I would like to take the opportunity to respond to “UNIV 101 needs better description, curriculum” (October 15, 2015 Northern Star), and to share important and exciting changes to the 2015 UNIV 101/201 courses. Ms. Zaccaria states that “NIU either needs to change the UNIV 101 curriculum to match the description or change the description so that it describes what UNIV 101 really is.” We agree, and we have. The First- and Second-Year Experience web page reflects the content of the 2015 revised 101/201 courses, not the content of 101/201 courses taken in previous years. Updates include:

• A reduction of class meetings from 26 to 16 in a new 11-week format;

• Use of an online textbook containing chapters on getting to know NIU, academic resources, time management strategies, critical thinking and decision-making skills, managing finances and diversity. Additional resources to help ease the transition to NIU are available on-line;

• Emphasis on introducing Blackboard, MapWorks, MyNIU, NIU e-mail and a first-time ePortfolio requirement;

• A new Common Reading Experience text, “Just Mercy,” by Bryan Stevenson;

• Intentional focus on foundational skills such as critical thinking, collaborative learning, oral/written communication and inter-cultural competencies.

In 2014, nearly 60 percent of incoming freshmen and transfers took UNIV 101/201. The overwhelming majority (84 percent) felt the course met or exceeded their expectations. UNIV 101/201 is an outstanding way to begin your college experience at NIU. You will meet new friends, get to know important campus resources and start to build essential skills for academic, personal and professional success.