URI 101 FALL 2015 SYLLABUS
PLANNING FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
SECTION -– day /time– place
Instructor:
Office Phone:
E-Mail:
Office:
Mentor:
Email:
Cell Phone:
COURSE DESCRIPTION & RATIONAL:
URI 101 will focus on academic planning and the transition to college. When you complete this course you should have a
better understanding of the University of Rhode Island, its academic requirements, resources, and opportunities available to
you. Mindset, academic major and career exploration will be central themes of the class, as well as working collaboratively
with others while developing essential skills for your academic success.
COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
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Practice collaborative learning skills in the learning community
Explore academic, co-curricular, and career options and resources
Examine decision making as it relates to choice of academic major
Know yourself as a learner and a member of the URI campus and local community
Provide a safe and engaging environment to ask questions about University life
COURSE CREDIT:
URI 101 is a one-credit course and work will be assigned accordingly. You will get credit for the work you do in class, as well as
the preparation and meeting times out of class. Therefore attendance, participation, and completing assignments on time are
critically important to successfully completing this course. The attendance policy is detailed below. All assignments are due on
time as post-deadline penalties will be assessed on late submissions.
LEARNING COMMUNITIES:
Your URI101 is part of a learning community. Most students in this class are also enrolled in ---. You are encouraged to make
the most of this unique academic opportunity. Consider forming study groups, discussing course materials, and getting to
know your faculty and peers on a personal level.
ONLINE COURSE TEXT:
Any readings for the course can be found at http://web.uri.edu/newstudent/uri101. See weekly assignments for readings,
homework, etc.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS:
1) Attendance & Participation (30% total; 3% each class): Attendance is critical to your success in this class. To earn
full credit, you must attend and participate in each and every class. You are expected to contact your instructor WELL
BEFORE CLASS TIME if you have an emergency and cannot attend class. Unexcused absences will result in a lower
course grade.
2) MAP-Works Survey and Meeting (10%): Beginning September 20 through October 18, you will complete the MAPWorks Transition Survey. The survey is found at http://uri.skyfactor.com. It will provide instant feedback on how you
are doing at URI, prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead, and highlight some services that are available to help
you meet those challenges. We will then have a 1-on-1 meeting during the week of --- to review your MAP-Works
survey results and have an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns. *A check up SURVEY will provide 10
extra credit points. *
3) Studying in College and Common Read (10%): Learning successfully in college requires an entire new set of
academic skills and strategies beyond those you used in high school. As the summer reading on Mindset tells us,
developing new skills requires time, practice -and a good plan. We’ll be introducing an approach to studying called
“brain hacking”: learning what exams challenge your brain to do, and developing ways of studying that get you to
better academic performance faster. Your assignments will be to apply these lessons to planning your own approach
to studying.
Assignment 1 (due):
Read two short articles and prepare to talk about them in class.
https://www.mindsetworks.com/websitemedia/youcangrowyourintelligence.pdf
http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/10/16/studying-with-quizzes-helps-make-sure-the-material-sticks
Assignment 2 (due)
Read article below and do the written assignment which follows. Bring the written assignment to class in week three.
http://www.ernweb.com/educational-research-articles/learning-techniques-effective-study/
Written Assignment
In college, “studying” describes everything you do that contributes to your learning, not just what you do immediately
before a test. With so much to learn and so little time for professor-led activity, a big part of studying successfully is
being “self-directed” – that is, knowing what you need to do to learn and finding study methods that help.
In our first couple of weeks of class, we talked about what the science of learning tells us about how to study. In week
three, we are going to start putting some of what we are learning to work –individually, and together. To prepare
please do the following two things:
1.) Assess of your overall approach to learning in your first few weeks as a college student, addressing the following
questions and any others you think are important.
How are you feeling about the first couple of weeks of classes? Why do you feel this way?
Describe some things you know are going to challenge you as a learner. It can be course content, teaching
styles, your study techniques, your use of time – anything that can help you think about how to direct your
efforts. List each of these challenges out.
For each challenge you list, write one thing you will do this week as a first step to address it. What do you need
to know or understand better in order to take this step?
2.) In week two we chose a course from your learning community with which to help one another. In week three, we
will brainstorm some approaches to studying for this course. To prepare for this, come up with five suggestions for
applying any of the high utility or moderate utility techniques from this week’s article (Don’t worry if you’re not sure.
The important thing is to try and generate ideas).
4) Self-Knowledge as a Learner and Major Exploration Assignments (20%): Throughout the semester, we will assign
activities and exercises that are designed to help you explore majors. These assignments are suited for all students,
whether you have a major or not. Sample assignments include examining your decision making processes and personality,
researching URI academic programs, and exploring careers – all coupled with plenty of self-reflection.
Assignment #1: Choosing your college major and future career path are among life’s biggest decisions. The more
educated and informed you are, and the better you understand the decision-making process - the better decisions you
will make. Knowing what majors are available to you is the next important phase of deciding your future academic
direction. Gathering information from primary sources is important. To begin this process, print the list of all majors
found at uri.edu/advising/majors/.
1. Print the list
2. Cross off majors you know you do not want
3. Circle the majors you need more information about before deciding
4. Highlight majors/colleges/fields you may be interested in.
Next, begin to narrow down the possibilities to 2 or 3 majors by doing some research on these majors. To truly
understand the degree requirements, consider the following:
 General Education Requirements
 College/Major Requirements (look at the course descriptions for the upper level required courses)
 Elective Credits (for study abroad, internships, and minors).
Assignment #2: Choosing a major is only one step toward exploring a number of career paths. In fact, any major can
prepare you for multiple careers. Almost every career includes people who majored in diverse academic fields. It is
not uncommon for students to change majors several times during college as their interests develop and they are
exposed to new areas. We are a unique blend of personality, interests, talents and abilities, values, and of course,
limitations. Learning about YOU through self-explorations is a CRITICAL step in making realistic academic and career
decisions.
Begin your exploration with these two websites:
What Can I Do With This Major? http://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/majors/
Lists 88 college majors leading to Areas of Work, Employers, and Information/Strategies you should know about to be
more marketable when you graduate.
My Next Move http://www.mynextmove.org/
1.
2.
3.
Select → http://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip → (“Tell us what you like to do.”)
Take the Interest Profiler, a quick assessment that provides a link between interests and careers
Now, explore careers on mynextmove.org through the first portal (search careers with keywords). Select at least 2
careers and complete the following questions for each.
What are the skills, abilities, personality traits and technology necessary for each career?
Which skills and technology capabilities do you need to develop to be successful in the career?
Review your curriculum sheet and the course catalogue. What courses can you take as early as next spring
to begin to develop these skills?
5)Build Your Resume through Campus Involvement: Attendance & Handout (5%): Becoming involved in a campus
organization is a great way to meet other people on campus who share similar interests, strengthen your resume, and help
you learn time management skills. Show us how you get involved in the URI Community by participating in our social
media campaign: #URInvolved on instagram or twitter (choose one social media platform).
Post the following four prompts in order to receive full credit for the assignment by Nov 2nd.
1. Something you did in High School. Find an extracurricular activity at URI that you did in high school.
2. Something you've never done before that you hope to learn more about or become good at doing.
3. Something you're already good at doing and want to continue in college.
4. Something that peaks URInterest. Find something that sparks idea or feeling in which you are interested.
Tips and Tricks: You must be present at either the activity or meeting of your post/picture— posting a flyer of the
event or activity is not credit worthy. Use the hashtag #URInvolved and #URI101EVL. (Due)
6) Diversity Week Event (10%): Diversity Week (September 27- October 3) celebrates the importance of diversity and
inclusion in higher education, the workplace, and in the global arena. You are welcome to attend as many events as you
like. For this assignment, you must attend at least 1 event and type a reflection (due) about the experience. A detailed
schedule of Diversity Week activities can be found at www.uri.edu/mcc.
7) Feinstein Civic Engagement (15%): CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: THE FEINSTEIN EXPERIENCE (10 points) You are
participating in the 20th Anniversary of the Feinstein Enriching America Program (FEAP)! Since 1995 the Feinstein
Experience has provided URI101 students the opportunity to serve the community, providing an average of 10,000 hours
of service each fall
 Register online: www.uri.edu/volunteer and click on the Feinstein Experience to choose from 50 service projects
OR learn about the projects and sign up for a one (or more) at the Feinstein Experience Project Fair on Wednesday,
September 16, 2015 – Memorial Union Sidewalk 11am-3pm or at the Involvement Fair on September 24, 2015 –
Memorial Union Courtyard 11am-2pm.
 To receive full credit, you must attend your selected project and complete the reflection assignment (see below), due
in class not later than November 9th when we meet for the library.
 We provide transportation to and from the project, and any necessary food and/or supplies. Once you register for a
project, you will receive a confirmation with all the details including meeting/project location and preparation.
 Project time includes travel, SO YOU MUST BE ON TIME!
Reflection Assignment: What? So What? Now What?
What happened? What type of service did you do? What was the most important part of the day? Who was
present?
So what? What did you learn during your project? What difference did this service project make to others? Did
anything surprise you during the project? How did those you were serving react to the service? What did you notice
about how your classmates worked together?
Now What? What are some of the root causes of the issue you were working on? Can those causes be addressed?
How does this project relate to your major or career choice? What kind of service would you do in the future?
GRADING POLICY:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Attendance & Participation:
MAP-Works & Meeting:
Studying in College:
Major Exploration:
30%
10%
10%
20%
Total:
5) Build Your Resume
6) Diversity Week:
7) Civic Engagement
Bonus points map works check up
5%
10%
15%
10%
100%
COURSE SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES
DATE
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3:
Week 4:
Week 5:
Week 6:
Week 7:
Put when
your class
meets
Week 8:
Week 9:
Put when
your class
meets
Week 10:
Nov. 16
TOPIC(S) OF CLASS
Instructor, mentor and student introductions:
- Review of Syllabus
- Mindset #rhodydriven
- Orientation Video You can learn anything
Studying in College 1: Learning how to learn
-Brain hacking: tapping into your brain’s natural abilities
Studying in College 2: Developing College Study Strategies:
-To study for tests, test for study!
- Developing your own plan
- Where and how to learn more
Major and Careers
- Lists of majors
-Degree Requirements
INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS WITH ME FOR MAPWORKS
Preparing for Academic Advising:
- How to use academic maps / curriculum sheets
- Making the most of your advising appointment
- uri.edu/advising
- eCampus: holds, making appointments, tasks,
appointment day/times
- Reflect on fall classes
Determining an Academic and Career Path:
- Self Assessment (mynextmove.org) third portal
- Review career/occupation websites
* www.mynextmove.org
* http://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/
- Education to employment: how to translate major
into career planning
Campus Health & Safety: Class meets in Women’s Center on
Upper College Rd. NOTE: WE MEET AT THE WOMEN’S CENTER
ASSIGNMENT(S) DUE BY THE START
OF CLASS
Student Information Sheet (in class)
Sept 16 – study abroad and service
learning fair
September 24 – involvement fair
Studying in College Assigned readings 1
and 2
DIVERSITY WEEK
Studying in College Assigned reading 3
and written assignment
Self-Knowledge as a Learner and Major
Exploration Assignment #1
Complete MAP-Works before class.
Bring a laptop to class
Self-Knowledge as a Learner and Major
Exploration Assignment #2
Diversity reflection due
Build your resume and network through involvement:
- Finding leadership/involvement opportunities to
complement your strengths
- How do you spend your time? How to get involved?
- Know what’s happening? Use the Event Calendar!
-Network within your URI community
LIBRARY NOTE: WE MEET AT THE LIBRARY
#URInvolved – Involvement
assignment
Log on to Rhodynet for internship and
career resources
web.uri.edu/experience/rhodynet/
This is just the beginning:
- Beyond 101: preparing for major and career success
- Preparing for spring semester
- Research, internships, other opportunities
-UCS 160 and UCS 270
-Maintain study groups in learning community
-Mindset
Civic Engagement reflection
Hand in your service reflection paper
ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES:
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ACCOMMODATIONS AND SERVICES: Any student with a documented disability is encouraged to contact their professor
early in the semester to work out reasonable accommodations to support your success in your courses. Students
should also contact Disability Services for Students, Office of Student Life, 330 Memorial Union, 401-874-2098.
CLASS ATTENDANCE: The course catalogue (8.33.13) states “Students who are absent from the first and second class
meetings of a course and who do not notify the course instructor of their intention to attend future class meetings may
be dropped from the class.” Furthermore, attendance in every class is very important in this course. Attendance will
be taken throughout the semester and absences will result in a lower grade. Please contact us if there is an emergency
and you cannot attend class.
ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT CENTER: To do the best you can, it’s a good idea to visit the Academic Enhancement
Center (AEC) 4th floor, Roosevelt Hall. The AEC offers a comfortable environment in which to study alone or together,
with or without a tutor. AEC tutors can answer questions, clarify concepts, check understanding, and help you to
study. You can make an appointment or walk-in during office hours -- Monday through Thursday from 9 am. to 9 pm,
Friday from 9 am to 1 pm, and Sunday from 4 pm. to 8 pm. For a complete schedule - including when tutors are
available - go to www.uri.edu/aec, call (401) 874-2367, or stop by the fourth floor in Roosevelt Hall.
The WRITING CENTER: The Writing Center is for all writers, all disciplines, at all levels, and all stages of writing. If
possible, call ahead for an appointment (874-4690). Drop-in tutorials are often available. You may make repeat
appointments, requesting the same tutor each time if you wish. Go to
http://www.uri.edu/artsci/writing/center/index.shtml for tips on how to make the best of your Writing Center visit.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: All submitted work must be your own. If you consult other sources (class readings, articles
or books from the library, articles available through internet databases, or websites) these MUST be properly
documented, or you will be charged with plagiarism and will receive a 0 for the paper. In some cases, this may result
in a failure of the course as well. In addition, the charge of academic dishonesty will go on your record in the Office of
Student Life. If you have any doubt about what constitutes plagiarism, visit the following website:
http://gervaseprograms.georgetown.edu/hc/plagiarism.html, the URI Student Handbook, and UNIVERSITY MANUAL
sections on Plagiarism and Cheating at http://www.uri.edu/facsen/8.20-8.27.html - cheating.
ANTI-BIAS: Each member of the University community has the responsibility to foster an environment of acceptance,
mutual respect and understanding. If you are a target or a witness of a bias incident, you are encouraged to contact the
URI Bias Response Team www.uri.edu/student_life/brt where you will find people and resources to help.
FALL 2015 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
9/9
9/9-9/15
9/16-9/22
9/22
9/30
10/1
10/12
10/21
10/27
11/11
Classes begin
Open add period
Permission number late add period
Last Day to ADD
Last day to DROP without transcript notation
Classes dropped on/after this date, “W” transcript notation
Columbus Day- classes meet
Last day to DROP
Mid-semester grades available in e-campus
Veteran’s Day- no classes
11/26-11/29
12/11
12/14
12/15-12/18
12/21-12/22
12/28
Thanksgiving Recess
Last day of classes
Reading (study) days
Final exams
Final exams
All grades available in e-Campus
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES:
Date/Time
Wednesday, September 16 (11a-2pm)
Wednesday, September 16 (11a-3pm)
Wednesday, September 24 (11a-2pm)
Monday, September 28 (11a-3pm)
September 27 – October 3
Tuesday, October 13 (3p-430p)
Event/Opportunity
Study Abroad Fair (MU Ballroom)
Feinstein Experience Project Fair
Student Involvement Fair (MU Lawn)
Careers for the Common Good –Fair (Quad)
Diversity Week (www.uri.edu/mcc)
Majors & Minors Fair (MU Ballroom)