Course Description

This course assists incoming students in making a successful transition to college. Topics include the purpose of higher education, goal setting, time management, study and test taking skills, critical thinking, stress management, academic advisement, career and major exploration, using campus resources, and understanding student responsibilities.

Topics and Learning Outcomes

These 13 topics are essential to the course; however, please note that some topics may overlap.

Purpose of Education

Articulate the value of a college education for themselves, their community, and society. Identify and apply behaviors and mindsets that support college success.

Campus Resources

Demonstrate the ability to identify and use campus resources in support of academic and personal success.

Goal Setting

Implement the mechanics of goal setting using the SMART Goal framework.

Time Management

Apply a variety of time management strategies to support short- and long-term goals.

Note Taking

Utilize a variety of note taking strategies to engage with academic content inside and outside the classroom.

Reading Strategies

Apply active reading strategies (e.g., annotation) to support comprehension of and engagement with a range of academic texts.

Test Preparation and Test Taking

Utilize test preparation and test taking strategies to succeed at a range of test types.

Critical Thinking

Analyze information using critical thinking strategies to engage ideas actively and deeply.

Communication

Effectively communicate with a range of audiences using college-level writing and presentation skills.

Stress Management

Identify personal stressors, stress symptoms, and self-regulation strategies to maintain wellness and resilience.

Learning Strategies

Apply a range of learning strategies to support individual and collaborative efforts toward knowledge construction and problem-solving.

Academic Advisement

Utilize academic advisement resources to develop an academic plan for degree completion.

Career and Major Exploration

Identify potential majors and careers suited to individual values and interests using career/major exploration strategies and resources.

Additional Topics (Optional)

Health and Wellness

Identify effective strategies to maintain personal health and wellness.

Money Management

Demonstrate sound financial planning in support of short- and long-term goals.

Information Literacy

Construct accurate knowledge using information literacy skills to evaluate and synthesize sources.

Service Learning

Apply learning in meaningful ways to new settings and complex problems for the benefit of individuals and society.