South Dakota State University
UC 299 – Transition Year Seminar
Fall 2013 - 2 credits
Instructor: Dr. Brooke C. Sydow
Office: West Hall #206 Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays
1:00-3:00PM or by appointment
Office Phone: 688-5789 Home: 692-7623 Cell: 695-5099 (No texts!)
E-mail Address:
Department: University College – West Hall #212 – 688-4153
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Transition-year seminar course designed to assist returning students (non-traditional, adult and transfer) with transitioning to the university. The course will address academic success strategies, identification of university resources, guidance in academic planning and engagement, on-going time management and goal-setting. Students will also further investigate wellness topics, contemporary issues, diversity and the land-grant mission of SDSU. UC 299 First Year Seminar meets the Institutional Graduation Requirement #1.
PRE-REQUISITES
This two-credit course is open to students from all majors. The course is designed to benefit transitioning students. There are no prerequisites for this course.
COURSE GOALS & STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will understand their emerging role and responsibilities as educated persons through a common intellectual experience. As a result of taking this course, students will:
1. Identify areas of self-responsibility that contribute to personal and professional goals and success.
a. Demonstrate the ability to accurately self-assess strengths and areas of needing improvement.
b. Identify and utilize university resources available for student success.
c. Display an appreciation for the role of the individual in strengthening community.
d. Identify the roles and responsibilities of a deciding student in the university system.
2. Design a plan and identify appropriate strategies that will guide engagement in their education, community, and world.
a. Demonstrate effective writing, speaking, reading, listening, and interpersonal skills.
b. Practice critical thinking skills that reflect thought and personal reflection.
c. Identify and develop an academic plan for completion of program at South Dakota State University.
3. Explain how to achieve and maintain personal and professional wellness.
a. Display an understanding of the role of personal responsibility in a successful college career.
b. Articulate a sense of belonging at SDSU.
4. Articulate how knowledge of contemporary issues and exposure to diversity impacts personal and professional life.
a. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of community and respect for varying experiences and perspectives in the development of a successful society.
5. Explain how South Dakota State University is defined by the Land Grant Mission (Morrill Act).
a. Develop an understanding of the history, traditions, and mission of SDSU and University College.
In addition to meeting the Student Learning Outcomes for IGR #1, this course focuses on the following objectives on the IDEA Student Evaluation of Teaching survey that is administered each semester:
IDEA Objective #5 – Acquiring skills in working with others as a member of a team
IDEA Objective #9 – Learning how to find/use resources for answering questions or solving problems
IDEA Objective #10 – Developing a clearer understanding of and commitment to personal values
DESIRE2LEARN (D2L)
This course is enhanced via Desire2Learn (D2L). Students are expected to access D2L regularly for course up-dates, discussions, assignment specifics, and assignment submittal.
https://d2l.sdbor.edu/index.asp
COMMON READ
This course is participating in the 2013-14 University Common Read Program The Heart and The Fist by Eric Greitens. For important dates and information access the Common Read website regularly.
http://www3.sdstate.edu/honors/commonread/index.cfm
REQUIRED EMAIL
Communication will be expected between instructor and student via the student’s “Jacks” e-mail account, as well as D2L email. You must activate your “Jacks” email account immediately. This account is the official means of communication for SDSU. To activate your account, follow the link below for instructions.
https://mystateonline.sdstate.edu .
REQUIRED TEXTS & ONLINE RESOURCES
· SDSU Common Read text:
The Heart and The Fist by Eric Greitens
· StrengthsQuest Access Code (Sold at the SDSU bookstore)
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
You will be expected to bring note-taking materials to class and should keep class handouts and notes in a binder or folder throughout the semester. (These will be beneficial for your final portfolio assignment). In addition, it will be necessary to access the Internet and The Collegian.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
This course will be delivered using multiple formats including lecture, large and small group discussion, guest speakers and tours, out-of-class events, group work, presentations, and written assignments. Students will be expected to meet outside of scheduled class time to complete group projects and attend campus events. Active preparation is required. It is expected that you will come to class with assignments and readings completed. In order to learn, you must engage.
PARTICIPATION & REQUIRED ATTENDANCE
Classroom attendance is essential, required and graded. Attendance and participation means being on time, listening, participating, and turning assignments in on time. Behaviors not conducive to being an active participant in class may draw a response from the instructor and will be considered an absence. When class begins, please put away cell phones, Ipods, tablets, and laptop computers. They are not needed in class. Please be respectful. All University excused absences will be honored with an official trip permit card, and it is expected that you will contact your instructor via email or in person prior to your absence(s). All students are permitted two (2) absences for illness or personal reasons without losing credit. After the two permitted absences 5 points will be deducted from your Attendance score for EACH missed class. If illness causes excessive absence, you must contact the instructor immediately to discuss make up requirements.
MAKE-UP POLICY
Assignments are expected to be turned in on time. Assignments required to be turned in as a hard copy are due in class on the due date specified on the Course Schedule. Assignments required to be turned in using the D2L DROPBOX are due at 5:00 pm on the due date specified on the Course Schedule. Late assignments will be accepted for partial credit up to one week past the due date (no more than 50%) at the discretion of the instructor. Only when the instructor is contacted in advance will you be allowed to turn in an assignment late. Assignments will not be accepted after one week has passed. Communication is the key to the instructor/student relationship. It is your job to initiate and advocate for your own personal success. Your instructor will not remind you if you are missing an assignment.
ASSIGNMENT FORMAT
All assignments are required to be typed using 12 point font. Margins should be set at 1 inch on all four sides. Double spaced. Hand-written assignments will not be accepted.
ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS
For all required assignments you will be provided an assignment sheet indicating the assignment purpose, objectives, specifications, and the assessment expectations. The assignment guidelines will be posted in D2L under “content” on the course page. Students will be expected to access D2L regularly for assignment information, class updates, assessment rubrics, and university event opportunities. D2L usage will be demonstrated in class during the first week of classes.
BRIEF ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS:
The following assignments will be individually evaluated by the instructor:
Professional Assignment The goal of this assignment is to have students establish contact, and begin to network with a professor, Academic Advisor, or a professional in their field of interest. Students are required to attend an advising appointment or session if they are new to SDSU. Advisor names and contact information can be found on WebAdvisor under “Student Profile.” If your advisor is in the First Year Advising Center, information regarding meeting dates and times will be provided in class. Be sure to “like” the First Year Advising Center’s Facebook page to stay updated on events and advising information. This resource will be helpful for all students. http://www.facebook.com/#!/firstyearsdsustudents
StrengthsQuest Knowing personal strengths will assist students in successfully transitioning in life. Being aware of personal strengths can promote overall success in college, as well as career and personal life. Students will complete the StrengthsQuest assessment by GALLUP online. Students will discuss and reflect upon their strengths informally and formally throughout the semester and in their final portfolio. A Strengths code can be purchased from the SDSU Bookstore.
Topic Responses
Regularly, students will be given the opportunity to individually respond in writing to a prompt or activity provided by the instructor requiring students to internalize topics and construct original ideas. Many of the Topic Responses will require students to reflect and apply knowledge gained from reading assignments. Examples of topics for Topic Responses include “What goals would you include in a 5 year personal wellness plan?” and “How does attending a land grant institution benefit you?”
Campus and Community Resources
The goal of this assignment is to familiarize students with university and community resources that are available to them. Students will work in assigned groups to complete this assignment. At the completion of the assignment, each group will be responsible to professionally present their assigned resource to their peers with a PowerPoint presentation in class.
Engaging Experiences
The goal of this assignment is to become active, contributing university students engaging in networking, reflection and discussion regarding participation in campus and community activities, as well as events based on themes of diversity, empowerment, service, and the Land Grant Mission. Students will attend events and create a professional poster display summarizing the events they attended and reflecting on what was learned and how it enhanced their university experiences. Displays will be presented in class on a date specified on the Course Schedule.
Final Portfolio
The purpose of this assignment is to provide students with the opportunity to synthesize the knowledge and experiences they gained through UC 299 - Transition Year Seminar and reflect upon their growth. A portfolio format will be required. Students will reflect on their transition to the university and develop a plan for future success based on concepts and strategies developed throughout UC 299.
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES & ASSESSMENT
As a result of taking the course, students will: / Assessment1. Identify areas of self-responsibility that contribute to personal and professional goals and success. / Personal Assessments: StrengthsQuest
Final Portfolio
Class Discussions
Topic Responses
2. Design a plan and identify appropriate strategies that will guide engagement in their education, community, and world. / Campus and Community resources
Professional Assignment
Engaging Experiences - Events & Display
Class Discussions
Topic Responses & Journals
3. Explain how to achieve and maintain personal and professional wellness. / Personal Assessments: StrengthsQuest,
Class Discussions
Final Portfolio
Topic Responses
4. Articulate how knowledge of contemporary issues and exposure to diversity impacts personal and professional life. / Engaging Experiences - Events & Display
Class Discussions
Topic Responses
Final Portfolio
5. Explain how South Dakota State University is defined by the Land Grant Mission (Morrill Act). / Topic Responses
Class Discussions
Engaging Experiences - Events & Display
GRADING
The final course grade is comprised of the following elements:
Topic Responses / 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 / 100
Engaging Experiences – Events & Display / 2, 4, & 5 / 50
Attendance (2 free, then 5 points/ absence) / 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 / 100
Campus & Community Resources / 2 / 50
Final Portfolio / 1, 3, & 4 / 100
Professional Assignment / 2 / 50
StrengthsQuest / 1 & 3 / 50
Grades are based on a standard grading scale:
A 90%-100% 450-500 points
B 80%-89% 400-449
C 70%-79% 350-399
D 60%-69% 300-349
F 59% and below 299-below
ADA STATEMENT
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Nancy Hartenoff-Crooks, Coordinator of Disability Services (605-688-4504) to privately discuss your specific needs. The Office of Disability Services is located in room 065 in the Student Union.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity in all work for this course. Students are expected to do their own assigned work. The full policy is found in the Student Code (01:10:25) within the Student Policy Manual at http://studentaffairs.sdstate.edu/JudicialAffairs/StudentCode/Chapter10.pdf. Participating in an activity deemed as “academic dishonesty” under the SDSU Student Code will result in a minimum consequence of zero points on the assignment in question. A second offense will result in a minimum consequence of a zero in the course.
FREEDOM IN LEARNING
Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under Board of Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any courses of study. Students who believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct should first contact the instructor of the course. If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may contact the department head and/or dean of the college which offers the class to initiate a review of the evaluation.
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