Wilderness Explorer

Welcome to Wilderness Explorer Freshman Seminar, a unique program that combines a six-day, pre-fall outdoor adventure with a fifteen-week, three-credit class.

Tools for Success

Wilderness Explorer students step onto campus their first day of class carrying a new...

• Sense of confidence
• Set of friends
• Understanding of college and the road to success

Wilderness Explorer students walk through their first term together as they learn...

• College study skills to promote academic success
• How to navigate through college and their majors
• More about themselves and their career "possibilities".

Overview

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 College of Education, Health and Human Performance Department. The traditional first-year seminar course is taught by an experienced First-Year  Seminar instructor, Academic Advisor, and leader on the six-day wilderness trip.

What activities 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. Print and fill out the Registration form and return by July 10th with your $200 non-refundable deposit. Students are selected according to the date the registration form and deposit is received. 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 mandatory pre-trip meeting will be held on the Fairmont State campus, check registration form for details.

This meeting provides a great opportunity to meet your fellow classmates and gather important information on how to be prepared for your trip.

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 backcountry permits), food, and transportation