teams of faculty gathered in Karsh Alumni Center, looking at presentation about Constellations
Teaching teams for 2025-2026 Constellations gathered in the Karsh Alumni Center on April 29 to collaborate on this integral component of Trinity’s First-Year Experience. (John West/Trinity Communications)

Countdown to Launch: Faculty Prepare to Introduce Constellations

Deborah Reisinger addresses faculty
Deborah Reisinger, Dean of Undergraduate Education for Trinity College, thanked faculty, librarians and graduate assistants for answering the call to participate in this new endeavor. (John West/Trinity Communications)

For the Class of 2029, the start of an exciting Duke journey is just around the corner.

The key to a successful journey, as everyone knows, begins with thoughtful preparation. That’s why faculty participating in Trinity College of Arts & Sciences’ Constellations program gathered for an in-depth work session on April 29 in the Karsh Alumni Center.

Starting this fall as part of the new Arts & Sciences curriculum, all Trinity first-year students will take part in a cohort-based experience as part of FOCUS or Constellations. Both programs provide the opportunity to tackle important questions through multidisciplinary learning, including experiential elements and small-group interactions. Explore Constellations and FOCUS.

While FOCUS has been part of the Duke undergraduate experience for over 30 years, Constellations will launch this fall with 16 cohorts examining timely questions like What is the Cosmos? or What drives us to innovate and create?

Each Constellation teaching team includes 6-12 faculty, as well as a librarian and a graduate assistant. The work session on April 29 gave members of each team a chance to discuss, forge bonds and put the final touches on their preparations for the launch.

Explore the full list of Constellation topics for the 2025-2026 academic year.

faculty sitting around table for Constellation "what drives the decision for war or peace?"
Centered around questions such as What Drives the Decision for War or Peace?, each of the 16 Constellations addresses an important and timely topic from an interdisciplinary perspective. (John West/Trinity Communications)
faculty at retreat look at presentation on First year experiences
The First-Year Experience beginning in Fall 2025 encompasses both Constellations and the FOCUS program. (John West/Trinity Communications)