COURSE SYLLABUS COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: TSTC 1101: College Success (1-1-1) COURSE (CATALOG) DESCRIPTION: This course will examine factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. Topics covered include information processing, memory, strategic learning, self-regulation, goal setting, motivation, educational planning, and learning styles. Techniques of study such as time management, listening and note taking, library and research skills, preparing for examinations, and utilizing learning resources are covered. Includes courses in college orientation and developments of students academic skills that apply to all disciplines. INSTRUCTOR: John C. Hensley OFFICE: W357 OFFICE HOURS: Wed. 8:30 11:00 OFFICE PHONE: 956-364-4112 Thu. 1:30-4:00 TSTC-1101 Lab: W127 Wed, Thu, Fri. 8-12 & 1-5 EMAIL: john.hensley@harlingen.tstc.edu MAJOR COURSE REQUIRMENTS: A. College As Your Workplace B. Assessment and Planning for Educational Success C. College Electronic Resources D. Financial Literacy E. Information Literacy STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to: Identify the essential components necessary for a successful transition to college Identify campus support networks that are key to student success Contribute to a positive learning environment that will increase student engagement Apply learning strategies for academic success
REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS: Textbook: No Text is required for this class Materials: TSTC 2015-2016 Student Planner and Handbook View course materials and maintain access to TSTC, TSTC Portal, and TSTC Email Account Required Computer & Software: Internet accessibility (high speed) Browser Mozilla Firefox (download for free) Adobe Reader - Can be downloaded for free at (http://get.adobe.com/reader/) Access to portal.tstc.edu Access to (https://mycourses.tstc.edu/). For questions, contact the Online Learning Office (956-364-4950) or Help Desk via phone: 1-800-592-8784, email: tstchelpdesk@tstc.edu, or Yahoo IM: tstchelpdesk. o On the site run the Browser check to ensure that your computer will run and course quizzes and tests properly. o For more information on TSTC System Requirements, access the Quick Start Guide for Students on the Homepage. GRADING CRITERIA: GRADING SCALE: Assignment/Discussion/Exam 60% A = 90-100 B=80-89 Student/Instructor Conference 10% C=70-79 D=60-69 Group Project 15% F = 59 and below Campus Life Activities (3) 10% SOLO 5% *Student/Instructor Conferences. You are required to attend one conference with your instructor. The conference is to be completed no later than October 30, 2015. This conference provides us the opportunity to become acquainted, discuss coursework, and for you to discuss any issue(s) that you would like to address in a private setting. *Campus Life Activities. You are required to attend three (3) campus activities from the list below or any other events sponsored by one of our many campus student organizations. If you are not sure what constitutes an event, please consult with your instructor. This is due November 20, 2015. Campus Life Activities *Log on to the following website: tstcharlingen.collegiatelink.net *Click on the Events tab (top right) *Calendar will display events and organizations affiliated with TSTC Harlingen.
MOODLE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM This course will utilize as the Learning Management System. Below are some guidelines to help you understand the course expectations. 1. It is the responsibility of the student to complete discussion topics, assessments, activities, and exercises by the specified due date. No late assignments, discussions, and assessments will be accepted after the due date. 2. Quizzes You will have quizzes throughout the semester. The quizzes are not proctored. This means that you will be able to take the quiz at home, library, lab, etc., anywhere with internet connection. Missed quizzes will not be made up. 3. Discussion assignments Students are to respond to each discussion topic with clarity. In addition to their response to the topic, students must reply to one other student response. Discussions assignments cannot be completed after the due date. 4. Written assignments Students are to complete written assignments using Microsoft Word. You will need access the internet to complete some written assignments. Many of the assignments in this course are specifically developed to promote student success at particular times or stages during your first semester; assignments need to be completed in a timely manner to be most effective. No late assignments will be accepted. 5. General News and Announcements I will be utilizing this forum for News and Announcements pertaining to our class. Deadlines, quizzes, etc 6. Questions for the Instructor Forum This forum will be utilized to post any questions you may have about the course to the class or the instructor. Keep in mind all students in the class are able to view the questions and the responses. If you want to contact me or a classmate privately, please utilize Mail located on the right hand side of your screen. 7. Research Readiness Project This power point must be presented in class with your group or individually. No exceptions! DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATION POLICY: The college classroom is a place for individuals to come together with the common purpose of improving their intellectual and academic skills. All students deserve a classroom environment that is free of interruptions or distractions that impede learning. Disruptive activity that hinders other students learning or deters an instructor from effective teaching will not be tolerated under any circumstances. *Please have cell phones on silent mode or off and put away during class. Because active participation in class discussions is essential, it is important that all students are fully prepared for class each day. Attendance is required as it is essential for optimal learning experiences in this class. Material and information will be presented in class that is not found in.
The only excused absences are documented illness, a death in your immediate family, an official religious holiday, or a documented emergency or natural disaster. Absences beyond these will adversely affect your final grade. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain material that was covered. Tardiness will adversely affect your final grade. Arriving late or leaving the class early without notifying your instructor disturbs the class in process. All first-time TSTC Students are required to take TSTC 1101, as well as all transfer students with less than 24 SCH. The course is required for graduation, but it is not required for Dual Enrollment or Continuing Education students. ACCOMMODATIONS: If you have a documented disability which will make it difficult for you to carry out class work as outlined and/or if you need special accommodations due to a disability, please contact (956) 364-4520 or visit the Consolidated Student Services Building (Room 216) as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements. SAFETY: "TSTC Harlingen faculty, staff, and students are asked to report all threats, perceived or real, immediately to College Police located in the Auxiliary Building. If the threat is imminent, the College Police emergency phone line at 364-4234 or 9-911 should be called. College Police will then coordinate the proper response in accordance with State and federal laws and TSTC System/College rules and regulations." In the event of an emergency, students should familiarize themselves with building and classrooms emergency exits/evacuation routes and be able to locate the nearest fire extinguisher. When an emergency alarm is activated, students should immediately leave the classroom, exit the building, and go to a designated safe area until clearance is given to go back into the building. Students should also register and be familiar with the Emergency Notification System. Copyright Statement The materials used in the course (textbooks, handouts, media files (podcast, MP3, Videos, RSS Feeds), and all instructional resources on the colleges Learning Management System () are intended for use only by students registered and enrolled in this course, and are only to be used for instructional use, activities associated with, and for the duration of the course. By "handouts," this means all materials generated for this course, which includes but are not limited to syllabi, quizzes, exams, lab problems, in-class materials, review sheets, and any additional materials. These materials may not be retained in another medium or disseminated further. They are provided in compliance with the provisions of the Teach Act. These materials may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the express prior written
permission of the copyright holder or TSTC. instructor. For further information contact your Communicating with your instructor Your instructor will correspond with you within your TSTC course via the News Forum, Discussion Forums, and Messaging. Although you may receive messaging notifications to your personal email account, your responses should be made within the environment by responding to the appropriate Discussion Forum post or message. It is your responsibility to check Course Discussion Forums and Messages on a daily basis. In the event that is down or if the instructor advises, you may email the instructor at [john.hensley@harlingen.tstc.edu]. All correspondence to the instructor at this email address must come from your TSTC student mymail.tstc.edu email address and must contain the course you are enrolled in within the email subject line. Your instructor will make every attempt to respond to your emails within 24 hours, except on weekends and holidays. Any technical questions should be directed to the TSTC Help Desk at 1-800-592-8784, tstchelpdesk@tstc.edu or Yahoo IM: tstchelpdesk. Last day to drop with a W is November 13, 2015. Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Program The Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Program at TSTC offers free tutoring and academic support services to help you achieve your academic and career goals. You can access the most up-todate Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Schedule, as well as MyTSTC Video Tutor Library, by using your smart phone to scan over the QR code below or visiting our webpage at: http://www.tstc.edu/harlingenoss/situtoringprogram For more information, please contact the Office of Student Success at 364.4163 or the Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Program at 364.4170.
MAJOR COURSE LECTURE, TOPICS DESCRIPTION/REQUIRED/RECOMMENED/READINGS/ELECTRO NIC RESOURCES TO VIEW: Tentative Schedule (Subject to change by your instructor) Date Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Topic/Lecture/Event Required/Recommended Readings/Electronic Resources to View Module I: College As Your Workplace Welcome/Course Overview Review TSTC Handbook/Planner Active Shooter Video SOLO Introductions Place in groups for final project Welcome Week Activity Welcome Week Activities Course Syllabus Active Shooter Quiz SOLO Course Contact the Online Learning Office for difficulties (W104 364-4950) Attend Welcome Week activities Upload the assignment via Module II: Assessment and Planning for Educational Success Multiple Pathways to Learning Assessment Personality Spectrum Assessment Time Management Goal Setting SQ3R Method Test Taking Strategies Summary vs. Reflection Video Learning Styles Slideshow Goals, Values, and Time power point Upload assignments via SQ3R Slide Show Test Taking Slide Show Discussion & response via Read/Bring for Next Class Course Syllabus Log into your. For more help call 956-364-5000. Review Welcome Week Festivities and start planning on what activities you will be attending next week. Refer to the following website: tstcharlingen.collegiatelink.net
Date Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Topic/Lecture/Event Required/Recommended Readings/Electronic Resources to View Cornell Note Taking Method GPA Cornell Note Taking Video How to calculate my GPA video? Cornell Note Taking Quiz Discussion & response via Module III: College Electronic Resources Introduction to TSTC Portal Introduction to WebAdvisor Introduction to MyMail Getting to Know Your Campus Activity Academic Planning and Registration Week 12 Module IV: Financial Literacy How Do I Manage My Student Loans? How Do I Live On A Budget While I Am In School? What Do Credit Scores Mean To Me? How Can I Protect Myself From Identity Theft? TSTC Portal Website (www.portal.tstc.edu) Mid Term Week TSTC Portal Website (www.portal.tstc.edu) WebAdvisor MyMail TSTC Student Handbook TSTC Website TSTC Portal Quiz USA Funds Website (www.lifeskills.org) Read/Bring for Next Class Bring your USA Funds transcript (printed results) to your next scheduled class meeting. Campus Life Activity Log Due!
Date Topic/Lecture/Event Required/Recommended Readings/Electronic Resources to View Week 13 Module V: Information Literacy Week 14 Week 15 Introduction to LRC Evaluating & citing sources Research Readiness Project Research Readiness Project Due: Group Presentations Meet in LRC Orientation Room TSTC Learning Resource Center Website What you don t know about copyright and citing slideshow What you don t know about database searching slideshow What you don t know about researching slide show What you don t know about evaluating sources slide show Upload your assignment via Read/Bring for Next Class Work with your group Bring your research material (notes/index cards) to class Bring your research material (notes/index cards) to class Meeting in classroom & present with your group No exceptions! Worth 15% of your final grade