UNIV 101
University 101
University 101 is KU’s in-person orientation seminar. In this class, you'll complete activities that extend beyond the classroom, such as touring iconic campus locations, investigating options for getting involved, and exploring all the resources and support available to you. In the course, you will:
- Navigate KU:
- Articulate academic, personal, and wellness goals.
- Identify available academic, student services, and wellbeing resources available that will ease your transition and help you reach your goals.
- Investigate and develop your skills in information literacy, time management, and study skills.
- Find Your People:
- Interact and develop connections with peers, faculty, and staff with common interests and goals to support and encourage you and connect you to the KU experiences.
- Develop your knowledge and skills to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures, in keeping with the Jayhawk Values.
- Leverage Your Time at KU:
- Investigate experiential learning and co-curricular activities
- Discuss the skills you will gain during your KU experience and how experiential learning contributes to skill development.
Why take UNIV 101?
- Build academic confidence and success strategies
- Taught by a seasoned instructor with strong KU ties
- Connect with your peers in a small class (19 or less students)
- Develop a plan for exploring majors, careers, and co-curricular opportunities
- Behind the scenes tours of KU's coolest spots
Who Should Enroll?
UNIV 101 is designed primarily for first-year students who would benefit from a strong, supportive introduction to college-level academics and campus life. Your academic advisor will help you decide which first year course is best for you.
Fall 2025 UNIV 101 Instructors
Name | Aydanur Aydin
Title | Graduate Teaching Assistant
Department | Academic Programs, Undergraduate Education
Education | PhD Candidate in Counseling Psychology
What department do you work in and in what capacity?
- I go by Ayda. I am a 4th year PhD student in Counseling Psychology program. I was a lecturer for EPSY 310 Career and Life Planning course for 3 years under Educational Psychology department. This is my first time teaching UNIV 101, and I am really excited to be a part of my students’ social, academic, and emotional adjustment to college!
What is your best tip for succeeding at KU?
- Be proactive and don’t wait until you’re struggling to take action. Stay curious by asking questions and exploring opportunities outside the classroom. Resilience is key when things get tough; setbacks are part of the journey, not the end of it. And most importantly, use your resources; professors, advisors, tutoring centers, and campus support services are all here to help you succeed. You don’t have to do it alone!
Name | Emily Chellgren
Title | Assistant Director of Residence Life
Department | KU Housing
Education |
Name | Claire Engelken
Title | Academic Advisor
Department | Jayhawk Academic Advising
Education | Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona | Master of Arts Degree in Education from KU
Hometown | Topeka, KS
What was your freshman experience like?
- I was very excited but very overwhelmed and more homesick than I thought I would be, as an out-of-state student.
What is your best tip for succeeding at KU?
- Learn how to manage your time and study more than you think you need to! See your advisor every semester and go to Wingspan for free tutoring – it’s the best resource on campus. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially from your advisor.
Name | Alejandra Hernandez-Castro
Title | Associate Director
Department | TRIO SES-STEM
Education | BA, Political Science | MS, Counseling Psychology
Hometown | Hugoton, KS
What do you enjoy about teaching UNIV courses?
- I love teaching UNIV 101 because it’s a great chance to get to know our TRIO students and Hixson scholars and really welcome them to the KU campus. I also really enjoy the connections we build with our students as we guide them through their first year of college. Watching our students grow and succeed during their time at KU is a pretty special thing.
What is your best tip for succeeding at KU?
- My best advice for succeeding at KU is to find your “person.” This can be an advisor, mentor, professor, or staff member that can help guide you and be your “go to” person when you need help. They can connect you to resources, opportunities, and other people who will support your success!
Name | Brian Moreno
Title | Student Success Coordinator
Department | TRIO SES & STEM
Education | BA History from University of Missouri | MA History from KU
Name | Tonya Waller
Title | CCAMPIS Director
Department | CEOP/AAI
Education | BA from KU | EdD from KU | MEd from Washburn University
Hometown | Brooklyn, New York
What do you enjoy about teaching UNIV courses?
- I enjoy teaching UNIV101 because my section serves primarily first-generation college students, and being a first-gen college student myself, I know how difficult it can be to navigate college during your first year. I hope to help mitigate those difficulties, provide a safe and welcoming space for students, and show students that they belong here.
How did you find your people/make connections when you were in college?
- I grew up in Brooklyn, NY so coming to KU was quite the culture shock for me. I found my people by joining the Black Student Union. Being able to connect with students that looked like me was so important, and BSU provided a support network of friends with whom I remain in contact to this day.
Name | Michelle D. Wilson
Title | Assistant Director of Academic & Professional Development
Department | TRIO SES & STEM
Education | Bachelor of General Studies from KU | Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in Public Administration from Washburn University | Working towards a Ph.D in Communications with a concentration in Organizational Communication from KU
Hometown | Tecumseh, KS
What was your most memorable moment as a first-year student?
- My most memorable moments as a first-year student at KU were making late-night runs to Joe’s Bakery, playing basketball at Robinson Gymnasium, and attending all the football and men’s basketball games and the KU Relays.
What is your best tip for succeeding at KU?
- My best tips for succeeding at KU are: 1) Take advantage of the many resources available on campus; 2) get to know a diverse group of people; 3) get out of your comfort zone to get involved; 4) make genuine connections to build your network.
Name | Derek Zomer
Title | Student Program Coordinator
Department | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Education | Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Communication Studies from the University of South Dakota (USD)| Master of Arts in Communication Studies from USD
Hometown | Mitchell, South Dakota
What department do you work in and in what capacity?
- I work in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Department as the Undergraduate Programs Coordinator. I get to help answer any questions our 1000+ undergraduate students may have.
What is your favorite spot on campus or in Lawrence? Why’s it worth a visit?
- I have only lived in Lawrence for two years now, but I would say my favorite spot so far is the Jungle House off Mass Street. So. Many. Plants. Otherwise, you can find me in my backyard which sits on Hole 9 of the Jayhawk Club golf course. Do I play golf, nope. Do I like to see people get extremely mad when they miss a putt, sure do!
Name | Jordan M. Erwin
Title | Academic Advisor
Department | Jayhawk Academic Advising
Education | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics| Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education| Master of Science in Educational Administration
Hometown | Wichita, Kansas
What is your best tip for succeeding at KU?
- Learn how to manage your time and study more than you think you need to! See your advisor every semester and go to Wingspan for free tutoring – it’s the best resource on campus. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially from your advisor.
What can you expect if they drop by your office or set up an appointment?
- We’ll have an informal chat about what’s on your mind and what you need some help with. I’ll connect you with any resources you need and make sure you have a solid plan going forward.