Guided Studies (GUST)
Course Title: College and Career Success
Course Number: GUST 1270
Instructor:
Phone Number:
Class Section:
Semester: Spring 2011
Total Contact Hours: 48 (2 credits)
Course Length: 16 weeks
Type of Instruction:
Email:
Office Location:
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 note-taking 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:
A. READING: Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed
materials;
B. WRITING: Competency/outcome in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose
adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience;
C. SPEAKING: Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and
persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience;
D. LISTENING: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of
spoken communication;
E. 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
F. COMPUTER LITERACY: Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use computerbased technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information.
Textbook:
Robert M. Sherfield, Rhonda J. Montgomery, Patricia G. Moody
Cornerstone: Creating Success Through Positive Change, 6th ed. Prentice Hall, 2010
(Required)
ISBN- or ISBN-10: 0137007620
Houston Community College Catalog, 2010-2011 (Required)
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!
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.
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
QUIZZES ARE LOCATED ON BLACKBOARD
Complete homework assignments before coming to class. In general, you should plan to spend 2 hours studying
outside of class for every hour spent in class. Late homework assignments are not accepted.
At the end of each chapter, you are to answer and complete assignments, quizzes and discussion questions on
Blackboard. This homework will be due on the Mondays following the discussion of the chapter.
It will be the instructor's prerogative to make any changes deemed necessary in order to meet the learning outcomes
of the course. Students will be notified in writing of any change.
Week 1
01/18
Welcome
Introduction of Course
Chapter 1 Change Adjusting to the Culture of College, Nurturing Change, and Setting Goals
2-24
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 2
01/24
Chapter 2 Engage Developing Your Personal and Academic Motivation 28-47
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 3
01/31
Discuss Chapter 2
Chapter 1 and 2 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
Introduction of BlackBoard, Computer Lab
Chapter 3 Persist Using the Tools of Self-Management to Stay in College 50-70
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 4
02/07
Discuss Chapter 3
Chapter 3 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
BlackBoard Assignment
Chapter 7 Learn Using Your Dominant Intelligence, Preferred Learning Style, and Unique
Personality Type to Become an Active Learner 156-179
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 5
02/14
Discuss Chapter 7
Chapter 7 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
BlackBoard Assignment
Chapter 12 Inform Improving Your Research, Writing, and Speaking Skills 290-312
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 6
02/22
Discuss Chapter 12
Introduction of Career Research Project
Chapter 12 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
BlackBoard Assignment (Homework)
Chapter 8 Read Building Your Reading and Comprehension Skills 184-206
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 7
02/28
Discuss Chapter 8
Chapter 8 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
BlackBoard Assignment
Chapter 4 Communicate Improving Your Personal Communication and Conflict Management
Skills 72-92
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 8
03/07
Discuss Chapter 4
Chapter 4 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
BlackBoard Assignment
Chapter 5 Think Expanding Your Aptitude for Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, and
Information Literacy Skills 94-120
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
SPRING BREAK MARCH 14-20, 2011
Week 9
03/21
Discuss Chapter 5
Chapter 5 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
BlackBoard Assignment
Chapter 6 Prioritize Planning Your Time and Reducing Stress 124-154
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 10
03/28
Discuss Chapter 6
Chapter 6 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
BlackBoard Assignment
Chapter 9 Record Cultivating Your Listening Skills and Developing a Note-Taking System
That Works for You 210-232
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 11
04/04
Discuss Chapter 9
Chapter 9 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
BlackBoard Assignment
Chapter 10 Understand Empowering Your Memory, Studying Effectively, and Taking Tests
with Confidence 236-262
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 12
04/11
Discuss Chapter 10
Chapter 10 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
BlackBoard Assignment
Chapter 11 Prosper Managing Your Money and Debts Wisely 264-287
Chapter 13 Relate Celebrating People, Cultures, and Diversity 314-329
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 13
04/18
Discuss Chapter 11 and 13
Chapter 11 and 13 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
BlackBoard Assignment
Chapter 14 Live Developing Your Plan for Wellness and Personal Responsibility 332-353
Chapter 15 Plan Focusing on Your Professional Career and Living Well 356-377
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
LAST DAY FOR STUDENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 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 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.
(*The instructor may withdraw students for excessive absences before the official withdrawal date.)
Week 14
04/25
Career Research Project
BlackBoard Assignment
Discussion of Chapter 14, 15 and 16 online
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 15
05/02
CAREER RESEARCH PROJECT DUE
None accepted after this date.
Chapter 14 and 15 Knowledge in Bloom and SQ3R Mastery due
Review for Final Exam
*CHECK BLACKBOARD FOR QUIZZES, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND
ASSIGNMENTS, THIS IS THE LAST WEEK TO COMPLETE ANY ASSIGNMENT,
ASSESSMENT OR DISCUSSION QUESTION ON BLACKBOARD.
Week 16
05/09
Final Exam Week - No class
FINAL EXAM WEEK
MAY 9-15, 2011
NO BLACKBOARD ON THIS DATE - IN CLASS LECTURE
Discover Career Assessment (Counseling).
If you are absent for this session, you will have to contact Ms. Gail Wellenkamp, Counseling,
(713) 718-6124 or gail.wellenkamp@hccs.edu to attend a separate workshop and receive the
password to sign on to DISCOVER. (This session is a component of your Career Research
Project).
IMPORTANT NOTES
●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 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 Student Handbook
for further information (reference pgs. 34 - 36.)
●Attendance Policy
Attendance and punctuality are mandatory. Parking is a continuous problem, so leave early for class and avoid
excessive absences. 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 (4 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, then Third Attempt Enrollment for further information.
●Withdrawal Deadline
LAST DAY FOR STUDENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 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
Cellular phones and pagers create annoying and unnecessary interruptions during class. Please switch them to vibrate.
No laptops will be used during class sessions unless agreed upon by the instructor. Also, no text messaging or
listening to mp3 players will be allowed.
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 for further information (reference Disruptive Behavior pgs. 35-37).
It will be the instructor's prerogative to make any changes deemed necessary in order to meet the learning
outcomes of the course. Students will be notified in writing of any change.
●Grading Score
These guidelines will be followed for determining students’ grades:
Quizzes
15%
Assignments (Blackboard Discussion)
20%
Attendance and Participation
15%
Career Research Project/ Interview
30%
Mid-Term/ Final Exam
20%
●Grading Scale
100-90 = A
89-80 points = B
79-70 points = C
60 and below = F
I= Incomplete
Equivalent to HCCS Grading Scale
90-100
80-89
70-79
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 “F” is earned, you are recommended to retake this course. Check with the college or university of your
choice regarding grade transferability issues.
MAKE A FRIEND: You may plan to never be absent & that is great! However, things may occur that are out of
your control causing you to be absent occasionally. Anything you miss during an absence is your responsibility! It is
unreasonable for you to request that I repeat my lecture to you upon your return after an absence. 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 absent, you can
call that classmate up & ask about what you missed, etc. So let’s take a few minutes for you to get acquainted with
some of your classmates!
Classmate Name:
Classmate Name:
_________________________________
_____________________________
E-mail address:
_______________________________
E-mail address:
_______________________________
Telephone Number (s):
_________________________
_________________________
Telephone Number (s):
_________________________
__________________________
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.