"The greatest thing about this course was having the opportunity to have fun while learning."
Fall 2006 Wilderness Explorer student

FALL 2010

Wilderness Explorer Freshman Seminar

Earn 3 credits while visiting West Virginias' most beautiful wild places

Week # 1 - August 2nd through 7th

OR

Week # 2 - August 16th through August 21st

Welcome to the Wilderness Explorer Freshman Seminar program

The Wilderness Explorer Freshman Seminar is an opportunity for you to experience outdoor adventures, make new college friends, and learn how to succeed in college.  This three credit course combines a six-day pre-fall outdoor recreation trip with a semester long freshman seminar class.  The wilderness adventure is led by a credentialed wilderness guide who also teaches the Outdoor Recreation Leadership minor courses for the School of Education, Health and Human Performance Department. The traditional freshman seminar course is taught by an experienced Freshman Seminar instructor, Academic Advisor, and leader on the six day wilderness trip.

What activites are included during the Wilderness Explorer trip?

Trip activities include: rock climbing at Coopers Rock, day hiking at Seneca Rocks, backpacking overnight in Spruce Knob, and whitewater rafting the New River. No experience necessary.

What happens during the traditional freshman seminar?

During the fall semester of traditional class time your fellow explorers will become your classmates.  Together you will become familiar with the rest of the campus community, tap into campus resources, learn and apply college level study strategies.  You will learn to navigate the FSU website, and explore career options.

How do I sign-up?

Enrollment is limited to 12 students per trip.  Students are selected according to the date the registration form and $200 non-refundable deposit is received.  Print and fill out the Registration form and return by July 8th.  Please mark your first week preference by the number #1, mark your second week preference by the #2.  If you can only attend one of the two weeks simply mark that week by the #1 and N/A in the other space.  A manditory pre-trip meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 20th at 5:00pm in 303 Education Building on the Fairmont State campus.

Course Fee

$400 Non-refundable

• $200 non-refundable deposit, sent in with registration form
• $200 non-refundable course fee will be attached to your tuition bill
  

This fee covers: all camping equipment, recreational equipment, activity fees (white water rafting, camping, rock climbing and back country permits), food, and transportation.