Beginning in Fall 2025, all Trinity Arts & Sciences students will participate in a multi-disciplinary, transformational, and community-building First-Year Experience by participating in either a Constellation or a FOCUS Cluster. Students who don’t participate in FOCUS will participate in Constellations.
Similarities between the programs
Both Constellations and FOCUS provide the keys to a transformational educational experience as students engage in deep learning through multidisciplinary approaches to specific topics, themes, and disciplines in groups of related courses. FOCUS and Constellations courses are open only to first-year students, supporting community building as soon as students arrive on campus. Both Constellations and FOCUS courses meet a range of requirements, including majors, minors, certificates, and the Arts and Sciences curriculum requirements. Both FOCUS and Constellations students take the same number of classes as part of their First-Year Experience.
Distinctive features of Constellations
Constellations take place across a student's first year: one course in the fall semester, one in the spring, and the Writing 120 course in either semester. Constellations range in size, with 6-10 courses offered in each Constellation, allowing students additional choices in course selection. Constellations provide opportunities for interaction outside the classroom through experiential activities.
Participation in Constellations does not require an application. Students will have the opportunity to express preferences for Constellations they are interested in being matched to in June 2025.
Explore the 2025 Constellations topics
Distinctive features of FOCUS
FOCUS takes place during the fall semester of the first year, with students taking two seminar courses within their cluster. Then, they take their Writing 120 course during the spring semester. Students live together in the same residence hall, which offers many opportunities for exchange and collaboration. FOCUS clusters include a weekly dinner and additional co-curricular opportunities.
Participation in FOCUS requires an application. Rolling admissions run from February 1 to May 25, 2025.