Introduction to the Core: The Anchor Seminar

The Anchor Seminar introduces the Core to students in their first semester, welcoming them to the UP academic community through a shared exploration of the questions, ideas, and habits that guide a UP education. Drawing on great works in the liberal arts tradition, and sharing values from UP’s mission and history, the Anchor Seminar is designed to spark curiosities that will inspire further academic engagement throughout the Core. Taught by teams of faculty and student-leaders, the Anchor Seminar is a signature opportunity for the newest members of our community to find their place as students and as people.

Students are registered in cohort sections (according to prospective major), joining larger class meetings with faculty-leaders and engaging in smaller workshop discussions led by experienced  student-leaders. While faculty introduce students to the big ideas of a UP education, trained student leaders introduce student to the practical realities of succeeding at UP.

In addition to guiding students through a healthy and productive start to their time at UP, the Anchor Seminar offers students opportunities to reflect on their hopes for the rest of their education and for their experience with the Core. These initial reflections become the start of a Core archive that students build through their experiences at UP and use to offer integrative reflections as they approach graduation.