College Connections

Course Details

Course Number: 1233  Spring 2011

Location: McCullough Hall

Classroom Number: 101

Days & Times:

T/R 9:30-10:50 AM

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Ms. Amber LaSha Beckham   
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Course Objectives

 

The purpose of this course is to help new students make the transition to a college environment, focusing on the cognitive and behavioral dimensions of learning. There is a strong emphasis on written and oral communication and a career exploration project is required.


Course Expectations

 

Academic Skills note-taking, test-taking, studying, reading and research, essay writing/drafting, critical thinking and learning strategies, time management, academic advising/planning, communication skills, writing, and oral skills.

 

University Knowledgetraditions, campus resources and facilities, Moffett Library, MSU policies, procedures, and regulations, and cultural events/experiences.

 

Skills for Living  transition into college, health and wellness, personal development/values awareness, values clarification, alcohol education, goals setting, and diversity.


Grading Standards

 

Your final grade will be the average of your quizzes, tests, and projects.

In other words, everything you do in and for class counts. Grades will be

as follows – 450-500 (A), 400-449 (B), 350-399 (C), 300-349 (D), & 299-0  (F).


Final Exam5/10/2011  8:00 AM

Submission Format Policy

All work should be typed when turned into the instructor. All WebCT quizzes must be submitted at the designated time. This course employs a strong WEBCT component and students are expected to log-on to this account and take weekly quizzes which will account for 100 points of their final grade. Additionally, students should setup their MSU email account and use this email address when emailing their instructor.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

No late work will be allowed.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

 

Students are required to attend all class meetings and attendance will be

recorded during each class period. Each student will be allowed 4

absences. Students are encouraged to keep track of their attendance. A

student who arrives 15 or more minutes late to class will be counted

absent. Students not abiding by the course attendance policies may be

dropped from the class with a grade of F. Any personal emergencies that

                                                                 arise will be dealt with on an individual basis.


Other Policies

 

Inappropriate behavior and language may result in the student being

dropped from the course. There will be no cell phone use allowed in

class. If a student’s phone rings, he or she may be asked to leave class. It

is disruptive and disrespectful to your peers. Also, do not come to class

with your IPOD or MP3 player dangling from your ears. Put all noise

making devices away until class is over.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.