Kennesaw State University
University College
Department of First-Year Programs
Seminar on Current Topics in First-Year Programs and Experiences
FYP 6100
Instructor:
Instructor’s Email:
Instructor’s Telephone:
Credit Hrs:
3-0-3 (repeatable)
Class Time: TBA
Prerequisite: FYP 5300
Course Description
This elective course exposes students to a broad range of current topics in the area of first-year
programs and experiences, introduces them to the most recent advancements in current practices in the
discipline, and informs them of emerging trends. Seminar discussions also focus on the impact the
advancements/trends have had on the discipline and in the first-year classroom. Topics vary and are
updated to reflect new directions of the discipline.
Online Learning
Students in this class should realize the nature of the course in which they are enrolled. This is an
online class with no on-campus meetings scheduled. Therefore, there are no planned face-to-face
interactions between students or between students and the instructor. Students are encouraged to visit
the instructor on campus during office hours if geography allows, but this is not required. Students will
interact with each other and with the instructor virtually, through online discussions in GeorgiaView
Vista, email, virtual office meetings and instructor feedback.
An online course requires self-motivation and discipline on the part of the student. Thus, while this
course is designed to enhance student learning, the student is ultimately responsible for ensuring that
the learning takes place. Students will need to adhere to the course outline in order to remain current
with their readings and assignments. Although technical difficulties may arise from time to time, such
difficulties will not excuse late or missing work. Students are responsible for anticipating occasional
technology issues and for developing a contingency plan to deal with such issues (e.g., completing and
submitting work in advance of the due date/time and identifying alternate computer and Internet
access).
In the absence of face-to-face interaction, student-instructor interaction will be enhanced by a number
of mechanisms:
1. The instructor will maintain on-campus office hours. In addition virtual office hours will be
held twice a week. These hours will be posted in GeorgiaView Vista once the course begins.
2. Students and the instructor will interact by email as needed. Student emails will typically
receive by the next business day or sooner, when possible.
3. The instructor will interact with students in discussion postings. As students post questions or
concerns, the instructor will respond and interact as appropriate.
4. The instructor will provide prompt feedback for submitted assignments.
5. Students are free to schedule on-campus appointments, phone calls, and other synchronous
interactions as needed.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
a.
b.
c.
identify current advancements and emerging trends in the field of first-year programs
and experiences
explain the impact those advancements/trends have had both on the discipline and in the
classroom
identify potential research opportunities in the field of first-year programs and
experiences
Academic Integrity
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, as
published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section II of the Student Code of Conduct
addresses the University’s policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism and
cheating, unauthorized access to University materials, misrepresentation/falsification of University
records or academic work, malicious removal, retention, or destruction of library materials,
malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services, and misuse of student identification
cards. Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of
the University Judiciary Program, which includes either an “informal” resolution by a faculty member,
resulting in a grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a student to the
Code of Conduct’s minimum one semester suspension requirement.
Classroom Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If you have any form of disability or impairment and need any special assistance, please let me
know. I assure you that anything you tell me in confidence will remain in confidence. Additionally, I
advise you to contact Carol Pope, Director of the Disabled Student Support Services, at 770-4236443. The office is located in the Student Center, Suite 267.
Texts and Materials
Initial readings determined by instructor; supplemental readings identified by students.
Assignments
1. Readings/Reflections. At each scheduled session, students will be expected to have completed
all assigned readings and to have submitted a prepared reflection on that reading. Students will
participate in online discussions, either synchronously or asynchronously, related to the subject
of the reading. Due Dates –
2. Research and Supplemental Readings/Lead Discussant. Students will research the seminar
topic, identify and assign supplemental readings for the class, and lead an online discussion. As
lead discussant, the student will utilize engaged, active teaching strategies to encourage
classmate involvement. Additionally, the lead discussant will create an assessment instrument
to measure each classmate’s participation as well as an instrument for classmates to measure
the lead discussant’s effectiveness (360○ feedback system). The class will complete the
readings, discuss their relevance to the seminar topic, and consider other issues and topics that
emerged from the readings and/or discussion. Due Dates –
Evaluation and Grading
1. Points assigned to each activity/project:
600 points (60%)– Readings and Reflections (readings as assigned by instructor; based on topic)
400 points (40%)– Research and Supplemental Readings – Lead Discussant (based on topic)
2.
900-1000 points = A
800-899 points = B
700-799 points = C
600-699 points = D
599 or lower = F
Course Outline
The course outline will be developed by the instructor, with approval by the Graduate Director, based
on the topic of the seminar and the number of students enrolled.