{"id":7,"date":"2014-09-26T12:47:16","date_gmt":"2014-09-26T12:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/firstyear\/?page_id=7"},"modified":"2026-10-15T12:58:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T12:58:14","slug":"core-seminars","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/newstudents\/core-seminars\/","title":{"rendered":"About the Seminars"},"content":{"rendered":"

About The Seminars<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div>
\n
\n\t

Your First Semester at SMCM: LEAD Seminars<\/h3>\n

The Lead Seminar topics cover numerous disciplines and fields of study, ensuring that all students will find a seminar that fits their unique interests.<\/p>\n

The LEAD Seminars (LEAD 101 and LEAD 301<\/strong>) are an integral part of the LEAD Curriculum at St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland. As small, discussion-focused classes, they create a shared academic experience for all new SMCM students.<\/p>\n

LEAD Seminars also provide a foundation for getting to know the College community. Each seminar has a Peer Mentor, who helps new students acclimate to SMCM inside and outside of the classroom.<\/p>\n

Who is required to take Lead 101 and 301?<\/h3>\n

First-year students (i.e., those who have not<\/strong> attended another college or university as well as students who have attended another institution but are transferring in 24 or fewer credits<\/strong>) are required to take LEAD 101 during their first semester at SMCM.<\/p>\n

Transfer students (defined as students with more than 24 credits<\/strong>) are required to take LEAD 301 during their first semester at SMCM.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Learning to Learn the Liberal Arts<\/strong> Way<\/h2><\/div><\/div>
\n
\n\t

In their Lead Seminars, students will focus on the four key liberal arts skills through the unique lens of their Seminar topic. The Seminars teach students how to think and communicate powerfully in the classroom and beyond. These skills will empower students to make the most of their St. Mary\u2019s academic experience, regardless of their major.<\/p>\n

These skills include:<\/p>\n