Welcome to University Foundations!

What is EIU 1111: University Foundations?

University Foundations is designed to help you make the most out of college. In this course, you will make friends, meet faculty and staff, engage in lively discussions, attend special events on campus, and learn how college can help you to achieve your goals. Your enthusiasm will be the key to making this course a solid foundation for your college career.

University Foundations is an inquiry into the academic expectations, resources, policies, and traditions of university life. You will be challenged to enhance your intellectual potential, understand your academic and moral responsibilities, and appreciate diversity in a framework that develops the critical thinking, learning, and communication skills necessary to contribute successfully to the university’s intellectual life. A global citizenship project engages students in the scholarly and co-curricular community.

Course Objectives

University Foundations is a writing-active course with four main objectives:

  • To familiarize you with the expectations, policies, resources, and traditions of Eastern Illinois University
  • To develop your critical thinking, learning and communication skills
  • To enrich your perspectives on personal, academic, and moral issues in higher education
  • To engage you in the educational and social life of the university

Student Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Describe classroom norms, university policies/procedures, and faculty expectations
  • Explain the purposes of higher education
  • Use the resources and services provided by Eastern Illinois University
  • Identify common problems and pressures facing today's college students
  • Formulate educational and life goals
  • Communicate more effectively (orally and in writing) with professors and peers
  • Analyze, criticize, and construct arguments on university life using critical thinking skills