YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY
Advanced College Success Skills
RSS 1510A / 3 S.H.
CRN: 42938
Fall 2015
Instructor: Ms. Samantha Cockrell, M.S. Ed., under the direction of Dr. Karen Becker
Office Hours: By appointment only
Email: skstreb@ysu.edu
RSS Main Office: Maag Library, Room 154 (Lower Level)
RSS Website: http://web.ysu.edu/rdgstudyskills
RSS Twitter: @YSU_StudyHelp
RSS Phone: 330-941-3099
Class meeting place: Maag Library, Room 166
Class meeting time: Monday and Wednesday, 6:00 to 7:50 PM
CAI Lab
Day: ________ Time: ________ Room: _________ Tutor Name: __________
Reading Lab Day: ________ Time: ________ Room: _________ Tutor Name: __________
FINAL EXAM: Wednesday, December 9, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Prerequisite: Placement in this course is based upon the candidate’s COMPASS® Reading Test
scores, which indicated a reading score between the grade levels of 10 and 12. The candidate’s
raw score may be attained from the candidate’s academic advisor.
Required Textbook and Supplies:
o Becker, K. and Towler, K, The Art and Science of Quality Learning, 4th ed. (2015)VanGriner Publishing, Cincinnati, OH ISBN-13: 978-1-61740-260-9
o (1) 3-ring binder for Textbook
o (1) 3-ring binder with tabs for Learning Portfolio
Catalog Description: 1510A. Advanced College Success Skills. A course designed to develop
students’ skills essential for college studying. The primary focus is improving the comprehension
and retention of college textbooks. Major topics include reading rate flexibility, vocabulary
growth, learning style preferences, and critical reading skills. Students meet for classroom
instruction, computer-aided instruction, and small group tutoring sessions to discuss and practice
strategies. Open to students based on Composition and Reading Placement Test (CRPT).
Grading is A, B, C, NC. Does not count toward a degree. 3 s.h.
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Course Objectives:
Knowledge
The candidate(s) will:
1. Gain an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses as college learners.
2. Apply study strategies to textbook and workbook exercises in class with instructor, in
small tutor groups, and to content area textbooks outside of class.
3. Improve self-management relating to the college learning process.
Skills
The candidate(s) will:
1. Practice and adopt a variety of reading and study skill strategies for college learning,
including note-taking, test-taking, and making visual study tools.
2. Work to improve reading rate and comprehension through computer aided instruction.
Dispositions
The candidate(s) will:
1. Learn to view him/herself as responsible for and capable of adopting strategies to
increase his/her academic successes.
2. Consider the role of self-awareness, self-responsibility, and life-long learning in the
learning process.
3. Focus upon his/her successes through specific goal setting steps.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
ABSENCES: Students who miss more than four (4) class or tutoring sessions will be deducted
one letter grade. For each additional two (2) absences from class or tutoring sessions, another
grade letter will be deducted. After 8 absences, the student will no longer be eligible to receive
credit for the course.
ACADEMIC CONDUCT: Cheating on exams, submitting the work of other students as your
own, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students engaging
in academic dishonesty will receive an “F” on the assignment and may be referred to Student
Conduct.
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION: Attendance is mandatory, and students are expected to
attend all class and tutoring sessions. Students are expected to arrive on time and stay for the
duration of class and tutoring. Students who are late or leave early will be deducted attendance
points for that class or tutoring session.
Participation is also mandatory. Participation includes, but is not limited to, asking questions,
answering questions, being involved in class discussions, or adding appropriate and thoughtful
comments to the material being covered.
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CAMPUS RESOURCES: Youngstown State University has many resources available to
students (most are free of charge). Students are expected to utilize these resources as needed.
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Center for Student Progress
Foreign Language Lab
Maag Library
Math Assistance Center
Reading & Study Skills Center
The Writing Center
Career Services
Counseling Services
Ombuds Services
Office of Veterans Affairs
Disability Services
330-941-3538
330-941-3465
330-941-3686
330-941-3274
330-941-3099
330-941-3055
330-941-3515
330-941-3737
330-941-4665
330-941-2503
330-941-1372
Kilcawley Center
DeBartolo Hall
Maag Library
Lincoln Building, room 408
Maag Library, room 154
Maag Library, room 171
Kilcawley Center, room 2210
Jones Hall, room 3009
Jones Hall, room 2002
633 Wick Avenue
275 Fifth Avenue
CELL PHONES/ELECTRONICS: All cell phones must be placed on silent upon entering
class and/or tutoring, and must be placed in the student’s backpack, purse, etc. Cell phones may
not be used during class and/or tutoring sessions. If a student must make or receive a phone call
during class or tutoring, please leave the room quietly. Ear buds, headphones and Bluetooth
devices must be removed before entering class or tutoring. Students who are seen on their cell
phones or using other electronics will receive 0 participation points for the class session, even if
the student participates in another way, and may be asked to leave the class or tutoring session.
CLASS CANCELLATION: If class is cancelled due to instructor illness or other reasons, a
notification will be sent to each student’s YSU email address as early as possible. Please sign up
for YSU’s Text Alert system for notification of University closings. (alert.ysu.edu)
CLASSROOM CONDUCT: All students are expected to be courteous, respectful, and nondisruptive to one another, to the instructor, and to the learning process. Students behaving
disruptively will be asked to leave class and/or tutoring and will not receive attendance credit.
Students are expected to participate and provide thoughtful comments and engage in
conversations appropriately. Participation is factored into a student’s attendance grade.
COURSE FEE: Each candidate registered for an R&SS course is charged a $35.00 course fee to
cover the costs for items consumed in and/or maintenance of the Computer Assisted Instruction
(CAI) Lab, a required component of the R&SS curriculum.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS: Both pre-and post-tests are mandatory. These diagnostic tests are
required for all R&SS students. Make-up tests may be available for students who miss class
when the diagnostic tests are administered. No grades will be given for taking the tests, but
missing the test will result in a loss of 20 points from the student’s total grade, and students will
earn extra credit for every 5 questions answered correctly.
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DUE DATES: Due dates for all assignments are listed by week in the course schedule. All work
must be turned in on the due date, whether in person, via email, or by dropping the assignment
off in the main Reading and Study Skills office in Maag Library. Assignment due dates may be
amended by the instructor to accommodate student progress and/or the tutoring schedule.
EXAMS: Exams will be given throughout the semester, and are one method of measuring a
student’s understanding of concepts. If a student misses an exam due to illness or uncontrollable
circumstances, the student must notify the instructor before the start of the exam AND must
submit an official notification of their absence (for example, a doctor’s note). A make-up exam
will be given within one week and will be a different format than the original exam. If a student
cannot complete the make-up exam within one week, the student will receive 0 points for the
exam.
FRUSTRATIONS AND CONCERNS: If at any time you are feeling frustrated with your
progress in the course or have other concerns, please see the instructor as soon as possible.
Students who make an effort to get help will receive assistance from the instructor, and may be
considered when assigning a final grade.
READING ASSIGNMENTS: Students are expected to prepare for each class meeting and to
read any assigned material in advance. Please bring your textbook to every class and tutoring
session, as the textbook will be used for in-class assignments, reflections and activities. If you
are unable to immediately purchase the textbook, copies are available in closed reserve in Maag
Library and the Curriculum Resource Center in Beeghly Hall. These closed reserve textbooks
cannot be checked out. Students who have concerns about purchasing the textbook should
contact the instructor immediately.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: In accordance with University procedures, if you have a
documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please
contact your instructor privately to discuss your specific needs. You must be registered with the
Center for Student Progress Disability Services, located at 275 Fifth Avenue, and you must
provide a letter of accommodation in order to coordinate reasonable accommodations. You can
reach the CSP Disability Services at 330-941-1372.
SYLLABUS: The instructor has the right to amend the syllabus based on candidate progress or
the tutoring schedule.
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SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENTS
1. Class Attendance and Participation: This includes arriving to class on time, staying for
the duration of class, and participating in discussions and conversations.
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 200 points
2. Tutoring: Students are expected to attend and participate in each of the reading and CAI
labs. The student’s tutor, based on their attendance and participation during each tutoring
session, will assign this grade to students.
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 200 points (100 points for each lab setting)
3. Exams: Three exams will be given throughout the semester.
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 150 points (50 points for each exam)
4. On-Campus Project: Students will be required to utilize two different campus resources.
To receive credit, students must provide documentation of their visit or ask a
representative from that office to notify the instructor of their visit. Additional
information and a grading rubric will be provided during class.
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 50 points (25 points for each resource visit)
5. Book and Binder Check: Students will be given credit for obtaining their textbook and 3ring binder in a timely manner.
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 20 points
6. Syllabus Quiz: Students will need to be familiar with the class syllabus in order to be
successful. Students will be quizzed on relevant information from this syllabus.
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 20 points
7. Study Guide Project: Students are required to create a study guide that they have used to
help them prepare for an exam. The study guide does not need to be made for this
particular course. Points will be awarded to the student based on the amount of
information included and the effort put into the study guide. Additional information and a
grading rubric will be provided during class.
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 30 points
8. Learning Portfolio: Students will create a Learning Portfolio in a 3-ring binder. The
Portfolio must be divided into various sections and will be created to demonstrate
organizational skills, reflective thought and future-oriented planning.
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 100 points
GRADING SCALE
A: 693 – 770 points
B: 616 – 692 points
C: 539 – 615 points
NC (No Credit): 538 points or below
NAF: Non-attendance F
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SUMMARY OF EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES
Students can earn extra credit for the course in ways:
1. Attending College Success Workshops – Students must attend a College Success
Workshop. They must also submit an attendance verification form and type a ½ page
summary of what was learned and how they plan to use that knowledge. Students can attend
a maximum of 3 workshops for extra credit.
TOTAL EXTRA POINTS POSSIBLE: 15 points (5 points for each workshop attended)
2. Diagnostic Tests – Students who complete the pre- and post-diagnostic tests will earn an
extra point for every 5 correct answers. Students can earn a maximum of 10 extra credit
points from their pre-diagnostic exam and 10 extra credit points from their post-diagnostic
exam.
TOTAL EXTRA POINTS POSSIBLE: 20 points (10 points for each exam)
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TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE*
Date(s)
8/19
Week
1
8/24
and
8/26
2
8/31
and 9/2
Topic
Course Overview
Syllabus Review
Background Survey
Pre-Diagnostic Test (8/24)
Assignments Due For Class Meeting
 Bring a pencil and your Student ID#
Book and Binder check
(8/26)
3
Module 9 and Module 3
[Expressing a Purpose.. pg.
111-112] (8/26)
First week of Tutoring
Syllabus Quiz (8/31)
 Read Pages 120-134
Module 4/Introduction to
CAAP (8/31)
9/7: NO CLASS – Labor
Day
 Read Pages 48-50 and complete Activity
12.1, and read Pages 53-55
9/7 and
9/9
4
9/14
and
9/16
5
9/21
and
9/23
6
9/28
and
9/30
7
Exam #1
10/5
and
10/7
10/12
and
10/14
10/19
and
10/21
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Module 8
9
Discuss Learning Portfolios
Module 3
10
On-Campus Project due
Module 5
Module 2
Module 13 and Module 1
 Read Pages 362-369 and complete
Activities 13.3, 13.4 and 13.5
Discuss On-Campus Project
 Read Pages 18-20 and Pages 41-43
 Read Pages 176-177 and Pages 184-186
Module 6 and 7
Discuss Study Guide Project
 Read Pages 194-196 and complete
Activity 7.1
 Covers Modules 9, 4, 2, 13, 1, 6 and 7
 Read Pages 212-215 and complete
Activity 8.1, and read Pages 235-238
 Read Pages 84-86 and complete Activity
3.1, and read Pages 97-99
 Read Pages 151-163 and complete
Activities 5.5, 5.6, 5.7 and 5.8
7
10/26
and
10/28
11/2
and
11/4
11/9
and
11/11
11
Module 11
 Read Page 300 and Pages 306-309
12
Exam #2
 Covers Modules 8, 3, 5 and 11
13
11/11: NO CLASS –
Veteran’s Day
 Read Pages 330-335 and complete
Activities 12.1 and 12.2, read Page 349
and complete Activity 12.6
11/16
and
11/18
11/23
and
11/25
14
Module 12
Module 14
15
Study Guide Project due
Last week of Tutoring
11/30
and
12/2
12/11
 Read Pages 376-379 and Pages 383-385
 Read Pages 272-275 and complete
Activity 10.1
Module 10
16
Finals
11/25: NO CLASS –
Thanksgiving Break
Learning Portfolios due
Review for final exam
Exam #3 / Final Exam
(12/11)
 Covers Modules 12, 14 and 10
*This schedule is tentative and may change due to student’s progress and to accommodate the
tutoring schedule.
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Name ___________________________________________
GRADE SHEET
Required Assignments
Attendance and Participation
Tutoring
Exam #1
Exam #2
Exam #3
On-Campus Project
Book and Binder Check
Syllabus Quiz
Study Guide
Learning Portfolio
______/200
______/200
______/50
______/50
______/50
______/50
______/20
______/20
______/30
______/100
MY TOTAL POINTS
______/770
Extra Credit
College Success Workshop
College Success Workshop
College Success Workshop
______/5
______/5
______/5
Pre-diagnostic Test
Post-diagnostic Test
______/10
______/10
MY EXTRA CREDIT POINTS
______/35
GRADING SCALE
A: 693 – 770 points
B: 616 – 692 points
C: 539 – 615 points
NC (No Credit): 538 points or below
NAF: Non-attendance F
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