Campus Connection

First Year Seminar course empowers students with knowledge, reflection 

In UW-La Crosse’s First Year Seminar (FYS) courses, students explore a specific topic while learning valuable resources to help with their transition to college life.  

Sarah Pember, associate professor of public and community health education, has crafted a FYS course that has proved to continually engage students. 

Pember’s course, focused on sex education, was introduced after a student in the Public Health & Community Health Education Department proposed a policy project advocating for comprehensive sex education for first-year students. 

“In line with the Common Experience of FYS100, students complete required modules and essays,” Pember explains, “but the rest of the course covers a wide range of topics related to comprehensive, inclusive sexuality education.” 

Pember’s course delves into areas like bias and stigma, sexual health (including STIs and contraception), healthy and unhealthy relationships, boundaries, bodily autonomy, sexual safety, violence prevention, consent, gender identity and more. 

A unique aspect of the course is its focus on personal reflection and group discussions. Pember encourages students to think deeply about the material and how it applies to their own lives. 

“I wanted this to be meaningful for them, for them to take away something that will positively impact them now and in the future,” Pember says.

Lucia Winker, a first-year psychology student, took Pember’s FYS course in the fall. 

"My favorite part of Dr. Pember’s class was how comfortable she made the classroom, especially when discussing taboo topics,” Winker says. “It’s a great opportunity to learn more about sex education, especially for those like me who may have missed out on it when it was originally meant to be taught.” 

Pember acknowledges that incoming students have varying levels of knowledge about sex education, highlighting the importance of the course. 

“Students from different backgrounds may have entirely different experiences, which could lead to negative physical or emotional health outcomes,” Pember explains. 

The course's impact is evident in students’ final reflections. One former student shared that they had never met an LGBTQ+ individual in their small town. The course helped them recognize the biases and social stigma that may have kept peers from expressing their identities. 

In addition to teaching students how to support others, Pember finds fulfillment in helping students support themselves. She takes pride in creating a comfortable environment where students feel safe asking questions. 

“It’s so powerful to see students grow in their first year, especially in their understanding of themselves and what they deserve,” Pember says. “Because FYS isn't a super stressful course, we can use one-on-one meeting time to chat about life, movies or family. It’s an honor to be that person.” 

Pember continues to foster understanding, inclusivity, and personal growth, making it clear why students are so engaged in her course, and why they leave ready to connect more fully with campus life.