 210 is organized around three main areas of focus: academic navigation, institutional and community navigation, and intrapersonal navigation. Throughout the semester, students dig into meaningful topics like identity exploration, major and career confirmation individualized resource location, and goal setting.
“First-year students get a lot of necessary attention and resources due to their transition into college,” explained Dr. Alysa Lucas, associate director of Undergraduate Studies in the Office of Undergraduate Education. “By year two, that structure often drops off as students adapt to being a college student. But students still need support. Students may feel they are expected to have it all figured out by the time they’re in their second year.”
To better help students understand themselves and their goals, course activities involve analyzing real-world challenges and using their own experiences to apply collaborative problem-solving approaches. While UGS 210 isn’t tied to a general education requirement, students can count it toward their credit total. For some students, it could end up being one of their most impactful classes.
“It’s not just about academics,” said Brooke Robinson, UGS 210 program coordinator. “We talk about motivation, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving and adjusting to life off-campus. These are real-life conversations that help students feel more equipped to navigate college—and beyond.” By building their confidence, students can solve problems on their own, Robinson explained.
Smaller class size, stronger connections
Undergraduate Seminar (UGS) courses help to introduce students to social and academic life at MSU, offering a small-group experience to support students' transition. The seminar is a result of collaboration between the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Neighborhood Student Success Centers (NSSC), the Spartan Navigator Second Year Live-On Experience along with the consultation of many specialists along the way. The UGS 210 Program Curricular team (including Sara Morales, Dr. D’Wayne Jenkins, Coree Newman Coronado, Dr. Alysa Lucas, and Brooke Robinson) worked to create a dynamic course to address the needs of second-year students.
Though the course is new this spring, it’s already gaining momentum. “We’ve already had students tell us they’re recommending the course to their friends. That’s one of the best signs we’re meeting a need,” Robinson remarked.
For stronger connections between students, UGS 210 sections are intentionally capped at under 25 students. “That small class size makes a huge difference,” Robinson noted. “Students feel seen. They realize they’re not the only one with questions or concerns, and that kind of openness leads to meaningful growth.” Through shared learning, students will feel more connected to their community and the resources available for their success both inside and out of the classroom.
Not just another box to check
During a time when students feel pulled in so many directions, UGS 210 helps them slow down, check in with themselves, and move forward with intention. “Sometimes second-year students feel like they are on their own,” Lucas said. “We have talked about having a seminar for each year because there are unique challenges that students may experience each year. The classes help students with their sense of belonging, not just in the classroom, but also on campus, knowing that they have someone else who has their back,” Lucas explained.
Between assignments, deadlines, social pressures, employment and decisions for the future, the course gives students a space to pause and evaluate all of it. “Students choose to take this course,” Lucas said. “Some were referred by advisors, some found it on their own. But once they’re in, they’re engaged, and they want to be there.”
For the students who want the space to grow, Robinson explained, “We want to help them stand on their own and guide them back to some of the skills that COVID and life might have pulled away from them,” offering them a place where they can step back and determine what they want to gain from their time at MSU.
At a large institution like MSU, UGS 210 helps students feel more grounded and connected, making accessible all the tools to help them succeed academically, personally and professionally.
If you have questions about UGS 210 or how your students may benefit from it, reach out to Brooke Robinson, UGS 210 program coordinator, or Dr. Alysa Lucas, associate director, Undergraduate Studies. Additional information about Undergraduate Seminar courses can be viewed here.
