South Dakota State University
UC 109 – First Year Seminar (2 credits)
Fall 2012
Instructor:
Brooke C. Sydow, EdD
Phone:
Office Hours:
E-mail:
Home: 605-692-7623 Cell Phone: 605-695-5099 Office: 605-688-5789
Anytime by phone; face to face meetings can be made by appointment
Brooke.Sydow@sdstate.edu
Course Logistics:
Online S25D
Office: West Hall 206
S28D
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The First Year Seminar course is designed to introduce students to academic success strategies including
the development of critical thinking and study skills, identification of campus resources, guidance in
academic planning and engagement, time management and goal setting. Students will also investigate
wellness topics, contemporary issues, diversity, and the land-grant mission of SDSU. UC 109 First Year
Seminar meets the Institutional Graduation Requirement #1.
PRE-REQUISITES (NONE)
This two-credit course is open to students from all majors; designed to benefit first-year students.
AN SDSU LEARNING COMMUNITY
One important component of the SDSU Student Success Initiative is the learning community. This
course is part of a learning community (LC). Courses were intentionally combined and the instructors are
collaborating to create and environment to enhance students’ academic experiences through community
building and fostering integrative learning. The goal is to combine knowledge and skills from multiple
areas to solve a problem or address an issue, in the LC classes, you will have the opportunity to develop
relationships with other students, with your instructors, and intentionally develop connections between
courses and content. If you have any questions about the LC courses, please contact the instructor.
COURSE GOALS & STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will understand their emerging role and responsibilities as educated persons through a common
intellectual experience. As a result of taking this course, students will:
1. Identify areas of self-responsibility that contribute to personal and professional goals and success.
a. Demonstrate the ability to accurately self-assess strengths and areas of needing improvement.
b. Identify and utilize university resources available for student success.
c. Display an appreciation for the role of the individual in strengthening community.
d. Identify the roles and responsibilities of a deciding student in the university system.
2. Design a plan and identify appropriate strategies that will guide engagement in their education,
community, and world.
a. Demonstrate effective writing, speaking, reading, listening, and interpersonal skills.
b. Practice critical thinking skills that reflect thought and personal reflection.
c. Identify and develop an academic plan for completion of program at South Dakota State
University.
3. Explain how to achieve and maintain personal and professional wellness.
a. Display an understanding of the role of personal responsibility in a successful college career.
b. Articulate a sense of belonging at SDSU.
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COURSE GOALS & STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (Continued)
4. Articulate how knowledge of contemporary issues and exposure to diversity impacts personal and
professional life.
a. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of community and respect for varying experiences
and perspectives in the development of a successful society.
5. Explain how South Dakota State University is defined by the Land Grant Mission (Morrill Act).
a. Develop an understanding of the history, traditions, and mission of SDSU and University
College.
In addition to meeting the Student Learning Outcomes for IGR #1, this course focuses on the following
objectives on the IDEA Student Evaluation of Teaching survey that is administered each semester:
 IDEA Objective #5 – Acquiring skills in working with others as a member of a team
 IDEA Objective #9 – Learning how to find and use resources for answering questions or solving
problems
 IDEA Objective #10 – Developing a clearer understanding of, and commitment to, personal
values
DESIRE2LEARN (D2L)
This course is delivered via Desire2Learn (D2L). Students are expected to access D2L regularly for
course up-dates, discussions, assignment specifics, and assignment submittal. When submitting
assignments through the dropox, always use a WORD documents.
https://d2l.sdbor.edu/index.asp
COMMON READ
This course is participating in the 2012-2013 University Common Read Program. For important dates
and information access the Common Read website regularly.
http://www3.sdstate.edu/honors/commonread/index.cfm
REQUIRED EMAIL
Communication will be expected between instructor and student via the student’s “Jacks” e-mail account,
as well as D2L email. You must activate your “Jacks” email account immediately. This account is the
official means of communication for SDSU. To activate your account, follow the link below for
instructions.
https://mystateonline.sdstate.edu .
REQUIRED TEXTS & ONLINE RESOURCES
 UC 109 - First Year Seminar customized text (only available at the SDSU bookstore)
 SDSU Common Read text: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
 StrengthsQuest Access Code (available at the Cashier’s desk in the SDSU bookstore and online
for purchase.)
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
You will be expected to apply what you are learning through practice. This may require you to take
notes, access the internet, campus or online resources, and a local newspaper. It is recommended that you
keep all course materials in a three ring binder or folder throughout the semester for organization.
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INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
Since this course is completely online, the delivery method will be through D2L. This course will be
enhanced using multiple formats including audio ‘lecture’, written documents, large and small group
discussion, guest speakers and tours, out-of-class events, group work, presentations, and written
assignments. Students will be expected to communicate to complete group projects and attend campus or
community events. Active preparation is required. It is expected that you will turn in assignments and
have readings completed by the due date indicated in content. In order to learn, you must engage.
PARTICIPATION & REQUIRED ATTENDANCE
In a face to face UC 109 course, classroom attendance is required. In this online class, ‘required
attendance’ means making sure you post initial discussions by Thursdays no later than 10 PM, and
responding to your group members no later than Sundays at 10 PM. Even though we will not meet face
to face, your continual participation is required and graded. Participation means turning assignments in
on time, ‘listening’, participating, and discussing course content with your fellow classmates.
Participation, Discussions, & Case Studies are graded, which equals 20% of the overall course.
MAKE-UP POLICY
Assignments are expected to be turned in using the D2L DROPBOX by 10:00 pm on the due date
specified on the Course Schedule. Late assignments will be accepted for partial credit (no more than
50%) at the discretion of the instructor. Only when the instructor is contacted in advance will you be
allowed to turn in an assignment late. Communication is the key to the instructor/student relationship. It
is your job to initiate and advocate for your own personal success.
ASSIGNMENT FORMAT
All assignments are required to be typed using 12 point Times New Roman font. Margins should be set
at 1 inch on all four sides. Please use the following heading:
Title of Assignment
UC 109 - First Year Seminar
Student Name
Section # (Online)
ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS
Students will be expected to access D2L on a regular basis for assignment information, class updates,
assessment rubrics, and university event opportunities. Create this habit immediately.
For all required assignments you will be provided an assignment sheet indicating the assignment purpose,
objectives, specifications, and the assessment expectations. The assignment guidelines will be posted in
D2L under “Content” on the course’s home page. Assessment rubrics will also be provided via D2L.
Printing these assignment sheets and rubrics is encouraged and would be beneficial to your overall
success in the course.
Please Note: Some assignments will be for a percentage grade, while others will be pass/fail. Pass
fail assignments will be crucial to passing the course. If you do not complete one of the pass/fail
assignments, you will not pass the course.
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BRIEF ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS:
Completion of the following assignments will be required to pass UC 109:
CSFI
The College Success Factors Index (CSFI) is a pre/post survey that assesses students’ patterns of behavior
and attitudes in areas that have been proven by research to affect student outcomes for success in higher
education. These areas include: Responsibility vs. Control, Competition, Task Precision, Expectations,
Wellness, Time Management, College Involvement, and Family Involvement. Students will reflect upon
their growth in these areas in their Final Portfolio. Students will complete this assessment online.
Advising Assignment
The goal of this assignment is to have students establish a relationship with their Academic Advisor.
Advisor names and contact information can be found on WebAdvisor under “Student Profile.” Students
are required to attend an advising appointment or session. If your advisor is in the First Year Advising
Center, information regarding meeting dates and times will be provided in class. Be sure to “like” the
First Year Advising Center’s Facebook page to stay updated on events and advising information. This
resource will be helpful for all students. http://www.facebook.com/#!/firstyearsdsustudents
StrengthsQuest
Knowing personal strengths will assist students in successfully transitioning to the university. Students
will complete the StrengthsQuest assessment by GALLUP online. Students will discuss and reflect upon
their strengths informally and formally throughout the semester and in their final portfolio. Students will
need to purchase a Strengths code at the SDSU Bookstore, or online.
E-Chug Assessment & Reflection
E-Chug is an online assessment that puts alcohol and tobacco use into perspective. Students will
complete this assessment online. Results will be discussed in class anonymously. Students will be
required to take the self-assessment at the following web address:
https://interwork.sdsu.edu/echug2/?id=SDSTATE&hfs=true
The following assignments will be individually evaluated by the instructor using an assignment rubric:
Topic Responses & Journals
Regularly, students will be given the opportunity to individually respond in writing to a prompt or activity
provided by the instructor requiring students to internalize topics and construct original ideas. Many of
the Topic Responses & Journals will require students to reflect and apply knowledge gained from
textbook reading assignments. Examples of topics for Topic Responses & Journals include “What does it
mean to be an educated person?” and “How does attending a land grant institution benefit you?”
Resources Scavenger Hunt
The goal of this assignment is to familiarize students with campus resources, both physical and online,
that are available to them. Students will work in assigned groups to complete this assignment. At the
completion of their hunt, each group will be responsible to professionally present one physical campus
resource and one online resource to their peers.
Engaging Experiences
The goal of this assignment is to take ownership in becoming active, contributing university students
engaging in reflection and discussion with peers regarding participation in general campus activities, as
well as events based on the common read text and themes of diversity, empowerment, and service, and
the Land Grant Mission. Students will attend events with a peer and create a professional display
summarizing the events they attended and reflecting on what was learned and how it enhanced their
university experiences. Displays will be presented in class on a date specified on the Course Schedule.
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Discussions & Case Studies
Students will be assigned discussion groups at the beginning of the semester. Each student will be
required to lead the discussion group once. Case studies & discussion prompts will be provided and will
focus on the different course topics as indicated on the Course Schedule. Student leaders will be expected
to facilitate and foster the discussions. Points will be awarded for preparation and participation.
Final Portfolio
The purpose of this assignment is to provide students with the opportunity to synthesize the knowledge
and experiences they gained through UC 109 - First Year Seminar and reflect upon their growth. A
portfolio format will be required. Students will reflect on their transition to the university and develop a
plan for future success based on concepts and strategies developed throughout UC 109.
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES & ASSESSMENT
As a result of taking the course, students will:
1. Identify areas of self-responsibility that
contribute to personal and professional
goals and success.
2. Design a plan and identify appropriate
strategies that will guide engagement in
their education, community, and world.
3. Explain how to achieve and maintain
personal and professional wellness.
4. Articulate how knowledge of
contemporary issues and exposure to
diversity impacts personal and
professional life.
5. Explain how South Dakota State
University is defined by the Land Grant
Mission (Morrill Act).
Assessment
Personal Assessments: StrengthsQuest & CSFI
Final Portfolio
Discussions & Case Studies
Topic Responses & Journals
Resources Scavenger Hunt
Advising Assignment
Engaging Experiences - Events & Display
Discussions & Case Studies
Topic Responses & Journals
Personal Assessments: StrengthsQuest, CSFI, & E-Chug
Discussions & Case Studies
Final Portfolio
Topic Responses & Journals
Engaging Experiences - Events & Display
Discussions & Case Studies
Topic Responses & Journals
Final Portfolio
Topic Responses & Journals
Discussions
Engaging Experiences - Events & Display
GRADING
The final course grade is comprised of the following elements:
Graded Assignments
Topic Responses & Journals
Engaging Experiences – Events & Display
Participation, Discussions & Case Studies
Resources Scavenger Hunt & Presentation
Final Portfolio
Advising Assignment
College Success Factors Index Assessment
StrengthsQuest
E-Chug Assessment
Sydow
SLO
1, 2, 3, 4, & 5
2, 4, & 5
1, 2, 3, 4, & 5
2
1, 3, & 4
2
1&3
1&3
3
Total Points
100
100
100
100
100
Required
Required
Required
Required
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GRADING SCALE:
Grades are based on a standard grading scale:
A
90%-100%
B
80%-89%
C
70%-79%
D
60%-69%
F
59% and below
ADA STATEMENT
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should
contact Nancy Hartenoff-Crooks, Coordinator of Disability Services (605-688-4504) to privately discuss
your specific needs. The Office of Disability Services is located in room 065 in the Student Union.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity in all work for this course.
Students are expected to do their own assigned work. The full policy is found in the Student Code
(01:10:25) within the Student Policy Manual at
http://studentaffairs.sdstate.edu/JudicialAffairs/StudentCode/Chapter10.pdf. Participating in an activity
deemed as “academic dishonesty” under the SDSU Student Code will result in a minimum consequence
of zero points on the assignment in question. A second offense will result in a minimum consequence of a
zero in the course.
FREEDOM IN LEARNING
Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under
Board of Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an
academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any
courses of study. Students who believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but
is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct should first contact the instructor of the
course. If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may contact the department head and/or dean of the
college which offers the class to initiate a review of the evaluation.
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