Guided Studies (GUST)
Course Title: College and Career Success
Course Number: GUST 1270
Class Section:
Semester: Spring 2011
Total Contact Hours: 48 (2 credits)
Course Length: 16 Weeks
Type of Instruction: Distance Education
Instructor: Professor Darin LaMar Baskin, M.A.,
Ph.D. (ABD)
Phone Number: (713) 718-6071 (direct)
(713) 718-6070 (main office)
Email: darin.baskin@hccs.edu
Office Location: JB Whitley 207
Central Campus
Professor of Guided Studies
and Learning Assistance Center
Course Description: This course is designed to prepare students for the demands of college
and for success in the world of work. This course emphasizes setting priorities, time
management, effective listening, note-taking, concentration techniques, retention of
information, book analysis and comprehension techniques and test-taking skills. This course
also incorporates modules that are designed to facilitate the use of library databases in
conducting research, planning and setting educational objectives, lifelong career assessment
and decision-making, financial aid, tutoring and student support services, enabling the student
to maximize the use of college resources.
Due to the interactive nature of this course, a variety of instructional methodology will be used
including, but not limited to: lecture, group discussion, guest lecturers, group activities, web
activities, library assignments and exploration activities. (www.hccs.edu)
Prerequisite: Must be placed into GUST 0341 (or higher) in reading. Students below this
reading level will be deferred from the Student Success course requirement until their reading
level has improved.
Course Goal: This course is designed to help students succeed in the college classroom.
Students will learn time management and goal-setting techniques, effective listening and notetaking skills, textbook-study methods, strategies for preparing and taking examinations as well as
techniques to boost concentration and memory. Other topics include units on stress
management, use of the college library and the Internet, research strategies, and career planning.
Also covered are units on adapting to academic regulations and improving personal and social
adjustment to college.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Develop an academic/personal/professional Action Plan, to include long-term goals,
with detailed emphasis on time spent at HCCS.
Objectives for this SLO should include but not be limited to:
1.a
Have a Degree Plan on file, and signed off by your professor. (application)
1.b
Write and prioritize short-term and long-term goals related to your
academic/personal/professional development related to your time at HCC. (analysis)
1.c
Write an Action Plan for those priority goals related to your HCC experience.
(analysis)
1.d
Explain the difference between a job and a career, and the purpose of and
preparation for each. Clarify which of the two brings you to HCC. (analysis)
1.e
Explore career options, incorporating the use of career related search tools.
(application)
1.f
Relate the characteristics of a Life-Long Learner, and how you can develop such
characteristics in your own life. (synthesis)
1.g
Demonstrate that you are capable of being an Independent Learner. (application)
2. Identify and use various student services at HCCS.
Objectives for this SLO should include but not be limited to:
2.a
Discuss your educational/career plans with a counselor and relate other services
available through the counseling office.
(application)
2.b
Access system publications, including the student handbook, college catalog, and
semester schedules. (application)
2.c
Select classes for the next semester using a degree plan and on-line registration.
(application)
2.d
Access the Learning Web and Student Services website. (application)
2e.
Describe the pros and cons of distance education. (comprehension)
2.f
Use your student email account to communicate with professor. (application)
2.g
Obtain a student identification card and parking pass (as needed. (application)
2.h
Meet with a financial aid officer and discuss your financial aid options.
(application)
2.i
Utilize tutoring services provided on-campus and/or online to receive advisement
on at least one assignment. (application)
2.j
Attend a library orientation session and access resources available on campus and
on line. (application)
2.k
Attend at least one system-sponsored special event or student organization
meeting. (application)
3. Use classroom skills, including test-taking, note-taking, time management, etc.
Objectives for this SLO can include, but should not be limited to:
3.a
Explain the basic learning process.
3.b
Complete a week-long activity log and identifying at least one area where
adjustments could be made to improve the student’s use of time. (application)
3.c
Complete a schedule showing the length of time it will take to complete their
degree plans using their current course load.
3.d
Participate in at least one pair/share activity with other students or a modeling
activity with an instructor in order to identify key ideas and supporting evidence from a
variety of textbooks and possibly journal articles. (application)
3.e
Write notes over one chapter or section of a chapter using at least two or more
different note-taking styles. (application
3.d
Adapt memory strategies by coming up with at least three different mnemonics
for key information from a specific textbook chapter. (synthesis)
3.e
Word process and correctly format at least half of the written assignments for
class. (application)
3.f
Use the computer to find at least three professional articles or reputable websites
to be used in a career report or project.
(analysis)
3.g
Demonstrate listening skills appropriate to the college classroom. (application)
3.h
Describe how to prepare for and answer a variety of question types found on
typical tests. (comprehension)
3.i
Describe techniques for recognizing and alleviating test anxiety.
(comprehension)
4. Identify and develop personal/professional characteristics sought by professors/
employers.
Objectives for this SLO include but are not limited to:
4.a
Identify and describe values for both personal and professional life. Relate those
values to college and professional decision making. (analysis)
4.b
Work in collaboration with others. (application)
4.c
Network. (application)
4.d
Apply time management strategies and techniques. (application)
4.e
Prioritize immediate and future activities. (analysis)
4.f
Identify and locate resources necessary to personal/professional success.
(application)
4.g
Identify and demonstrate communication skills appropriate for the college and
professional settings. (application)
4.h
Successfully interact with a diverse population. (application)
4.i
Critically analyze selected materials. (analysis)
General Education Outcomes:
1. Reading: Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a
variety of printed materials;
2. Writing: Competency/outcome in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and
coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience;
3. Speaking: Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear,
coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience;
4. Listening: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret
various forms of spoken communication;
5. Critical Thinking: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative
and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate
arguments and to construct alternative strategies; and
6. Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use
computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring
information.
Textbook:
Robert M. Sherfield, Rhonda J. Montgomery, Patricia G. Moody
Cornerstone: Creating Success Through Positive ChΑ+nge, 6th ed.
Prentice Hall, 2010 (Required)
ISBN 13: 978-0-13-213542-9 or ISBN-10: 0-13-213542-6
Houston Community College Catalog, 2010-2011 HCCS Bookstore
MyStudentSuccessLab is a state-of-the-art, interactive, and instructive online solution for student
success courses. MyStudentSuccessLab combines multimedia, tutorials, video, simulations,
animations, tests and quizzes to make teaching and learning fun!
Website: www.mystudentsuccesslab.com This is a specific link for Houston Community
College- Central Campus students. A separate handout will be distributed with registration
instructions for MyStudentSuccessLab. Course Registration ID: tsui40103
Support Materials:
3-ring binder/folder and loose leaf paper or notebook to take notes
Pens, pencils, highlighter
Tutoring Help: www.hccs.askonline.net or Reading Tutoring (to be announced)
GUST 1270 College and Career Planning Course Calendar
Week One
Welcome, Overview of GUST 1270
1. Bloom’s Taxonomy (Quick Reference Guide inside book cover)
2. Chapter 1: Change Adjusting to the Culture of College, Nurturing
Change, and Setting Goals 2-24
3. Chapter 2: Engage Developing Your Personal and Academic
Motivation 28-47
Week Two
1. Complete DISCUSSION QUESTIONS associated with Chapters 1
and 2
2. Chapter 1 and 2 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery
3. Chapter 3: Persist Using Tools of Self-Management to Stay in College
50-70
4. Introduction of Career Research Project
Week Three
1. Chapter 7 Learn Using Your Dominant Intelligence, Preferred
Learning Style, and Unique Personality Type to Become an Active
Learner 156-179
2. Chapter 12 Inform Improving Your Research, Writing, and Speaking
Skills 290-312.
3. Complete DISCUSSION QUESTIONS associated with Chapters 7
and 12
Week Four:
1. Chapter 3, 7, and 12 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery
2. Cougar Career Assessment
CHECK THE HOME PAGE OF BLACKBOARD FOR A LINK TO THE
ASSESSMENT
3. Library Orientation, LHSB, 3rd fl.
This sessions will help with the components of your Career Research
Project.
4. Complete DISCUSSION QUESTIONS associated with Chapter 3 and
4
Week Five
1. Read Chapter 4 Communicate Improving Your Personal
Communication and Conflict Management Skills 72-92
2. Chapter 5 Think Expanding Your Aptitude for Critical Thinking,
Emotional Intelligence, and Information Literacy Skills 94-120
3. Read Chapter 8 Read Building Your Reading and Comprehension
Skills 184-206
4. Complete DISCUSSION QUESTIONS associated with Chapters 5
and 8
5. MID-TERM EXAM REVIEW POSTED.
Week Six
1. Chapter 4, 5, 8 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery
2. Discuss Chapter 7 Learn, Chapter 12 Inform, Chapter 4
Communicate, Chapter 5 Think and Chapter 8 Read
3. MID-TERM EXAM.. REVIEW FOR THE MID-TERM EXAM WAS
POSTED ON BLACKBOARD
Week Seven
1. Chapter 6 Prioritize Planning Your Time & Reducing Stress 124-154
2. Chapter 9 Record Cultivating Your Listening Skills and Developing a
Note-Taking System That Works for You 210-232
3. Chapter 10 Understand Empowering Your Memory, Studying
Effectively, and Taking Chapter Tests with Confidence 236-262
4. Complete DISCUSSION QUESTIONS associated with Chapters 6
and 9
Week Eight
1. Chapter 6, 9, and 10 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery
2. Discuss Chapter 6 Prioritize, Chapter 9 Record, and Chapter 10
Understand
3. Complete DISCUSSION QUESTIONS associated with Chapter 10
LAST DAY FOR STUDENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL
TUESDAY, ARPIL 21, BY 4:30PM
The last date to withdraw from a class with a grade of “W” for Spring, 2011, is TUESDAY,
April 21 BY 4:30PM. YOU must take the responsibility to withdraw from the class. Do
NOT depend upon your professor to do it for you. If you do not withdraw, your final
grade will be a “F.” Instructor has an option to withdraw students for excessive absences
before the deadline date.
Week Nine
1. Chapter 11 Prosper Managing Your Money and Debts Wisely 264-287
2. Chapter 13 Relate Celebrating People, Cultures, & Diversity 314-329
3. Complete DISCUSSION QUESTIONS associated with Chapters 11
and 13
Week Ten
1. Chapter 14 Live Developing Your Plan for Wellness and Personal
Responsibility 332-353
2. Chapter 15 Plan Focusing on Your Professional Career and Living
Well 356-377
3. Complete DISCUSSION QUESTIONS associated with Chapters 14
and 15
Week Eleven
****CAREER RESEARCH PROJECT DUE****
No project papers accepted after this date.
1. Discuss Chapter 16
2. Complete DISCUSSION QUESTIONS associated with Chapter 16
3. Review for Final Exam
Week Twelve
FINAL EXAM
●American Disabilities Act Policy
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing,
etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services
Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to
provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report
to Room 106, Learning Hub/Science Building (LHSB) or call (713) 718-6164 to make
necessary arrangements. www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students From the Student Support
column, select the Disability Services link for further information.
●Academic Honesty Policy
Academic dishonesty (cheating of any kind) is a serious offense and will be dealt with
accordingly. If a student copies sentences from another person's work without giving credit to
the writer by naming the writer as the source of the ideas and words, it is called "plagiarism."
This is a serious offense in American colleges, and it is unacceptable. Academic honesty is
expected of all college students. Any homework, journal entry or composition that is not a
student's own work will be given a grade of 0. The student may receive an F for the course when
plagiarism occurs repeatedly. http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students From the Student
Support column, select the Student Handbook link for further information (reference pgs. 34 36.)
●Attendance Policy
Realizing that student success in college is largely dependent on attending class, it is imperative that
you make an effort to attend class – even virtual classes require attendance. You are required to log
on to the course site at least once a week. Typically students who do well in online classes are those
who log on several times a week (5-6)
H.C.C.S. policy states that you can be withdrawn by your instructor after missing 12.5% of
the course; in this course that is equal to 6 hours (1.5 classes) of absence for the semester. A
student who is withdrawn from a class for excessive absences will receive a grade of “W” by the
student/administrative withdrawal date. This is not negotiable and cannot be changed for a letter
grade. A student who is withdrawn from a required developmental course will also be withdrawn
from all other courses during that semester. Students on Financial Aid could forfeit their
Financial Aid and F1 students (international) be out of compliance and have their F1 status
revoked. These are serious consequences, and it is the student’s responsibility to maintain
required attendance. Check with your instructor about specific attendance policies.
●Six Drop Rule http://imc02.hccs.edu/gcac/drop.htm
Important information you need to know about dropping courses. Effective 2007, section 51.907
of the Texas Education Code applies to first-time in college freshman students who enroll in a
Texas public institution of higher education in the fall semester of 2007 or thereafter. High
school students currently enrolled in HCC Dual Credit and Early College are waived from this
requirement until they graduate from high school. Based on this law, HCC or any other Texas
Public institution of higher education may not permit students to drop after the official day
of record more than six college level credit courses for unacceptable reasons during their
entire undergraduate career.
●Third Attempt Enrollment Information
Houston Community College charges a higher tuition to students who are registering for a class
for the third or subsequent time. www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students From the Student Support
column, select Admissions & Records link, then Third Attempt Enrollment for further
information.
●Withdrawal Deadline
LAST DAY FOR STUDENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, BY 4:30PM
After the official date of record and prior to the last day for student or administrative*
withdrawal, a final grade of “W” will be recorded on your transcript. YOU must take the
responsibility to withdraw from the class. Do NOT depend upon your professor to do it for you.
If you do not officially withdraw from this course, you will earn an “F” for the course.
(*At the instructor’s discretion, he/she have the option to withdraw students for excessive
absences before the official withdrawal date.)
●Other Important Notes
According to the Texas Education Code 37.123:
“No person or groups of persons acting in concert may willfully engage in disruptive activities or
disrupt a lawful assembly on the campus or property of any private or public school or institution
of higher education or public vocational and technical school or institute.” Hindering other
students' learning or deterring an instructor from effective teaching will not be tolerated. The
student who is unprepared, sleeps in class, or is disruptive will be asked to leave the class
and be counted absent. http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students From the Student Support
column, select Student Handbook link for further information (reference Disruptive Behavior
pgs. 35-37).
Blackboard Student User ID:
Your Blackboard login user ID will be your HCC
User ID (sometimes referred to as the “W” number).
All HCC students have a unique User ID. If you do
not know your User ID you can look it up by visiting
the HCC home page:
o From www.hccs.edu, under the column
“CONNECT”, click on the “Student System Sign In”
link
Houston Community College Distance Education Policy: You are in college. You will be treated and
respected as an adult. You are expected to do your own work. Because of the nature of discussion
involved in this class, it is imperative that we respect each other’s opinions and values. Discipline
problems are not tolerated. As with on-campus classes, all students in HCC Distance Education courses
are required to follow the Student Code of conduct, the Student Handbook and relevant sections of the
Texas Education Code when interacting and communicating in a virtual classroom with faculty and fellow
students. Sexual harassment, or harassment of any nature, will not be tolerated. Students who violate these
policies and guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action that could include denial of access to courserelated email, discussion groups and chat rooms, or being removed from class.
Chapter Quizzes: There will be 16 chapter quizzes based on the textbook, instructor insight postings,
discussion postings, and assignments.
Chapter Assessments: To keep you on track and pace, 16 chapter assessments will be administered on a
variety of subjects through the semester. Students are required to keep up with the reading, posted power
points and lecture notes, and other assignments about that Chapter BEFORE attempting to work through
the assessments for each Chapter. Access the chapter assessments from the “Assessment” link on the
menu, left-hand side of the Home Page.
Online Assignments: Throughout the semester, you will be responsible for completing assignments that
has to uploaded to the course. All of the assignments are going to reinforce the chapter reading or the
discussion question that you are being required to complete. You should pay attention to the classroom
calendar and the assignments tab on the left hand side of the COURSE PAGE… Assignments will have a
due date but will not be timed, like the assessments.
Major Exams:
There will be 2 major exams, a Midterm and Final based on the textbook, instructor insights postings,
discussion postings, and assignments. They are accessed within Blackboard from the class homepage,
clicking the “Assessment” link on the menu, left-hand side of Home Page. The Midterm and Final exams
are 50 minutes, timed. You may use your textbook and other course materials, but since they are timed it
will be impossible to look up every answer in the allotted time. There will be no makeup exams.
There will be no collaboration allowed among students on the quizzes and exams. If
such collaboration is discovered, a grade of 0 will be awarded to all collaborators.
Midterm Exam: Covers all material in through Chapter 6 of the text. The exam will be available for a set
window of time only. Be sure to check the class schedule for the exact dates.
Final Exam: Covers all material from Chapter 7 to the end of the course. The exam will be available for a
set window of time only. Be sure to check the class schedule for the exact date.
Discussion Posting and Careers Research Project:
Discussion Postings
Students participate in written class discussion by posting messages in an area accessible to the entire
class, found under the “Discussion” link on the menu, left-hand side of the Home Page. Students will
respond to a total of thirteen (13) discussion questions: student introductions and a discussion for each of
the 12 Chapters in your textbook.
Be sure to read the corresponding chapter in your text and reviewed all instructor postings BEFORE
responding to the discussion questions. Comments should demonstrate profound thinking in order to meet
the expectations of this class. Students can also respond to the discussion contributions posted by other
students. The discussions must be posted in the class discussion area and not sent as a private email to the
instructor.
Careers Research Project:
A major portion of your grade is dependent on your completion of the careers research project. It must be
submitted on time. Check the course calendar for due dates and suggested milestone completion timeline.
Instructions for completing this report are found at a separate link under “Assignments” on the menu, lefthand side of the Home Page. As soon as you finish reading this syllabus, go to the link and print out the
Career Planning Report instructions. Review carefully.
HCC Tutoring Services:
HCC now offers 24-hour access to English tutors online. Students can get free help with papers not only
for English classes, but for any class that requires writing. Papers can be submitted for advice, with a 24hour turn-around; live tutors will answer questions every day from 5-9 pm; focused chats are scheduled;
and vocabulary, grammar, and usage questions can be asked and answered quickly. Tutors in many other
disciplines are also available through this service.
Clicking on the AskOnline button in the upper right corner of the Blackboard course listings page will
take students directly to the HCC AskOnline Tutoring: hccs.askonline.net. They will use their student ID
or HCC e-mail address to create their account. Instructions, including a 5-minute video, are provided to
make them familiar with the capabilities of this service.
For written projects such as the Careers Research Project, students are encouraged to
submit their paper to hccs.askonline.net and get detailed feedback within about 24 hours prior to
turning in the report to the instructor. For assistance accessing hccs.askonline.net please call DE Technical
Support at 713.718.5275, option #3 or email desupport@hccs.edu.
Distance Education Advising and Counseling Services: The Distance Education Student
Handbook contains policies and procedures unique to the DE student. Students should have reviewed
the handbook as part of the mandatory orientation. It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with
the handbook's contents.
The handbook contains valuable information, answers, and resources, such as DE contacts, policies
and procedures (how to drop, attendance requirements, etc.), student services (ADA, financial aid,
degree planning, etc.), course information, testing procedures, technical support, and academic
calendars. Refer to the DE Student Handbook by visiting this link: http://de.hccs.edu/de/de-studenthandbook
Make a new friend: You may plan to never be absent & that is great! However, things may
occur that are out of your control causing you to not post or miss an assignment occasionally.
This is why I suggest to all students that you make a friend/buddy in the class (maybe even a
few). So, if you are missing an assignment or discussion question, you can call that classmate
up and ask what you missed, etc… You should take a few minutes to email a classmate for you
to get acquainted with
Name:
Email
Phone
Name:
Email
Phone
●Grading Score
These guidelines will be followed for determining students’ grades:
Quizzes
20%
Assignments
15%
Career Research Project
30%
Mid-Term/Final Exam
20%
Discussion Questions
15%
●Grading Scale
A
B
C
D
F
Equivalent to HCCS Grading Scale
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
59 and below
Grades of “A, B, and C” are transferable grades to most 4-year colleges or universities in the
state of Texas. If a grade of “D or F” is earned, you are recommended to retake this course.
Check with the college or university of your choice regarding grade transferability issues.
Blackboard Vista Directions
At any computer that has internet access you can access Blackboard. You
will need to pay attention to your pop-up blocker because Blackboard uses pop-up
to open new windows. You should always allow pop-ups for this site.
Blackboard is a user friendly program and everything is accessed through
links. Click the link that you want to access. Anything underlined and in blue will
send you to another link. Blackboard is designed so students with limited internet
or computer skills can maneuver through it. The best way to learn Blackboard is to
play around with it before you start working.
THE BEST THING TO DO IS TO WATCH THE VIDEOS THAT ARE LOCATED ON
THE BLACKBOARD SITE.
BLACKBOARD LOG-IN INSTRUCTIONS
Log-On at
 http://hccs.edu
 Once you get there you have to click on the tab at the top that says CENTRAL, once
there then click Blackboard Vista
 Your User name is W+ student ID number. You student ID number is the number that
you were provided at HCC. It can be found on your student ID or in your paperwork. It
consists of the last 7 numbers EX: W1234567.
 To log into the system for the first time your initial password is the word distance. The
password is in lower case because the system is case sensitive. Once you have logged in
the first time, the system will ask you to create a current password from your initial
password. After this is completed you will use the new password (This is the password
you just created.) REMEMBER YOU SHOULD WRITE DOWN YOUR USER
NAME AND PASSWORD UNTIL YOU ARE ABLE TO REMEMBER IT.
 After you have completed changing your password the system will log you out and you
have to reenter your user name and new password.
You now have access to the class. You need to click on the course and then you will see all
of the instructions to follow in order to complete the course. The page that you are looking at is
called the home page.
You need to orientate yourself to the Blackboard program. Here is a brief description of
some of the important links:
 Course Content- This link will get you back to the home page.
 Assessment- Location of all your quizzes or tests.
 Assignments- This link is where all of your assignments that you need to complete are
located
 Calendar- Assignments and assessments due dates and time. This is a useful tool to
help keep you on schedule.





Chat- A tool used by the instructor or the students; able to chat with anyone that is
currently online with you. You may be asked to meet your instructor in a chat room at a
certain time.
Discussion- If your course requires you to complete discussion questions this is where
they will be located.
Learning Module- This course is broken down into four learning modules. Learning
modules contain certain chapters, links to discussions questions and quizzes. Also each
Learning Module contains PowerPoint presentation for each unit/chapter, these are
helpful when reading your chapters.
Mail- Every student has access to email which allows communication with your fellow
students or instructor. Email should be used if you are having any problem with
Blackboard.
My Grades- Blackboard is setup so that the grades are released once you have
completed your assessment and assignments submitted are graded by the instructor.
You can find all your grades here.