The University's Towson Seminar (TSEM) is a first-year experience course designed to prepare students to thrive in college.
Through active learning, discussion and research, TSEM introduces students to the critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills essential for academic success. Seminar-style TSEM classes expose students to new topics and diverse perspectives, helping them to gain the confidence and foundation necessary to thrive in their time at Towson University.
Beginning in fall 2025 all students enrolled in TSEM are required to complete a series of four short ethics modules about Academic Integrity, Citations & Attribution, Privacy & Security, and Environmental & Social Concerns when using generative AI. TSEM students will be enrolled in a separate Blackboard "Ethics of AI Use" course site to complete the modules. Spring 2026 modules are due by Friday 2/20.
Interested faculty should apply by 4/10. Join an upcoming information session for more details about training and having a peer writing tutor embedded into your future TSEM sections.
Congratulation to Sarah Herzfeld for her Honors TSEM paper, “Pipe Dreams: The United States Lead Pipe Crisis and Its Impact on Marginalized Communities” for Dr. Michael Elliott's "Water" TSEM and Lauren Kelly for her Honors TSEM paper, "The Mignonette and the Ethics of Utilitarian Cannibalism" for Dr. Victoria McAlister's "Water" TSEM