The first-year experience is focused on creativity, invention, innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills building — with a conceptual journey of concept-to-solution through the following courses, activities, and experiences:

Pre-Fall Semester Activity:

  • Orientation NEXT: Invention, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Experience (August 29–August 31) *Register as part of the orientation registration.

Fall Semester:

  • First-Year Seminar (FYSM) Course: Create, Invent, Innovate (1-credit FYSM course)
  • Idea Hackathon

Spring Semester:

  • Summit Innovation Challenge
  • J-term Course: CCUR 200 – Design Think for Innovation** (1/2-credit co-curricular) *Course is subject to the J-term tuition rate
  • Optional Coursework: CPSC 103 – Concept to Prototype: Building through Iteration

All-Year Programming:

  • “Executive Presence” Real-Life Skills Workshops
    • Personal Presence and Branding
    • Socialization and Networking