The Core program prepares students for success at the upper division level by focusing on campus-wide learning goals: communication and self-expression, civic engagement, critical inquiry, global perspectives, diverse cultural views and the ability to solve problems.  The program is a coordinated series of courses representing the various disciplines in the university.  Students take four courses that fulfill a portion of the university's general education requirements, one course in each of the three areas of knowledge plus Composition.  

The courses are designed to challenge first-year students to develop critical thinking, writing, research and analytical skills while they engage socially relevant topics.  Students participating in the Core program are part of a learning community that involves students, faculty and staff.  Each Core class is capped at 25 students, and Composition courses are capped at 20.  The small class sizes foster a sense of community and engaged learning.  Students complete the Core requirements over the course of their first year (Autumn, Winter, and Spring Quarters).