General Studies 100B
Aztec Freshman Connection University Seminar
Fall 2014
Friday 9:00am – 9:50am
Student Union – 250C
Instructor: Randy Timm
Email: rtimm@mail.sdsu.edu
Phone: +1 619 594 5221
Office Hours: by appointment only
Discussion Leader: Cameron Eaves
Email: sllgradcommuter@mail.sdsu.edu
This program is designed to help commuting students become engaged members of the San
Diego State University (SDSU) community by connecting them with faculty, staff, peers, and
involvement opportunities early in their college career.
Course Expectations
Students should be prepared to actively participate in each class session. Any homework
assignments should be done before coming to class. Attendance will be taken. Participation
should provide meaningful contribution. For example, what is said is at least as important as how
much is said. In class, students will often work in small teams to discuss and engage in
activities.
The classroom is a safe environment for exploring ideas and challenging assumptions. It is an
expectation of this course that students will take the necessary action to respectfully listen to the
voices of others and share their own opinions and values. Students should be aware of their
communication style; participating, but permitting others to participate equitably. Respect is an
important construct within this class. Side talking, frequent unsolicited comments and other noise
are disruptive to the educational process, unprofessional, and unacceptable. Experiential learning
is an integral part of this course. Food and beverages are not permitted with the exception of
water bottles. Cell phones must be turned off. Students are strongly discouraged from bringing
laptops to class. Our time together is precious and limited; please respect your investment and
the investment of others in our educational environment.
This is a pass or fail course failure to put good faith effort in the class will result in not passing
the class. Students are expected to approach all assignments with thoughtful consideration and to
be thorough in their completion. In all written assignments, students will be expected to present
solid content and to convey their message using appropriate grammar, punctuation and language.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Other's thoughts even when you paraphrase must be cited.
Failure to understand the rules of plagiarism is not an acceptable excuse. Please review these
rules if you are unfamiliar with them at: http://library.sdsu.edu/guides/tutorial.php?id=28.
Student Responsibilities:
o Come to each session prepared to participate. Please give all activities a personal sense
of purpose and discover different way you can make various strategies work for you.
o Your attendance and participation in class is essential for a complete learning experience.
The type of learning that takes place as a result of social interaction between you and
your instructor, peer mentors, and classmates represents a unique learning experience that
cannot be attained on an individual basis.
o Attend supplemental peer-based academic support sessions weekly.
o Attend community events and community service events.
o Notify the instructor before the class meets if you will be arriving late, leaving early, or
missing class entirely. Before returning to class, obtain any missed information,
assignments and handouts from another student or the instructor.
Attendance
Attendance is required; students are expected to arrive promptly. Students can only be absent 3
days total in the semester. The nature of this class requires personal reflection, examination of
values, personal growth, and mastery of course content; attendance is imperative. Students must
notify their instructor via email or phone call if they are going to miss class.
Policies
Respecting the Rights of Others: it will be our policy to listen and speak respectfully. We will
work within a climate that fosters mutual respect, dialogue, and interaction. It is expected that
students will conduct themselves with prudence, courtesy, and dignity in all course-related
activities. Sexual harassment of any sort will not be tolerated during or in association with the
activities of this class. Students who wish to obtain further information regarding the campus
sexual harassment prevention policy should consult the San Diego University Sexual Harassment
Prevention Policy in the SDSU Senate Policy File, located on-line at
http://bfa.sdsu.edu/~oerc/policies&procedures.htm
Required Materials
□ Writing materials for assignments and notes
□ Time management planner (will be provided)
Aztec Freshman Connection USEM
Fall 2014
Friday Class Weekly Schedule
Week/Date
Week 1:
Friday, August 29
Week 2:
Friday, September 5
Topic
Introduction
Homework:
Time Management
Fill out planner with assignments, test dates,
family events, etc. / Take the VARK
Learning Styles Assessment:
http://www.varklearn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire
Learning Styles
Reflection
Study Skills
Reflection
Friday, September 26
Week 6:
Friday, October 3
Test-Taking Strategies
Reflection
Professors Don’t Bite
Reflection
Saturday, October 4
Week 7:
Friday, October 10
Week 8:
Friday, October 17
Week 9:
Friday, October 24
Week 10:
Friday, October 31
Week 11:
Friday, November 7
Week 12:
Friday, November 14
Community Service Activity
Week 3:
Friday, September 12
Week 4:
Friday, September 19
Week 5:
Communication Styles
Reflection
Identity Development & Diversity
Reflection
Reflection/ Complete Strengths assessment
and bring list of top 5 strengths
Family Balance
Strengths Quest part 1
Strengths Quest part 2
Applying for Scholarships
Strengths Handout as assigned
Bring a scholarship prompt and create
outline for the essay to apply
Complete Evaluation Quiz online:
http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/tutorials/
advising/univ_sem/tutorial.html
Week 13:
Friday, November 21
Academic Advising
Complete the program survey
Week 14:
Class Evaluation/ End-of-Semester
Friday, December 10
Celebration
Complete the program survey
Schedule Subject to Change