Skills for Success

Skills for Success is designed to provide instruction in skills and strategies related to the

academic pursuit.  The goal is to enhance academic performance and foster academic

success.  Skills for Success is structured to provide the student with both a broad base of

information and specific instruction in various facets of the “academic pursuit”.  We will be

polishing learning and study strategies, as well as developing critical thinking, organizational,

and problem solving skills such that the student knows their academic strengths and

weaknesses and develops skills to manage information and maximize academic performance.

We will be practicing the application of these skills, techniques and strategies through

assignments, tests, and interactive, experiential learning exercises, which I hope you will

enjoy.

• Wong, Linda (2011). Essential Study Skills, 7^th edition. Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.  

• Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI)  

• 3 Ring Binder (1 ½-2 inch spine.)

• 5 Tab Dividers.

• 3 Hole Loose Leaf Note Paper

• Pocket Folder.

• Daily Planner.

• The textbook is required for this course and will be used to augment lectures, discussions, assignments, and class exercises.  We will also use the text as a workbook and will remove pages, therefore; no used texts should be purchased due to the likelihood of missing pages. The text must be in your possession by the third class period and brought to every class meeting.

• The LASSI is required and will be administered in class.  It is not to be completed without instructor’s supervision.

• The listed materials are required:You will use them to create your portfolio or record of your work and progress in the class.  Make an extreme effort on this task.  This is how you will keep all class information and other assignments organized, and you will be evaluated on organization, neatness, and thoroughness.

There are to be 5 sections in the three-ring binder, indicated by tab dividers, with content in chronological order as follows:

1. CLASS ORGANIZATION- Syllabus, calendar, semester schedule overview, study schedules, grade contract
2. Journal– Weekly in-class writing assignments
   1. Assessments–handouts and textbook assessments
   2. Handouts– All supplemental information and visual aids
   3. NOTES- Lecture notes, class experiences & exercises

All students must have text and ALL materials by the third class session and The text and three-ring binder must come with you to each and every class.

The basis for your final course grade will be the accumulation of points through exams, portfolio assessments, class exercises and group projects.

1.  Use of electronic devices will not be allowed during class. ZERO TOLERANCE. This means all electronic devices are to be turned off and out of your sight and mine.  Violation of this policy will be viewed as a conduct issue with appropriate consequences. Students are expected to adhere to the Standards of Conduct as published in the Student Handbook. *

2.  All class members 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.

3.  All “due” assignments will be due that class period at the beginning of class unless otherwise informed. Work turned in after class is considered late. No late work will be accepted unless specific arrangements, due to extenuating circumstances, have been made with the instructor in advance. 

4.  A missed test will be eligible for makeup only if due to an officially excused absence with *proper documentation provided. Test makeup will be scheduled the day the student returns to class. Tests will be returned for review in a timely manner. 

5.  Substitute or extra credit work is not offered.  Doing what is required will accomplish the learning goals.

            *In all cases, it is the student’s responsibility to stay current with class activities and assignments.  Being absent is not an excuse for missing notes or writing assignments.  If proper documentation is provided as to the reason for the absence and the absence is excused in accordance with university policy, the student must request any missed work, handouts, or materials the day they return to class.  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:  Class attendance and class participation are deemed essential and considered part of the grade. Students are required to attend all class meetings, and attendance is documented with a sign-in sheet at the beginning of each class period. Students are well advised to plan carefully regarding appointments and/or work schedules to avoid missing class.

Absences:An illness or emergency that may result in a student missing class should be promptly reported to me by phone message or email.   Extended absences due to extenuating or medical circumstances should be reported to the Dean of Students office, as well.  I may excuse an absence at my discretion in accordance with university policy.  Please be advised that it is the student’s responsibility to notify me and provide documentation of the reason for an absence, and to request that an absence be excused.  If an excused absence is granted, the student may be eligible for make-up work.  NOTE:  The student must take the initiative; the student should report the reason and request an excused absence and any make-up work the first class after they return.  If this does not occur, the absence will be determined to be unexcused.  Absences should be infrequent even if excused.   I consider more than 3 excused absences to be excessive, which places the student at risk of incurring unexcused absences.  Unexcused absences are unacceptable.  I consider unexcused absences to be a conduct issue and I generally drop students with an F after 3 unexcused absences. Students are required to keep track of their own attendance and are responsible for knowing how many absences they have incurred.