Freshman Academy keeps the tradition but breaks it, too.
Like traditional undergraduate programs, students in Freshman Academy study in a regular semester. The semester schedule matches the standard university calendar, with the same start and end dates, the same holidays and reading breaks. Courses are taught by the top quality professors that earned TWU top grades in The Globe and Mail and Macleans rankings. Because TWU is a liberal arts university, we have what is called a "core:" courses from a wide range of subjects that help you establish a basic educational foundation. First year students generally focus on taking this "core," and this is the same for the Freshman Academy program. Outside of academics, students enjoy all the vitality of university life: sports and recreation, leadership opportunities, clubs and study groups, dormitories and student life, library and writing centre support, student lounges and collegiums.
So what makes it different? First, because improving academic grades and skills is the number one goal, students in the program have a slightly reduced load each semester. Also, instead of going to classes with different people all the time, students in Freshman Academy have a cohort, a group of the same classmates studying all together. Another unique feature is a learning coach, who is available to help students with course-specific questions and assignments. Finally, students also have one faculty contact person to provide course advising and to answer questions on anything about university processes and administration. In other words, Freshman Academy encourages the growth of community, companionship, and confidence.
Are you intrigued? Read on...
Are you a match?
If you have been out of school for a while and are nervous about coming back, Freshman Academy is a good choice. The supportive environment and extra academic help will help you gain confidence for completing your degree.
If you didn't perform at your best in high school or if academic work is more challenging for you, Freshman Academy will help you develop skills to pursue further post-secondary education.
It's all about exploring
Perhaps you don't know what major to choose, or maybe you have too many ideas. In Freshman Academy, you don't have to deal with the stress of making an immediate decision. Enjoy the full year just exploring. You will experience courses from a range of disciplines, courses such as communication, religious studies, psychology, human kinetics, and literature. You will also benefit from a writing course to help you navigate through the different ways of writing and researching within the different disciplines. At the end of the year, you will have more understanding of your own interests and you may even discover a new passion. At the same time, you will get a lot of your core requirements taken care of so that in your second year, you will be ready to move into courses in your specialization.
Skills you will really use
Freshman Academy is relevant and practical. You’ll gain the skills you need to do well at university and beyond. By the end of the year, you will be able to say that you've accomplished so much:
- increased reading comprehension and speed
- improved ability to express complex ideas in writing
- more fluent vocabulary and grammar
- careful documentation and formatting
- critical researching
- smarter note-taking
- enhanced memory skills
- snappier public speaking
- stronger critical thinking
- insightful reflection
Courses that mean something
Trinity Western University is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) and is recognized by the US Department of Education. Most of the courses you take will fulfill your core requirements in a TWU undergraduate degree, but they are also transferable to other colleges and universities.
*Note that each institution has its own process to determine transfer credits.
A setting that inspires
A 2 hour drive from Seattle and a 45 minute drive from Vancouver, TWU's main campus is located in a quiet westcoast setting just outside the historic community of Fort Langley, birthplace of BC, and within a short distance of Langley City, Walnut Grove and Aldergrove. Langley's beautiful rural-meets-suburban setting boasts every amenity you could need: a vast selection of restaurants, dozens of churches, major banks, pools and recreation centres, plenty of shopping and countless coffee shops.
TWU's 100-acre campus offers three kilometers of nature trails, a fully equipped gymnasium, an extensive library, a Wellness Centre with full-time doctor, nurses, and counselors, quiet study spaces, and areas just to hang out. Five days a week you have the option of worshipping with fellow students at our midday chapel service. Sport blue and gold to support TWU's much reputed Spartan basketball, volleyball and soccer teams - enthusiasm and loyalty that have gained fans the well-deserved nickname, "The Faithful."