Transition Communities

An Academic Gateway to College Success 

Transition Communities are one or three-credit first-year seminars that help students excel in their first year at UNM through fostering skills for academic success and helping students discover and connect to the university. Students who participate in the Transition Community Program can expect to sharpen college success skills, explore their majors, and develop their degree plans. Courses are offered for students in a variety of majors, affiliations, and interest areas.

Course Spotlights - Fall Second Half Courses

Intro to Chicana & Chicano Studies: Hip Hop as a Cultural Movement

CCST 2110-616

Mario Montoya 

Learn the history of Hip Hop from breakdancing to graffiti art and rap music. Examine the places that spawned Hip Hop, like the Bronx, Philly and California. We’ll isolate each “element” or artform (rap,djing,bgirling/bboying and graffiti art), analyze it through historical and cultural lenses. Then, examine how Hip Hop spread globally,identifying where the culture is currently being practiced and mastered. Take a local look at Hip Hop from a New Mexico perspective. And examine the social problems and keypolitical issues that affect Hip Hop on a global scale.

Seminar: Fulfilling our Potential 

FYEX 1110-680

Joseph DeBonis 

Everyone has goals and dreams that they hope to accomplish. Completing the little steps that build to those goals and dreams can sometimes be the hardest part. In this class, we will look at different ways to increase motivation, sharpen our focus and in general, work towards a goal as efficiently and effectively as possible (whatever that goal may be). 

Seminar: Lobo Journey 

FYEX 1110-681

Tricia Hermes

“The Lobo's Journey: Exploring the Path to Success" is an engaging first-year experience course designed to help students navigate the transition to college life. Inspired by the majestic and resilient nature of lobos, this course embraces the lobo as a powerful metaphor for leadership, adaptability, and community. 

Seminar: Success Starts Here 

FYEX 1110-682

Chris Hudson

This course is designed to help students achieve greater success in college and in life. Students will learn many proven strategies for creating greater academic, professional, and personal success. Topics may include career exploration, time management, study and test-taking strategies to adapt to different learning environments, interpersonal relationships, wellness management, financial literacy, and campus and community resources. 


T: Hero Within 

LAIS 309-680

Ralph “Rafael” Chavez

This course is designed to help students achieve greater success in college and in life. Students will learn many proven strategies for creating greater academic, professional, and personal success. Topics may include career exploration, time management, study and test-taking strategies to adapt to different learning environments, interpersonal relationships, wellness management, financial literacy, and campus and community resources.