College Connections

Course Details

Course Number: MWSU-1233  Section Number: 104

Fall 2010

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 342

Days & Times:

MWF 11-11:50

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Amanda Nimetz   
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Course Objectives

The purpose of this course is to help new students make the transition into a college environment, focusing on the cognitive and behavioral dimensions of learning. Emphasis will be placed on written and oral communication. Students will develop an individualized protocol for efficient and effective learning and review strategies. Each student will be expected to meet individually with the instructor at least one time during the semester.


Course Expectations

Academic Skills                note-taking, test taking, reading, research, critical thinking, learning strategies, time management, academic advising/planning, communication skills

 

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

 

Life Skills                          transition into college, personal development, values awareness and clarification, health and wellness, goal setting, money management, diversity


Grading Standards

The basis for your final course grade will be the accumulation of points through assignments, tests, papers, projects, and presentations. 900-1000 (A), 800-899 (B), 700-799 (C), 600-699 (D), 599 and below (F).


Final Exam12/6/2010  10:30

Submission Format Policy

See handout.



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

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. Once tests have been graded and returned, there will be no opportunity to make up that grade.


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 roll will be taken at the beginning of each class period. Each student will be allowed no more than 4 absences regardless of the reason. Students are to keep track of their own attendance. Students will be required to meet with the instructor for each absence in excess of the first two absences. Students not abiding by the course attendance policies will be dropped from the course after the 4th absence.  Any personal emergencies that arise will be dealt with on an individual basis. Such emergencies should be reported to the Dean of Students office.  Students that arrive late to class will be given a tardy.  When a student receives 3 tardies, those are converted into 1 absence.  However, a student who arrives to class 15 or more minutes late will be counted absent, not tardy for that day.


Other Policies

The use of cell phones for calls and/or texting is prohibited during class.  This is a distraction to others.  If a student is caught, they may be dismissed from class that day.


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.