Yikes! How many people are in a freshman class?
Hello, my name is Edward and I’m a student worker in the Undergraduate Admissions’ Public Response unit, where we answer questions via telephone, e-mail, and drop-in visits to our office. One question often asked by prospective students and incoming freshmen is how big their classes will be. After all, most high schools have between 300 and 3,000 students, but UCLA has over 35,000! It’s common to imagine that all classes for first-years are held in an auditorium with 400 other students, but fear not: it isn’t the only classroom option. For the past five years, UCLA has held Fiat Lux seminars (www.college.ucla.edu/fiatlux), which give freshmen an opportunity to interact one-on-one with senior faculty members in classes limited to 20 students.
The concept of providing an intimate academic setting for first-year students was created in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. At the time, the University organized 57 seminars for freshmen making the transition from the comforts of home to a place where they could discuss world issues. The following year, an expanded program was implemented and named Fiat Lux, which is Latin for “let there be light” and the University of California’s motto that reflects the goal of enlightening students on a wide variety of subjects.
While freshmen are given priority in enrolling in the one-unit seminars, other undergraduates can take the courses if there is space available. The courses are pass/no pass, which allows the instructor and students to focus on the topic. Fiat Lux classes are also great experiences because the small learning environment promotes discussion and interaction between faculty and peers. The program continues to be a popular choice for freshmen to be exposed to new ideas and serious issues as well as become comfortable with sharing their knowledge about social matters.
Another cool aspect is the range of subjects offered. Over 200 topics are offered this year, from music (“Rock Lyrics”) to information studies (“Just Google It: What It Is and When It’s Appropriate”) and sociology (“Cool Japan: Exporting Contemporary Japanese Culture”).
When I was a freshman (last year) I took a Fiat Lux seminar in sociology—“Contemporary Chinese Immigration.” The class looked at how some communities in the San Gabriel Valley serve as examples of ethnic conclaves and studied the traditions and attitudes of modern Chinese immigrants to America. My parents are Asian-immigrants and I have always been interested in learning more about my background. The small setting allowed for a productive exchange of ideas and critical thinking. I really enjoyed the experience and I was able to get to know the professor. I highly recommend that future first-year students take at least one Fiat Lux seminar so that one day, if necessary, you can write a blog entry about your experiences.
