To help new students thrive here at Temple University and succeed in their future careers, the College of Science and Technology (CST) created the First-Year Initiative for Readiness and Transition to Temple (F.I.R.S.T.), offering:

A strong foundation

Our required First Year Seminar, taught by specially trained advisors and faculty and supported by upper-level CST students, includes interactive workshops to develop skills students need to succeed at Temple, from test-taking strategies to setting goals. Our data science course builds those strong analytical skills necessary for tomorrow’s careers.
 

Immersion in the College of Science and Technology

We connect students to the people and experiences that will make their first year extraordinary. Our Connections Seminars bring together faculty and students to explore emerging areas of science, like the impact of climate change, advances in materials science and exploring the human genome.
 

Introduction to research

Beginning in the first year, students explore research options through events and faculty talks. That gets them ready for CST’s Undergraduate Research Program and other research experiences where upper-level students work with international scientific leaders—and members of prestigious national academies—on advanced research, from exploring the impact of dysfunctional mitochondria on Parkinson’s to studying the environmental impact of invasive species.
 

Support every step of the way

Our First-Year Advising Team sets up students for success right from the start, with support and information to achieve academic goals. Our First Gen Initiative offers resources for students who are the first in their families to attend college and discipline-specific, personalized advising starts sophomore year right through to graduation. Students can explore career options with professional development staff who understand the unique requirements for tomorrow’s science and technology leaders.