Syllabus - SOS 102

FRESHMAN SEMINAR

SOS 103


Course Title: Freshman Seminar	Contact Hours: 3
Course Abbreviations: SOS 103	Credit Hours: 3

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to cultivate the skills, values and attitudes necessary to become confident and capable students. It will also introduce students to college procedures, facilities and services and assist the students in identifying career goals. Fall and Spring course.


Course Information

Instructor:	Carolyn Harper
Office:	Administration Building
Office :	A128
Phone:	870-338-6474 ext. 1128
Email:	charper@pccua.edu

Text and Reading Materials

1. Required text: Ellis, Becoming a Master Student, 11^th Edition Concise. All students are required to have the textbook for this class.
2. Course syllabus: You will need to refer to it at crucial times. It is your contract with your instructor and serves as a timetable for the course.
3. Current semester class schedule: It serves as a hardy reference and contains important information you need to know about deadlines, college services, and college resources.

4. PCCUA college catalog: This is your contract with the college. It is important for you to understand college policies and procedures. The program outline will serve as your road map to courses you will need to take to obtain your selected degree.
5. Supplies: Dark blue or black pens, a highlighter, and notebook for Freshman Seminar.

PCCUA Core Competencies The six PCCUA core competencies are incorporated within the context of the subject being taught. The competencies address skills the College has committed to developing in all students. 1. Critical Thinking 2. Communication 3. Social and Civic Responsibility 4. Cultural Awareness 5. Mathematical Reasoning 6. Technology Utilization

Course Objectives:

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
a) Locate and utilize college resources and services that are available on campus that may assist students with problems related to academics, library research, part-time work and financial aid.
b) Discuss how he/she is responsible for his/her experience in college.
c) List and describe specific methods to:
	1. Manage time more efficiently.
	2. Improve ability to recall information
	3. Read a textbook with improved retention.
	4. Prepare for and take tests.
	5. Take effective notes.
	6. Set goals through the process of self-discovery.
	7. Engage in personal assessment activities.
	8. Report in writing and verbally on college experiences.
	9. List strategies for making effective plans that help guarantee success.
	10. Use the college catalog, courses and program of study, to understand educational terms, follow the rules and procedures particular to Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas. 11. Demonstrate an awareness of career options that meet the student’s interests, aptitudes, values and personal circumstances. 12. Make an informed career goal choice with a satisfactory plan for attaining that goal.

Teaching Strategies:

• Lecture/presentation

• Exercises/activities/group presentations/student reports

• Portfolio

• Small group discussion and sharing

• Guest speaker/videos

• Outside assignments

• Projects

• Campus tours

• Field Trips

• Internet assignments - Laptop computers

Quizzes, evaluations, assessments, previews, reviews and assignments

Student Conduct:
As a college student, you will be treated and respected as an adult. Due to the nature of discussions involved in the class, it is important that we respect each other's opinions and values. You are expected to participate in classroom activities and discussions in such a manner as to maximize learning for yourself and your classmates. All written work should be proofread for errors in grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and spelling. You are expected to maintain honesty and integrity in your written work and general course performance.

Basic Rules For Classroom Behavior: Refer to Student Discipline Policy.
Beepers and cellular telephones are not permitted to be turned-on in the classroom.

• Value differences as strengths.

• One person speaks at a time.

• Laugh with each other-not at each other.

• Maintain confidentiality, if requested.

• Have consideration for opinions other than your own.

• No one dominates-everyone participates.

• Keep an open mind-seek to understand others’ viewpoints.

• Extend common courtesies to guest speakers, during field trips, and during the viewing of audio-visual aids.

• No food, beverage, or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

Freshman Seminar Grading Scale

Points

College Student Inventory Projects:

· Complete the CSI (in class) 50

· Complete the CSI Worksheet 50

· Visit Advisor or mentor do Discuss CSI Report 50

Quizzes (9 @ 25 points = 225) 225

Discovery Wheel                                                                        25
Learning Styles Inventory                                                            50
Self Assessment Activity                                                             50
Develop e-mail account                                                               25
Time Monitor                                                                               50
Completed Daily Planner                                                             25
Goal Setting                                                                                  50
Library Assignment                                                                      25
KUDER                                                                                        50
Taking Notes in Class                                                                  50
College Jeopardy                                                                          50
Compute 9-Week GPA                                                                25
Plan Schedule                                                                               25
Completed   Portfolio/Final Project                                           125

______
Total Points Possible 1000

Grading Scale:

900+ Points            A
800-899                   B
700-799                   C
600-699                   D
0-599                       F

*The instructor has the right to make changes in the grade requirements and their weights in determining the final grade.

Campus Support Services:
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas provides student support services that assist students in achieving their educational objective. Those services include advising, financial aid, counseling and guidance, and safety and security.

ADA Policy:
Lynn Boone, the Vice Chancellor for Student Services serves as the ADA Compliance Officer. If you reside in Arkansas County you may contact Vice Chancellor Carolyn Turner (DeWitt) or Susan Luebke (Stuttgart). The process of student referral under the Americans with Disabilities Act can be found in the Student Handbook.

FERPA Policy:
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas complies with the Family Educational rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. A student has the right to inspect and review all of his/her records that meet the definition of educational records. No third party has the right to review student records.

The Syllabus and the policies, guidelines, and dates included are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. This syllabus represents a proposed plan to execute the above policies and objectives according to the school and class calendar. However, there may be circumstances (e.g., bad weather, mechanical problems in the facilities, etc.) that may require minor changes in this syllabus.

INSURANCE

      Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas does not provide insurance for its
      students. The college does encourage each student to secure his/her own insurance, and for
      that reason, the college has contacted United Healthcare Student Resources. Forms for this
      insurance are available in the Registrar’s office.

ACTS

The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability
      of courses within Arkansas Public Colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the
      transfer of applicable credits and the equitable treatment in the application of credits for the
      admission and degree requirements. Course transferability is not guaranteed for courses
      listed in ACTS as “No Comparable Course.” Additionally, courses with a “D” frequently do       not transfer and institutional policies may vary. ACTS may be accessed on the Internet by going
      to the ADHE Website and selecting Course Transfer.

http://acts.adhe.edu/secure/institutiontransferinfo.aspx

The syllabus and the policies, guidelines, and dates included are subject to change at the

instructor’s discretion.

Freshman Seminar
Course Outline for Becoming a Master Student

This course will include discussion about Power Processes, agreements and agreement keeping, planning time, muscle reading, test anxiety and relaxation, and many other areas related to student success. During the semester, we will visit the college library, view relevant videos, go on field trips, and have guest speakers.

Chapter Assignments

The following are chapter assignments for the semester. The entire assignment for each semester must be completed in order to earn credit for that chapter. No partial credit will be given. Exercises are to be completed in the textbook whenever appropriate space is given. If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to contact the instructor or refer to the instructor's web page and get any missed assignments. Make-up work must be turned in within one week of the absence or will not be accepted and a zero will be recorded.

Session        Syllabus, Course Overview and Introduction
                     Introduction of Master Student
                    Looking Inside yourself (F) (10 Skills Book) pp. 5-9
                    Evaluating Your Attitude (H/O)
                    Video ("What Do You Want?")
                    Activities - "Barriers to Success" (F)
                    Name Tag Exercise
                    Case: "Why Am I Here?"
                    Textbook Reconnaissance, Ex. 1
                    Commitment, Exercise 2
                    Journal Entry System
                    Power Process
                    Journal Entry 2

Session      College Student Inventory
                  Computer Basics - Chapter 9 - Technology
                  E-Mail Accounts
                  The Internet
                  PCCUA Web Page and WebAdvisor
                  Online Learning

Session      Chapter 1: First Step
                   Discuss portfolios, Chapter 10 (pp. 233-234)
                    Journal Entries and Exercises
                    Discovery Wheel
                    Learning Styles (F) www.studygs.net
                    Multiple Intelligences
                    VAK System
                     The Master Student
                    Quiz
                    Self Assessment Activity (F) H/O
                    Self-Esteem inventory: www.queendom.com/selfest.html

                    Student/Family Preparatory Activity (F) H/O

                    *Give students Time Monitor sheet one week prior to beginning                                                               Chapter 2.

Good Web Site: www.mindtools.com/page8.html (has information on time management, memory techniques, learning styles, stress management, note taking and reading.

Session    Chapter 2: Planning
                    Managing Your Time Lecture (F)
                    Video "Time Management"
                    Time Monitor/Time Plan Process
                    Discovery Statement, p. 45
                    Life Line and H/O (F)
                    Calendars: Student Planners and Student Handbook
                    Group Activity - Time Management Techniques (www.studygs.net)
                    Financial Planning
                    Power Process
                    Goal Setting Exercise H/O
                    Strategies for goal-setting: http://www.mindtools.com
                    Power Process (pp. 15-16)
                    Attendance Brainstorm Activity (F)
                    Quiz
                    Master Student
                    KUDER Career Search, Chapter 10
                    Case: "My Major?"

Session       College Student Inventory Class Project
                    Group Session on Understanding the CSI Report
                    Complete CSI Worksheet
                    Assignment: Make an appointment to discuss report with Advisor (name will appear on student report).

Session        Chapter 3: Memory
                    Journal Entries and Exercises
                    The Memory Jungle group activity
                    Memory Techniques
                    Internet search for two memory techniques
                    Activity "The Memory Story"

                    Remembering Names Activity
                    Mnemonic Devices and Group Activity
                    Power Process

                    Quiz
                    Master Student
                    “Study Area Analysis” (F)

Session        Chapter 4: Reading
                    Review of Study Techniques (F) H/O
                    Muscle Reading
                    Exercise – Group Activity on Before, While, and After You Read
                    When Reading is Tough
                    Reading Fast (Learning Lab assignment)
                    Study Skills Checklist (F) H/O
                    Who Do You Think I Am? Activity (F)
                    Power Process
                    Quiz
                    Master Student
                    Case: “Study Harder”

                    True Colors Activity

  Session      College Catalog – Planning spring schedule
                    GPA Exercise H/O
                    Calculate GPA Online: www.back2college.com/gpa.htm
                    Case: “But I’ve Always Wanted to Be a Veterinarian!”
                    College Jeopardy H/O

Session      Library
                  Library – The Buried Treasure in Chapter 9
                  Library Visit
                  Library Scavenger Hunt H/O
                  Case: “My Instructor – What A Pain!”

Session      Chapter 5: Notes
                    Observe
                    Record
                    Cornell System, 2 H/Os (F)
                    Mapping, H/O
                    Note Taking Assignment
                    “Gallery of Notes” Activity (F)
                    Power Process (video) (F)
                    Group Activity
                    Quiz
                    Master Student

Session        Chapter 6: Tests
                    What to do Before the Test
                    “Trick Test” (F) H/O
                    What to do During the Test
                    Test Taking Strategies, H/O
                    Exercise – Internet Research
                       www.testtakingtips.com
                       www.studygs.net
                    Do You Have Test Anxiety? (F) H/O
                    Test Anxiety and Stress Lecture (F)
                    Test Anxiety Survey (F) H/O
                    Test Anxiety
                    Quiz/Assignment to list one test taking strategy for
                       TF, MC, Matching, Essay Tests
                     Master Student

Session      Chapter 8: Communicating
                    Receiving and Sending
                    Conflict Management
                    Selected Exercises
                    Quiz
                    Power Process

Session      Chapter 9: Technology
                   Power Process
                   Quiz
                   Master Student

Session        Chapter 10: What Next?
                    Discovery Wheel
                    Power Process
                    Quiz
                    Master Student

*This instructor has the right to make changes in the course schedule, outline, chapter assignments and learning activities as needed. Your attendance, class participation and attitude could affect your grade in this class.

CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY OF MRS. CAROLYN HARPER


This class attendance policy is in effect for all courses taught by Carolyn Harper. Please read the following information carefully because students are expected to attend all classes regularly and promptly. It is the student’s responsibility to know and comply with the instructor’s policy and to contact the instructor to make up missed work.

*COURSES MEETING ONCE PER WEEK:

	Students are permitted two (2) absences.

*COURSES MEETING TWICE PER WEEK:

	Students are permitted four (4) absences.

*COURSES MEETING THREE TIMES PER WEEK:

	Students are permitted six (6) absences.

*SUMMER COURSES MEETING FOUR TIMES PER WEEK:

Students are permitted three (3) absences.

Regular class attendance and punctuality are expected. When you know you will miss class ahead of time, let the instructor know and make arrangements to make up any missed work. Assignments missed must be made up on your own time by the second class session. It is the student's responsibility to initiate and complete missed assignments. The instructor may warn a student in danger of becoming excessively absent by sending a warning notice to the Advisement Center so that the student can be contacted by an advisor either by phone or in writing. If the student is absent more than allowed, the instructor may: drop the student from the class roll with a grade of "EW" by notifying the Office of Admissions and Records in writing or deduct 5 points from the student's final grade for each absence over the permitted number. The final decision or exception to this policy may be made at the instructor's discretion, depending on the situation and circumstances.

If a student is unable to adhere to this attendance policy, the student should withdraw from this class and receive a W.

*THERE ARE NO EXCUSED ABSENCES. However, students who miss class while engaged in approved college activities will be excused and it is their responsibility to make up their work.

TARDINESS POLICY:

STUDENTS MUST ATTEND CLASS ON TIME. Students should be on time to class. If a student is not present when the roll is called, they will be counted as absent. Once the classroom door is closed, students are asked not to interrupt the class by entering the room. (if a side or back door is available, students may enter through this door). If a student does enter through the side or back door, they are asked to speak with the instructor after the class to discuss the reason they were late. Alterations to the roll cannot be made at later dates.

If a student is unable to attend a class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstances, he/she should withdraw from that class BEFORE an EW is assigned.

*Exceptions to this attendance rule may be based on individual circumstances and the instructor’s assessment of the student’s ability to finish course requirements.

*The final decision concerning absences is left to the instructor’s discretion. A student’s attendance could affect their grade in this course.

Disciplinary

Refer to the Student Discipline Policy (PCCUA Administrative Procedure 405.01)

Refer to the Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy (PCCUA Administrative Procedure 231.06)

Also refer to the current College Catalog.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:

CHEATING POLICY:

Students are expected to uphold the school's standard of conduct relating to academic honesty. Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the academic work they submit. The guiding principle of academic integrity shall be that a student's submitted work, examinations, reports, and projects must be that of the student's own work. Students shall be guilty of violating the honor code if they:

1. Represent the work of others as their own.

2. Use or obtain unauthorized assistance in any academic work.

3. Give unauthorized assistance to other students.

4. Modify, without instructor approval, an examination, paper, record, or report for the purpose of obtaining additional credit.

5. Misrepresent the content of submitted work.

Administrative Procedure Number: 404.05

Cheating in any form (including using unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise; plagiarism; falsification of records; unauthorized possession of examinations; any and all other actions that may improperly affect the evaluation of a student's academic performance of achievement; and assisting others in any such act) is forbidden. An instructor who has proof that a student is guilty of cheating may take appropriate action up to an including assigning the student a grade of "F" for the course and suspending the student from class. A description of the incident and the action taken will be reported through the Dean to the Vice Chancellor for Student Services and placed in the student's file in the Office of Admissions and Records. The student may appeal either the finding of cheating or the penalty, or both, as described in Administrative Procedure No. 404.06, Academic Appeal Procedure.

Cheating in this class:

Cheating will not be tolerated. If you are cheating on one occasion, you will receive an "F" for the whole project's work (not limited to that one assignment). If found cheating on a second occasion, you will be asked to drop the class. If the cheating occurs after the drop date, or if you choose not to drop, you will receive an "F" for this class. All work must be on your disk or in your notebook unless the instructor directs you to destroy them.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS:

Any assignments turned in late will be subject to a grade reduction or a grade of zero. Most assignments turned in late will receive a letter grade reduction for each day that it is late. No assignment will be graded after taking the chapter test.

INSTRUCTOR: Mrs Carolyn Harper

NAME OF COURSE:_______________________________________________________

ATTENDANCE:

I understand the grading policy and grade scale explained in the syllabus.

I understand the attendance policy as explained in the syllabus. I am aware that I am responsible for making up assignments and learning the material missed during my absences. An absence does not release me from submitting my assignments on the due date.

I understand that talking and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated by the instructor. Eating and drinking in the classroom is strictly prohibited.

I also understand that my attitude and attendance could affect my grade in this class.

I have read the syllabus.

_________________________________ ___________________________

NAME DATE

Phone: 870-338-6474, Ext. 1128	Office: A128	E-mail: charper@pccua.edu
This page was last updated: Friday, January 04, 2008 by Carolyn Harper.