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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

1. Are these First-Year Learning Communities (FLCs) only offered at SFU Surrey?

2. What is a Cohort Program?

3. Will I be able to take courses at the other SFU campuses?

4. I've heard it's hard to get into some courses. Will this be a problem in the FLC?

5. How will this FLC contribute to my degree? Or my Major?

6. What programs are offered in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences?

7. Will taking a FLC mean I will take longer to do my degree?

8. I have chosen a major or minor(s). Is a FLC still a good way to start a BA?

9. What are the requirements to be in a FLC?

10. What is the difference between a FLC and Explorations?

Answers

1. Are these First-Year Learning Communities (FLCs) only offered at SFU Surrey?

Yes, the Global Issues FLC as well as the Social & Behavioural Sciences FLC are currently only offered at SFU Surrey. However, FASS has plans to expand its first-year experience options to SFU Burnaby in future. Stay tuned!

2. What is a Cohort Program?

A cohort program is one in which students take the same core courses. Students in cohort programs quickly develop study groups and personal friendships.

In addition to these recently launched first-year learning communities (FLCs), Explorations is the flagship, interdisciplinary first-year program in arts and social sciences, developed in 2005.

3. Will I be able to take courses at the other SFU campuses?

Yes, however, the most popular first-year courses in Arts and Social Sciences are all offered at SFU Surrey, so you may want to take all your courses at the new campus.  After two semesters in a FLC, you can continue to study at any SFU campus.

4. I've heard it's hard to get into some courses. Will this be a problem in a FLC?

No. If you are accepted into a FLC, you will be guaranteed a place in FLC core courses. In addition, FLC students receive priority registration in Arts and Social Sciences and other courses at Surrey until they declare their major, which is usually at the end of their second year.

5. How will a FLC contribute to my degree? Or my major?

A BA consists of 120 credits, which is somewhere between thirty and forty courses. About half of the time a student spends at university is spent on the specialized courses for a major. The other half is spent studying subjects that complement the major by providing the broad knowledge and skill base that is expected of a University graduate. We call this the Breadth Requirement. FLC courses either contribute directly to major or minor program requirements or to the completion of a BA by fulfilling Breadth Requirements.

In addition to core FLC courses, students take other courses.  The latter could be electives, courses that contribute to a major or minor, or courses that fulfill the Writing, Quantitative, or Breadth Requirements.

At SFU Surrey, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers courses from many different departments. Because FLC students have priority registration for Arts and Social Science and other courses at SFU Surrey, you may find it easier and quicker to get into the first-year courses you want. At SFU Surrey you can select courses in Asia-Canada Studies, Criminology, Economics, English, History, Humanities, Languages, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, World Literature and more.

6. What programs are offered in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences?

At SFU Surrey, you can pursue a major or minor in Criminology or World Literature. However, you can also start your degree in any of the other programs offered in FASS; a comprehensive listing of options is available here.

7. Will taking a FLC mean I will take longer to do my degree?

No. The keys to completing a degree in a timely fashion are academic success and advance planning. Core courses help fulfill the requirements for an intended major in World Literature, International Studies or History (Global Issues FLC) or Psychology, Sociology or Cognitive Science (Social & Behavioural Sciences FLC).

An Academic Advisor (surrey-arts@sfu.ca) is available to help you plan your studies. If you know what you would like to major in, the advisor can help you plan in advance. If you are unsure of your major or minor(s), the advisor is also available for academic and career exploration.

Students also have the support of general FASS advisors in Arts Central at the Burnaby campus.

8. I have already chosen a major or minor(s). Is a FLC still a good way to start a BA?

Yes, it is an ideal way to start a BA degree. FLC combines core cohort courses with courses that you select, based on your interests and academic direction.

The Global Issues FLC is designed for students interested in World Literature, International Studies, History or Political Science. The Social & Behavioural Sciences FLC will particularly appeal to students interested in Psychology, Sociology and Cognitive Science.

9. What are the requirements to be in a FLC?

Students must first meet the University's admission requirements. Once admitted to a FLC, you must meet the program requirements by taking core FLC courses. Please note that you must also take at least half of your courses at SFU Surrey to be considered a Surrey student. We encourage you to meet with a Student Advisor, to discuss your options. Email surrey-arts@sfu.ca for more information.

10. What is the difference between a First-Year Learning Community (FLC) and Explorations?

The Social & Behavioural Sciences (SBS) FLC or Global Issues (GI) FLC will also provide a fantastic foundation for first year. The FLC is designed for students with specific interests: Psychology, Sociology and Cognitive Science for the SBS FLC; International Studies, World Literature, History and Political Science for the GI FLC. In addition to core courses, you will meet once a week as a FLC with your Peer Mentor for useful and fun activities. FLC meetings will address your academic, personal and social development. Topics include time management, effective study strategies, volunteer opportunities, choosing a program of study, career exploration, co-operative education, international opportunities, and more.

Explorations explores a wide range of ideas and issues in interdisciplinary curricula, combining different areas such political science, economics, sociology, and geography or literature, the creative arts, and cultural studies. At the same time, students have the opportunity to discover new interests and build skills and knowledge across a broad set of programs. It is an excellent preparatory pathway to various majors in FASS, as well as Business, Communication and Education. If you're not sure what you'd like to major or minor in, Explorations is a great starting point.

In either Explorations or one of the FLCs, you will have the opportunity to take electives of interest along with your core cohort courses.