107 - MW 9:00-10:20
109 - MW 11:00-12:20
112 - TR 9:30-10:50
116 - TR 11:00-11:20
COURSE GOALS
The purpose of this course is to help new students make the transition to a college environment, focusing on the cognitive, behavioral, and experiential dimensions of learning. There is an emphasis on study skills as well as written and oral communication. There will be a common read and webCT/Blackboard component, as well as a career exploration project. Attendance will be required at the Majors Fair, selected activities, and every class.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Students will increase their academic knowledge in the following areas: note-taking, test taking, studying, reading, research, critical thinking, learning strategies, time management, academic advising/planning, communication skills, and intellectual discourse.
Learning outcome: Evidenced by participation in class exercises and assignments including a time management study, implementation of a daily planner, Web CT, lecture notes, research projects, team projects/presentations, and a final exam.
2. Students will increase their university knowledge in the following areas: traditions, campus resources and facilities, Moffett Library, MSU policies, procedures, and regulations, and cultural experiences.
Learning outcome: Evidenced by attendance of campus events/activities and reporting on their experience, class discussions and speakers, library tour, wellness center tour, and visit to the Career Management office.
3. Students will increase their skills for living in the following areas: transition into college, relationships, values awareness, health and wellness, goal setting, and diversity.
Learning outcome: Evidenced by journal entries, Majors Fair attendance/assignment, personal and financial goal setting, career research project/ presentation, group interaction, and positive
in class.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Gardner, J.N., A.J. Jewler & B.O. Barefoot. Your College Experience: Strategies for Success. 9th Edition. New York: Bedford-St. Martin’s, 2011.
Wiesel, E. The Night Trilogy. New York: Hill and Wang, 2008.
REQUIRED CLASS MATERIALS
Planner (May be picked up at Clark Student Center information desk free of charge.)
Binder (3 ring) & Paper
Five (5) tab dividers
Textbooks
ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE TEXTS AND MATERIALS BY THE THIRD CLASS SESSION AND THEY MUST BE BROUGHT TO EACH AND EVERY CLASS.
The basis for the final grade will be the average of assignments, projects, tests, and participation. In other words, everything a student does in and for class counts. Students must demonstrate competency in writing through journal entries and other written work, in oral communication through class presentations and participation, and computer competency through specified assignments. Grades will be as follows (A) 900-1000, (B) 800-899, (C) 700-799, (D) 600-699), and (F) 599 and below.
All assigned work will be due at the beginning of class on the dates specified.
No late work will be accepted unless specific arrangements have been made with the instructor in advance.
A missed assignment will be eligible for makeup only if due to an officially excused absence with *proper documentation provided, and must be scheduled the day the student returns to class. It is the student’s responsibility to stay current with class activities and assignments. If documentation is provided as to the reason for the absence and the absence is excused in accordance with university policy, the student must request the missed work/materials the first class after they return.
Students are expected to adhere to the Standards of Conduct as published in the Student Handbook. Students should refer to the current MSU student handbook and activities calendar for University policies and student Honor Creed on academic dishonesty, class attendance, student’s rights, and activities.
Attendance is mandatory. Students are required to attend all class meetings and attendance is documented at the beginning of each class period. Attendance and class participation are deemed essential. Students are advised to plan carefully regarding appointments and/or work schedules to avoid missing class. Each student is allowed up to 3 absences to deal with any emergencies which might occur throughout the semester. Any student who misses class 3 times is required to schedule an appointment with me to discuss their absences. A student with excessive absences may be dropped from class with a grade of F. (Please refer to the MSU undergraduate catalog volume LXXVIII, 2010-2012, pages 77-78.) Students are required to keep track of their own attendance and are responsible for knowing how many absences they have incurred. Students that arrive late to class will be marked as tardy. Three tardies will be counted as one absence. A student that arrives to class 25 or more minutes late will be counted absent.
Some assignments are experiential in nature and are only completed in class. If a student is absent from class on a day when one of these assignments are completed in class, they will automatically forfeit any points which might have been earned for the assignment. One such example is the Majors Fair. Failure to attend will result in an absence for the event and forfeiture of points awarded for that event and assignment. Personal emergencies that arise will be dealt with on an individual basis. Emergencies that result in a student missing multiple classes should be reported to the instructor and the Dean of Students office.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
As adults, students are expected to behave in a respectful manner. Disrespect, an indifferent attitude, and/or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will result in the student being dropped from the course with a grade of F and referred to the Dean of Students.
CELL PHONES
There will be absolutely NO cell phone or electronic device usage allowed in class. This is extremely rude and disrespectful, and will result in the student being asked to leave class and counted absent for that day. Any emergency situations should be discussed with the instructor before class. Please make sure they are out of your sight and mine at all times.