Guided Studies & Developmental Reading
Central College
GUST 1270-87296- College and Career Planning
CRN 81246– Semester-Summer 2012
2 hour lecture course / 48 hours per semester/ 5 weeks
Class Time: MTW 12:30-2:00
Location: Gay Hall 110
Instructor: Darin LaMar Baskin, M.A.; Ph.D.
Instructor Contact Information:
Office location and hours
Phone Number: (713) 718-6071 (direct)
(713) 718-6070 (main office)
Email: darin.baskin@hccs.edu
Office Location: JB Whitley 207
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course.
You do not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance.
Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear your concerns and
just to discuss course topics. Feel free to come by my office anytime during these hours.
Course Description
A Student Success course is designed to prepare students for the demands of college and for
success in the world of work. The course emphasizes setting priorities, time management,
effective listening, note-taking, concentration techniques, retention of information, book
analysis, 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, decision-making, financial aid,
tutoring, and student support services, enabling the student to maximize the use of college
resources.
Prerequisites
You must be placed in GUST 0341 or higher to be eligible to take a student success course.
Students below this reading level will be deferred from the Student Success course requirement
until their reading level has improved.
Course Goal
Assist you in acquiring skills needed to have a successful college experience.
Student Learning Outcomes
The student will:
1. Formulate an academic/ personal/ professional action plan, to complete career and
educational goals.
Objectives for this SLO should include but not be limited to:
1.a
1.b
1.c
1.d
1.e
1.f
1.g
Have a Degree Plan on file, and signed off by your professor.
Write and prioritize short-term and long-term goals related to your
academic/personal/professional development related to your time at HCC.
Write an Action Plan for those priority goals related to your HCC experience.
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.
Explore career options, incorporating the use of career related search tools.
Relate the characteristics of a Life-Long Learner, and how you can develop such
characteristics in your own life.
Demonstrate that you are capable of being an independent learner.
2. Use classroom skills, including test-taking, note-taking, time management, etc.
Objectives should include but not be limited to:
2.a
2.b
2.c
2.d
2e.
2.f
2.g
2.h
2.i
2.j
2.k
Discuss your educational/career plans with a counselor and relate other services
available through the counseling office.
Access system publications, including the student handbook, college catalog, and
semester schedules.
Select classes for the next semester using a degree plan and on-line registration.
Access the Learning Web.
Describe the pros and cons of distance education.
Use your student email account to communicate with professor.
Obtain a student identification card and parking pass (as needed).
Meet with a financial aid officer and discuss your financial aid options.
Utilize tutoring services provided on-campus and/or online to receive advisement
on at least one assignment.
Attend a library orientation session and access resources available on campus and
on line.
Attend at least one system-sponsored special event or student organization
meeting.
3. Apply successful student behaviors for test-taking, note-taking, researching and time
management, etc.
Objectives for this SLO can include, but should not be limited to:
3.a
3.b
3.c
3.d
3.e
3.d
3.e
3.f
3.g
3.h
3.i
Explain the basic learning process.
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.
Complete a schedule showing the length of time it will take to complete their
degree plans using their current course load.
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.
Write notes over one chapter or section of a chapter using at least two or more
different note-taking styles.
Adapt memory strategies by coming up with at least three different mnemonics
for key information from a specific textbook chapter.
Word process and correctly format at least half of the written assignments for
class.
Use the computer to find at least three professional articles or reputable websites
to be used in a career report or project.
Demonstrate listening skills appropriate to the college classroom.
Describe how to prepare for and answer a variety of question types found on
typical tests.
Describe techniques for recognizing and alleviating test anxiety.
4. Identify and develop personal/professional characteristics sought by professors/
employers.
Objectives for this SLO include but are not limited to:
4.a
4.b
4.c
4.d
4.e
4.f
4.g
4.h
4.i
Identify and describe values for both personal and professional life. Relate those
values to college and professional decision making.
Work in collaboration with others.
Network.
Apply time management strategies and techniques.
Prioritize immediate and future activities.
Identify and locate resources necessary to personal/professional success.
Identify and demonstrate communication skills appropriate for the college and
professional settings
Successfully interact with a diverse population.
Critically analyze selected materials.
SCANS or Core Curriculum Statement and Other Standards
Credit: 2 (2 lecture)
A course designed to prepare students for the demands of college courses. Emphasis on time
management, effective listening and note taking skills, textbook marking methods, concentration
techniques, retention of information, reading comprehension, test-taking skills, and career
awareness.
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 computerbased technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information.
5 WEEK CALENDAR
GUST 1270 College and Career Planning Course Calendar
SESSIONS
ACTIVITIES
WEEK ONE:
INTRODUCTION; Chapters 1, 2, & 3
Introduction to the course. Overview of class guidelines.
Assignments: Read introductory pages, vii-xxi
Read and complete Chapter 1, 2, & 3
Related materials:
CHECK WITH INSTRUCTOR FOR REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTHANDOUTS
WEEK TWO:
Chapter 4, 5, & 6; Mid-Term Exam
Assignments: Read and complete Chapters 4, 5, & 6
Related materials:
CHECK WITH INSTRUCTOR FOR REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTHANDOUTS
WEEK THREE:
Chapters 7, 8, & 9
Assignments: Read and complete Chapters 7, 8 & 9
Related materials:
CHECK WITH INSTRUCTOR FOR REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTHANDOUTS
WEEK FOUR:
INTRODUCTION; Chapters 10, 11, and 12
Read and complete Chapter 10, 11 & 12
Related materials:
CHECK WITH INSTRUCTOR FOR REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTHANDOUTS
WEEK FIVE:
INTRODUCTION; Chapters 13, 14 & 15
Read and complete Chapter 13, 14 & 15
Final Exam and Research Paper due.
Related materials:
CHECK WITH INSTRUCTOR FOR REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTHANDOUTS
LAST DAY FOR STUDENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL
Monday, July 30, by 4:30PM
The last date to withdraw from a class with a grade of “W” for Summer, 2012, is Monday,
July 30, 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.
LAST DAY FOR STUDENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL
Monday, July 30, by 4:30PM
IMPORTANT: Faculty is no longer allowed to assist a student by withdrawing the student at
the student’s request for reasons other than excessive absences. You will receive a FINAL grade
of “FX.”
After the official date of record and prior to the last day for student or administrative*
withdrawal, YOU must take the responsibility to withdraw from the class. Do NOT depend
upon your professor to do it for you. Faculty will only be able to request and process
withdrawals for the reason of excessive absences.*
GRADES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AFTER COMPLETION OF THE COURSE
The instructor assignments are the discussion questions that are available in each learning
module on Eagle Online. The textbook is a vital part of the course and you cannot pass the
course without it.
Instructional Materials
Cornerstone: Creating Success Through Positive Change 6th Edition by Robert M. Sherfield &
Patricia G. Moody
Support Materials:
3-ring binder/folder and loose leaf paper or notebook to take notes
Pens, pencils, highlighter
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 24-hour 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 5minute 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.
HCC Policy Statement - ADA
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.
For questions, please contact Donna Price at 713.718.5165 or the Disability
Counselor at your college. To visit the ADA Web site, please visit
www.hccs.edu then click Future students, scroll down the page and click on
the words Disability Information.
District ADA Coordinator – 713.718.5165
Central ADA Counselors – 713.718.6164
Northeast ADA CounselorNorthwest ADA Counselor –
Southeast ADA Counselor –
Southwest ADA Counselor –
Coleman ADA Counselor –
713.718.6164
713.718.8420
713.718.5422
713.718.7218
713.718.7910
713.718.7631
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has
been learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The
instructor is responsible for measuring each student's individual achievements and also for
ensuring that all students compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has
teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's
Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with
an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for
conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties
and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student
accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited to,
cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:





Copying from another students’ test paper;
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of a test that has not been administered;
Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of
that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work
offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F
in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or
dismissal from the College System. (See the Student Handbook)
HCC Policy Statements
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best
way to succeed in this class. Research has shown that the single most important factor in student
success is attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly increases your ability to succeed. You
are expected to attend all lecture and labs regularly. You are responsible for materials covered
during your absences. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to
drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive
absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is
discussed in class is important for your career, students may be dropped from a course after
accumulating absences in excess of six (6) hours of instruction. The six hours of class time
would include any total classes missed or for excessive tardiness or leaving class early.
You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making the decision not
to attend, you do not have to notify the instructor prior to missing a class. However, if this
happens too many times, you may suddenly find that you have “lost” the class.
Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including the
first week, you are responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to find a friend or a
buddy in class who would be willing to share class notes or discussion or be able to hand in
paper if you unavoidably miss a class.
Class attendance equals class success.
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.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior
to the final date of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to
meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be
able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your
success is very important. Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting
first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their
educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early
Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a
class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility
to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might
be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay
in class and improve your academic performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your
professor prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR
to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final withdrawal deadlines
vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration
calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC
counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines. Remember to allow a 24-hour response
time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do
not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If you
do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class
as your final grade.
The last date to withdraw from a class with a grade of “W” for Summer, 2012, is Monday,
July 30, 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.
Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed
classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are
required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to
pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to
students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course
withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as
early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills,
attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be
available.
Classroom Behavior
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and
maintain a positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this responsibility
very seriously and will inform members of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for
him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you are asked to respect the learning needs of
your classmates and assist your instructor achieve this critical goal.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices
As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be
respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your fellow
students and instructor, you will turn off your phone and other electronic devices, and will not
use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the instructor.
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in
classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or
testing occurs. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable
accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information
regarding reasonable accommodations.
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).
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary
to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short
online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the
survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement
of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System
online near the end of the term.
Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are
to be derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and
lectures
 Description of any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up
 Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any
special projects or assignments
 Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
 Read and comprehend the textbook
 Complete the required assignments and exams:
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments
Grading
Your instructor will conduct quizzes, exams, and assessments that you can use to determine how
successful you are at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery of course content and
skills) outlined in the syllabus. If you find you are not mastering the material and skills, you are
encouraged to reflect on how you study and prepare for each class. Your instructor welcomes a
dialogue on what you discover and may be able to assist you in finding resources on campus that
will improve your performance.
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.
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 8 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 9 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, left-hand 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.
Final grades are determined by averaging the total of each area listed below.
15%
10%
15%
30%
20%
10%
Instructor’s Choice (Discussion question on Eagle Online)
Assignment Portfolio (Classroom assignments)
Midterm Exam
Career Research Essay and Oral Presentation
Final Exam
Attendance
Grading Scale:
90-100
80-89
70-79
69-60
59 and Below
A
B
C
D
F or FX
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).
Important Phone Numbers:
Houston Community College Police Department (713) 718-8888 Dispatch
Central Police Department 1215 Holman and San Jacinto St., Business Careers Center
(BSCC)1st fl.
Information Technology (IT) (713) 718-8800 Computer issues on HCC campuses
Useful Web Resources (You may add and delete as needed):
 Information: www.hccs.edu ; http://learning.hccs.edu
 Career Information http://bls.gov/OCO ; www.acinet.org
 Career Assessment: www.tbecachievetexas.com
 Tutoring & Support: www.hccs.askonline.net ; http://mystudentsuccesslab.com
The Guided Studies & Developmental Reading Program Mission Statement
The Guided Studies and Developmental Reading Program provides quality instruction
through research-based pedagogically and andragogically designed approaches in order to
prepare our diverse community of students to become life-long learners achieving academic
and workforce goals.
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 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 and ask what you missed, etc… Let’s take a few minutes for you to get acquainted
with
Name: __________________________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________