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.
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 Liberal Arts requirements. Both FOCUS and Constellations students take the same number of classes as part of their First-Year Experience.
Class of 2030 students will have the opportunity to express presentences for their Constellation or FOCUS cluster starting in April 2026.
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 4-13 courses offered in each Constellation, allowing students additional choices in course selection. Constellations provide opportunities for interaction outside the classroom through experiential activities in fall and spring semesters.
Explore 2025-2026 Constellations
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 in the fall semester and additional co-curricular opportunities.
Explore 2025-2026 FOCUS clusters