University Seminars

c/o Office of the Vice President and Provost
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400226
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4266
www.virginia.edu/provost/usems.htm

University Seminars (USEM) are designed to give first-year students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and explore new ideas in an environment that encourages interactive learning and intensive discussion. The seminars are based on ideas that have changed the way we think about our relation to the world around us. The seminars are given by prominent faculty in departments and schools across the University, carry two or three credits, and are restricted during the initial course enrollment period to first-year students; if space is available, second-, third-, and fourth-year students may enroll using a Course Action Form. USEM 180 courses are considered College courses and thus count as elective credit among the 102 College credits required for the degree. USEM 170 courses are considered non-College and thus do not count among the 102 College credits required for the degree. College students are limited to no more than one USEM course per semester. Refer to the Course Offering Directory for a list of specific offerings each semester.