PSU 016 First Year Seminar
Forensic Science
Welcome to PSU 016! We are so excited to be able to introduce you to the academic
community of Penn State, the Eberly College of Science, and the Forensic Science discipline.
We look forward to working with you this semester and learning more about our first-year
students. This is just the beginning of your Penn State journey and from now until your
graduation, we will work with you to prepare you as a scientist, a forensic scientist, and a
professional.
Dr. Smith (section 600)
Dr. Bumbaugh (section 601)
Dr. Holland (section 602)
__________________________________________________________________
THE BASICS:
Who’s teaching my course?
Dr. Mitchell Holland
Office: 107 Whitmore
Phone: (814) 865-5286
Email: mmh20@psu.edu
Office Hours: By appointment (contact Missy Thomas, maz11)
As the Director of the Forensic Science (FS) program here at Penn State, I’m delighted to be
working with you as you travel down the path of personal grow, both academically and
professionally. These first few weeks at Penn State are important ones as you find your footing
and direction. The faculty in the FS program are here to support our students, so please use us
as a resource. I also teach BMB 400, FRNSC 421W and FRNSC 821, which are upper level
courses for both the undergraduate and graduate programs, and I ran forensic DNA labs for
~15 years before coming to Penn State.
What is this course about?
This seminar course is designed to facilitate your adjustment to the high expectations,
demanding workload, increased academic liberties, and other aspects of the transition to
college life. We will help you think critically about how you manage your time, your academic
goals, and your interactions with others in the campus community. You will have the
opportunity to listen to practicing Forensic Scientists as they present information about their
areas of specialization. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Penn State
campus and the Forensic Science program.
When does this course meet?
Mondays, 12:20 – 1:10pm
Where does this course meet?
This course will meet in several locations throughout the semester. For combined sections
meetings, we will meet in 062 Willard; for combined sections meetings with a seminar
speaker, we will meet in 117 John Bill Freeman Auditorium (HUB Auditorium); and for
individual section meetings, we will meet in 122 Pond. Please refer to the Course Schedule
each week so that you know the correct meeting location.
PSU 016 - Syllabus
FA13
1
Why will this course be important to me?
We have several goals for this course:
 To introduce you to university study and to Penn State as an academic community
 To acquaint you with learning tools and resources
 To provide an opportunity for you to develop academic relationships
 To introduce you to their responsibilities as part of the academic community
 To introduce you to the Forensic Science Program
At the end of this course, you will have accomplished the following objectives:
 Employ time management skills and effective study strategies for use in this course and
in subsequent courses
 Generate a collaborative presentation describing course content and instructor
expectations for a 400-level Forensic Science courses or academic advising
 Develop a long-term academic plan
 Formulate academic and career goals
 Describe several career areas of forensic scientists, including the necessary training and
job responsibilities
What materials are required for this course?
Lecture Notes: A Professor’s Inside Guide to College Success, Philip Freeman (Author);
Paperback: 160 pages; Publisher: Ten Speed Press (April 6, 2010); ISBN-10: 158008754X,
ISBN-13: 978-1580087544
The “Lecture Notes” book is an easy read for students and it provides you with some
excellent tips that can be used throughout your college career. We will have an in-class
activity based on this book.
iClicker or iClicker+; ISBN-13: 978-1464120152
You will likely use iClickers in several of your courses during your time at Penn State.
We have decided to use iClickers as a part of PSU 016 to help you get familiar with the
response system and to help generate thoughtful discussions during class meetings.
What if I have a question or need help?
You can contact your assigned section instructor for assistance. Please keep in mind that we
are happy to help you, but planning ahead is very important. As with any course, get your
questions answered when they first come up – this can save you time and effort in the end!
Anything else?
All course materials will be accessible through ANGEL (https://cms.psu.edu/default.asp), a
Web-based course management system. For this seminar, ANGEL will be used to enhance your
experience: a virtual folder will help reduce paper handouts; assignment points will be posted
for each graded assignment. Additionally, MOST (not all) assignments for this seminar are to
be turned in digitally via the DROP BOX. All documents that are submitted into the drop
boxes should be sent as a Word document or as a PDF.
Since this seminar meets only once per week during the semester, attendance is mandatory
and will be tallied toward final grade determination. Only confirmed emergencies, such as
illnesses and family emergencies will be excused. You are responsible for notifying the
instructor prior to any expected absences (e-mail is preferred).
THE DETAILS:
Class Schedule
Date
8/26
Topic and Location
Introduction to PSU 016
Assignment
Bring Syllabus to class for review
9/2
9/9
No Class Meeting – Labor Day
Time Management and Student Panel
9/16
Seminar Speakers: Jeff Friedel and Deb
Calhoun
Due in Drop Box: Self-Assessment
Due in Drop Box: Know the
Code/Academic Integrity
Due in Class: Time Log
Due in Drop Box: Speaker Form
(Friedel and Calhoun)
Combined Sections in 062 Willard
Combined Sections in 062 Willard
Combined Sections in HUB Auditorium
9/23
Seminar Speaker: Kate Theisen
9/30
Time Management and Project Discussion
10/7
Seminar Speaker: Mike Garvey
10/14
Academic Planning and Learning Resources
10/21
Seminar Speaker: Roger Kahn
10/28
Team Presentations
Combined Sections in HUB Auditorium
Individual Section meeting in 122 Pond
Combined Sections in HUB Auditorium
Combined Sections in 062 Willard
Combined Sections in HUB Auditorium
Individual Section meeting in 122 Pond
11/4
Team Presentations
11/11
Hands on Guide to Library Resources (Helen
Smith)
Individual Section meeting in 122 Pond
Individual Section meeting in E302 Paterno Library
11/18
Team Presentations
11/25
12/2
No Class Meeting – Fall Break
International Study and Internship
Opportunities (Paul Shaffner)
Individual Section meeting in 122 Pond
Combined Sections in 062 Willard
12/9
Ethics and Professionalism
12/16
Finals Week – No PSU 016 Final Exam
Individual Section meeting in 122 Pond
PSU 016 - Syllabus
FA13
Due in Drop Box: Speaker Form
(Theisen)
Due in Drop Box: Revised Time Log
Due in Class: Library Open House
Certificate
Due in Drop Box: Speaker Form
(Garvey)
Due in eMail: Team members and
course selection
Due in Class: “Lecture Notes” reading
Due in Drop Box: Speaker Form
(Kahn)
Due in Drop Box: Slides (BEFORE
presentation)
Due in Drop Box: Evaluation (AFTER
presentation)
Due in Drop Box: Slides (BEFORE
presentation)
Due in Drop Box: Evaluation (AFTER
presentation)
Due in Drop Box: Academic Plans
and Goals
Due at end of Class: Library Exercise
Due in Drop Box: Slides (BEFORE
presentation)
Due in Drop Box: Evaluation (AFTER
presentation)
Due in Drop Box: Current Resume
and Future Resume
Due in Drop Box: WinC Reaction
Paper
Due in Drop Box: Discover Penn
State
3
Course Assignments
All course assignments can be accessed through ANGEL and the due dates can be found in the
Class Schedule table. It is a good idea “pre-view” all of the assignments as you will need to
plan ahead in order to successfully complete some of the activities. Most assignments will need
to be completed and submitted electronically as a Word or PDF document. The table below
provides an overview of the assignments and point values. You can keep track of your grade
by completing the last column!
Assignment
Point value
Attendance and Participation
40 (includes Know the Code and
Academic Integrity assignment)
Self-Assessment with Photo
10
Time Log
10
Library Open House
10
Library Exercise
10
Lecturer Forms
Team Presentation
Current Resume and Future Resume
40 (10 x 4)
40 (20 + 20)
10 (5 + 5)
Academic Plan and Goals
10
Discover Penn State
10
WinC Participation and Reaction Paper
TOTAL POINTS
Your earned points
10 (5 + 5)
200
GRADES:
The final grade for this seminar will be based on attendance,
participation, assignments, and presentations. Letter grades will
be assigned as indicated in the table to the right. In order to be
successful in this course, you will need to attend and actively
participate in the course meetings as well as complete your
assignments on time. Remember to proof-read your work and
follow directions!
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
D
F
Point Range
190 – 200
180 – 189
174 – 179
166 – 173
160 – 164
154 – 159
140 – 153
120 – 139
0 – 119
Late Assignments: Late assignments are reduced by 10% of
assignment points, and points will begin to be deducted
immediately after the seminar meeting period. Late assignments should be turned in as soon as
humanly possible (ANGEL DROP BOX or e-mail is preferred).
POLICIES:
Citizenship: In order to create a classroom environment for inclusive learning, I have several
expectations for my students and myself. These expectations include:
 Be respectful and courteous (this includes putting away electronic devices and not
“packing up” early)
 Be on time and prepared for class
 Have an open and positive attitude toward learning and sharing your ideas/experiences
 When composing an email, use proper salutations and grammar
University Citizenship: One assignment in this course includes learning more about the
University’s Code of Conduct. This Code provides appropriate behaviors and actions for all Penn
State students. The Eberly College of Science has also developed a Code of Mutual Respect
and Cooperation that embodies the values that faculty, staff, and students should possess and
endorse to make the Eberly College of Science a place where every individual feels respected
and valued, as well as challenged and rewarded.
Both the Code of Conduct and Code of Mutual Respect and Cooperation with provide you with
life skills which will be used now and throughout your lifetime. Please keep in mind that you
represent the Forensic Science program, the Eberly College of Science, and the Pennsylvania
State University not only on campus but also world-wide (including the digital world!).
Please take time to review the Penn State Code of Conduct and the ECoS Code of Mutual
Respect and Cooperation.
 Penn State Code Of Conduct is found at:
http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/judicial/codeofconduct/
 ECoS Code of Mutual Respect and Cooperation is found at:
http://www.science.psu.edu/climate/code-of-mutual-respect-and-cooperation-1
Academic Integrity
All Penn State University policies regarding ethics and honorable behavior apply to this course.
Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity free from fraud and deception and is an
educational objective of this institution. For any material or ideas obtained from other sources,
such as the text or things you see on the web, in the library, etc., a source reference must be
given. Direct quotes from any source must be identified as such.
University Faculty Senate Rule 49-20 states: “Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited
to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabricating of information or citations, facilitating acts of academic
dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of
another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the
academic work of other students.” Specific instances of academic dishonesty in this course
would include (but not limited to) copying another student’s assignment, altering answers or
grades on graded assignments, having someone else complete an assignment for you, not
referencing material or ideas which are not your own, using an iClicker which is not registered
to you, and attempting to do any of the above. Any of these infractions, at the least, would
result in a grade of “0” for the assignment in question (and not permitting the student to drop
the course).
PSU 016 - Syllabus
FA13
5
All University policies regarding academic integrity apply to this course. Any instances of
academic dishonesty will be pursued under the University and Eberly College of Science
regulations concerning academic integrity.
University Faculty Senate Policy: http://www.psu.edu/ufs/policies/47-00.html#49-20
Procedures for Suspected Misconduct: http://www.psu.edu/dept/oue/aappm/G-9.html
ECoS Academic Integrity Policy:
http://www.science.psu.edu/academic/Integrity/Policy.html
Disability Policy
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. If
you have a disability-related need for reasonable academic adjustments in this course, contact
the Office for Disability Services (ODS) at 814-863-1807 (V/TTY). For further information
regarding ODS, please visit the Office for Disability Services Web site at
http://equity.psu.edu/ods/.
In order to receive consideration for course accommodations, you must contact ODS and
provide documentation (see the documentation guidelines at
http://equity.psu.edu/ods/guidelines/documentation-guidelines). If the documentation supports
the need for academic adjustments, ODS will provide a letter identifying appropriate academic
adjustments. Please share this letter and discuss the adjustments with your instructor as early
in the course as possible. You must contact ODS and request academic adjustment letters at
the beginning of each semester.
HELPFUL ACADEMIC RESOURCES:
Academic Calendar
http://registrar.psu.edu/academic_calendar/calendar_index.cfm
The University Academic Calendar provides you with important academic dates including:
registration deadlines, commencements, holidays, and breaks.
Penn State Forensic Science Program
http://forensics.psu.edu/
This web site is the central source of information about the Forensic Science Program at Penn
State. It is a great resource for students who are considering majoring in Forensic Science. It
contains helpful documents such as the Four Year Plans for both the Biology and Chemistry
tracks, the course checklist that contains information about the required courses for the major,
and the list of supporting courses that are recommended for the major. This website also
provides important information about the faculty and staff of the program, academic advising,
and contact information for any questions or concerns.
Advising @ PSU
http://www.psu.edu/advising/
The Advising @ PSU Web site provides you with a central source of information about academic
advising and related educational topics at Penn State.
Eberly College of Science Academic Advising Center
http://www.science.psu.edu/advising
This web site is a central source of academic advising and information for the Eberly College of
Science.
Academic Success
http://www.science.psu.edu/advising/success
The Eberly College of Science is committed to the academic success of students enrolled in the
College's courses and undergraduate programs. When in need of help, you can utilize various
College and University wide resources for learning assistance.
eLion
https://elion.psu.edu/
eLion is an award winning Web-based service for students, advisers, faculty, and parents.
eLion provides secure real-time access to academic and financial records in the University’s
administrative database.
University Bulletin
http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/
This bulletin is intended primarily to provide you with Penn State academic information. The
bulletin contains University course descriptions, University-wide General Education requirement
explanations, and academic program information.
PSU 016 - Syllabus
FA13
7
Self-Assessment with Photo (page 1 of 2)
Due on September 2, 2013
Name ________________________________________
Penn State E-mail _______________________________
Why are you considering Forensic Science as your Major?
Insert
photo
here
Who is your assigned academic adviser in eLion? (If one is not assigned, then you MUST
contact your intended major department so you are assigned an adviser for your educational
planning needs.)
I expect my GPA to be ________. For me to achieve this GPA I expect to study about ________
hours per week.
Have you reviewed all your course syllabi to plan for assignments, exams, etc.?
How do you plan to stay organized with various course meetings, assignments, deadlines, and
exams?
What do you think is the most significant difference between Penn State and high school? Why?
What features of high school do you miss? Why?
What problems have you encountered since you arrived at Penn State? Have any problems
been resolved and how? If any problems have not yet been resolved, then what can you do to
help resolve the problems?
What changes in your expectations have you encountered since you started at Penn State?
Explain.
Which aspects of your life and/or behavior, if any, must you change to succeed at Penn State?
Self-Assessment with Photo (page 2 of 2)
My biggest concerns (and fears) with studying/my education at Penn State and completing my
degree are:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
My professional career goal is to become__________________________________________.
because_____________________________________________________________________
What are your goals – academically, professionally, and personally – for this academic year?
I am in college/studying at Penn State because...
1.___________________________________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________________________________
4.___________________________________________________________________________
I think that the most serious social issues at Penn State are
____________________________________________________________________________
because
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
It does not matter how many credits I enroll in each semester as long as the courses fit in my
weekly schedule. TRUE / FALSE
What else do you plan to do outside of your academic studies at Penn State to enhance your
college experience? Why?
*** Not Your First Semester? ***
What do you know now that you wish you knew in your first semester at Penn State?
What resources (i.e., learning assistance, library, counseling, advising, etc.) have you used
during your academic career at Penn State? Why? Did you find the resources to be beneficial?
Know the Code and Academic Integrity Assignment
Due on September 9, 2013
This assignment deals with two very important topics, the Student Code of Conduct and
Academic Integrity.
Know the Code is an introduction to the Student Code of Conduct, the University Discipline
System, and the Penn State Principles. In order to complete the Know the Code portion of
the assignment, you will go to the Student Affairs Office of Student Conduct webpage, review
the information concerning the Penn State Student Code of Conduct and take the “Know the
Code” Quiz. Upon completion of the quiz, you will be asked to fill out a form so that you may
win a prize. In the field that says “How did you hear”, please fill it in with PSU016 600,
PSU016 601, or PSU016 602 (use your section number). Your instructor will be sent a copy
of all of the quizzes that have been completed by the due date of September 9, 2013.
The website for the Know the Code quiz is:
http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/conduct/codeofconduct/
As described on the website listed above, “The Code of Conduct describes behaviors that are
inconsistent with the essential values of the University community. Intentionally attempting or
assisting in these behaviors may be considered as serious as engaging in the behavior. A
person commits an attempt when, with intent to commit a specific violation of the Code of
Conduct, he/she performs any act that constitutes a substantial step toward the commission of
that violation.”
Academic Integrity “is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest, and responsible
manner.” There can be time when students violate academic integrity principles by engaging in
activities such as plagiarism and cheating. It is important for students to understand
Academic Integrity as there can be serious consequences for students who engage in
dishonest academic behaviors. In order to complete the Academic Integrity portion of the
assignment, you will be completing the “Academic Integrity” iStudy module linked through
ANGEL. Your completion of this module will be monitored and recorded by the ANGEL system.
Additional information for Know the Code and Academic Integrity can be found on the course
ANGEL site.
Time Log Assignment
Final log due on September 30, 2013
Time flies by when you are in college and it is important that students recognize that “time well
spent” is that which is used to organize the minutes in each day. Students will locate the Time
log folder on Angel fill out the time log. The first draft of the time log should be brought to
class on September 9th for discussion. The final Time Log will be due on September 30, 2013.
The Libraries' Open House
September 11 & 12, 2013 (Wed. and Thurs.)
10 AM - 6 PM
Assignment due in class on September 30, 2013
In order to complete this assignment you must attend the Libraries’ Open House either on
September 11th or 12th. You will receive a certificate of attendance. You will bring your
certificate to class on September 30, 2013 and show it to instructor in order to receive full
points.
This is a great event and they give amazing door prizes! Feel free to attend the open house
with a group of friends. This assignment will assist you in getting to know the library system
and the facilities housed within the library; one of the most important places on campus for all
students. The library is a great place to get information, study and find some of the most
helpful staff at the university. If you have time, stop up and say “hello” to Helen Smith, (4th
floor Paterno library) as she will be your instructor for your next library assignment.
Speaker Form
Due by midnight on the day before each speaker’s presentation.
These should be completed and dropped into the appropriate drop box by due date.
Points will be deducted if forms are late.
Use complete sentences, refer to the speaker with their appropriate title (Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms.) and
be sure to proof read this document. Points will be deducted for improper spelling and
grammar.
Name ________________________________
Fall 2013
PSU 016: First-Year Seminar Forensic Science
Section _____________
Date: ______________________
Name of Speaker __________________________________
Profession of Speaker _______________________________
Brief Synopsis of Speaker’s Background
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Area of Speaker’s Interest or Expertise
________________________________________________________________________
Three questions you would like the speaker to answer during her/his presentation. (Be
sure to ask one of them if they don’t answer your questions)
1. ______________________________________________________________________?
2. ______________________________________________________________________?
3. ______________________________________________________________________?
Team Presentation Guidelines
October 28 - November 18, 2013
(4-5 members per team - you will be assigned to groups based on CATME survey)
Forensic science involves a myriad of applications of science that have been grouped according to the
types of evidentiary material examined or the major scientific discipline utilized.
1) All students will complete the CATME survey by September 23, 2013. Your groups will be
announced during the individual section meetings on September 30, 2013.
2) The team will select a course from the following list and submit their selection and team member
names to your section’s instructor by October 7th. If possible, select a faculty member who is not
your PSU 016 instructor! The assignment of the course will be “first come, first served” so the
earlier that you pull your team together and select your topic the more likely you will be to get your
first choice from this list:
- FRNSC
- FRNSC
- FRNSC
- FRNSC
- FRNSC
- FRNSC
- FRNSC
- FRNSC
410 A Scientific Approach to CSI – Ralph Ristenbatt
415 Lab in CSI – Ralph Ristenbatt
411 Crim: Trace and Impression Evidence – Ralph Ristenbatt
413 Crim: Biology – Reena Roy
421W Forensic Molecular Biology – Mitchell Holland or Jeni Smith
427 Forensic Chemistry – Frank Dorman
485W Coalescence of Topics in Forensic Science – Jeni Smith
Advising – Alyssa Bumbaugh
3) The team (or selected representative(s)) will make an appointment with the faculty member who
is the instructor for the course and will interview the instructor concerning the course.
4) The team will prepare a 15 minute presentation and deliver that presentation to the rest of the
class. The presentation will address the following issues concerning the course:
- Purpose and description of the course or advising activities
- Forensic science topics covered by course or topics covered during academic advising meetings
- Forensic applications of these topics (i.e. what type of forensic scientists utilize this information
and what types of “evidence” are analyzed)
- Relevant course prerequisite courses and reasons for those prerequisites or preparation for
advising meetings
- Background of faculty member to include education, experience, and research interests
Other guidelines:
- All team members are expected to participate in the preparation and presentation
processes and are required to complete the evaluation form
- Provide a copy of the full presentation for grading purposes to the instructor (submit PDF of
presentation to instructor via Drop Box prior to presentation for review).
- Be creative with the presentation!
Grades for this assignment will be determined by assessment of an individual’s participation in the team
presentation (50%) and evaluation by fellow team members concerning the individual’s participation in
preparation of presentation (50%) (using CATME Peer Evaluation).
Academic Plan and Goals
Due by midnight on November 11, 2013
As registration is approaching or happening, it is important to clarify your future course
schedules as well as stay informed about Entrance to Major (ETM) requirements for your
intended major(s).
• Complete the two year academic/semester planning form for your primary intended major.
• Review and write out all ETM requirements for each major you are considering; this is to
include both your primary intended major and all other majors you are exploring.
• Outside of taking classes, what other goals do you have? (i.e., join a specific
club/organization, shadow a health professional, work, volunteer, research, etc.)
Helpful resources:
• Recommended Academic Plans: http://www.psu.edu/dus/semplans.htm
• Forensic Science Major Program Plans http://forensics.psu.edu/
• Entrance to College/Major Requirements: http://www.psu.edu/dus/cfe/etmindex.htm#etm
• University Bulletin: http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/
(Be sure to use the recommended plans provided to you on the Forensic Science Program
website: http://forensics.psu.edu)
Name ____________________________
Which option of the Forensic Science major are you planning? Chemistry/Biology
Did you have this plan reviewed by your academic adviser? Yes / No
Did you review the information provided on the Forensic Science Program website? Yes / No
What are the Entrance to Major (ETM) courses for the major(s) you are planning/exploring:
Are all of the Entrance to Major (ETM) requirements being met in your plan? Yes / No
Are all of the Requirements for Major being met in your plan? Yes / No
What other activities (clubs/organizations, study abroad, internships, shadowing, research,
employment, volunteering, etc.) do you hope to accomplish while completing your degree
program?
Semester 1
Credits
Total Credits:
Semester 3
Credits
Total Credits:
Semester 4
Credits
Semester 6
Credits
Semester 8
Total Credits:
Credits
Summer
Session*
Credits
Total Credits:
Credits
Total Credits:
Credits
Summer
Session*
Total Credits:
Total Credits:
Total Credits:
Semester 7
Credits
Total Credits:
Total Credits:
Semester 5
Semester 2
Summer
Session*
Credits
Total Credits:
Credits
Summer
Session*
Total Credits:
Credits
Library Exercise
Due at the end of class on November 11, 2013
This assignment will allow you to have hands on experience working with a Penn State
Librarian as you learn how to “surf” the library information system in search of references
that address a topic relevant to a forensic discipline. For this exercise you will meet in
Room E302 of the Paterno Library the on Monday designated for your section (Section
600 on October 28, Section 601 on November 4, and Sect 60s on November 11).
During the class you will be led through a series of exercises by Penn State Librarian, Helen
Smith. You will email results from these exercises to your instructor in order to receive full
points.
Current Resume and Future Resume
Due by midnight on December 2, 2013
Your resume will probably look different between now and when you are preparing to graduate
from Penn State. The purpose of this assignment is to create a current resume and a future
resume. The current resume may be comprised of high school and early college experiences.
However, the future resume should focus more on experiences you desire to have during your
undergraduate career at Penn State. Think of the future resume as a set of goals and what you
hope to “look like” whenever you are nearing graduation from Penn State (when you are a
senior possibly in 2016/2017/2018). To develop the future resume you should reflect on our
seminar topics/discussions/guest speakers and review sample resumes.
Length of each resume: 1 page – please type and proofread
You will turn in two pages – one page for the current resume and one page for the future
resume.
Helpful resources:
• Eberly College of Science Career and International Education – Career Resources
http://science.psu.edu/cie/career-resources/resumes
• Penn State Career Services Career Guide
http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/students/resumes.shtml
• Schedule an appointment to meet with a career counselor at Career Services
http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/students/counseling.shtml
World in Conversation Project (WinC) Participation and Reaction Paper
Due December 9, 2013
http://www.worldinconversation.org/
The World in Conversation Project (WinC) is a one time, 95-minute dialogue that you are
required to attend as part of this class. WinC employs Penn State undergraduates to lead small
group discussions about a range of relevant cultural issues. Because their mission is simply to
open dialogue, the facilitators will not tell you what you should think; instead, they will ask you
to express what you actually think. Then you will discuss these views with the other
participants. This Socratic process is intended to enhance your critical thinking skills.
WinC programs occur outside of our regular class meeting times. Most are held in the evenings,
although some daytime dialogues are available to accommodate your schedule. One week
before the programming for our class begins, you will receive an email explaining how to
register. In order to receive credit, your attendance will be recorded while you are there. But
keep in mind: You will not be able to attend the program (or receive credit) if you are more
than five minutes late.
Any questions regarding the WinC should be directed to the WinC staff, not your instructor.
Phone: 814-865-5692; Email:worldinconversation@psu.edu
Participation in the WinC project plus a reaction paper combined is worth 10 points toward your
final grade. Zero points will be awarded for non-participation. Five points will be awarded for
participation without a thoughtful reaction paper.
Length of reaction paper: 1 to 2 pages, double-spaced – please type and proofread
Content of reaction paper:
• Provide a thoughtful reaction on the experience
• Some questions to think about: What was the experience like for you? Was the conversation
worthwhile? Did you gain any new insights? Will your future conversations be changed?
Discover Penn State
Due December 9, 2013
Name ___________________________________________
Fall 2013
PSU 016: First-Year Seminar Forensic Science
Section _________
Answer the following questions and provide pictures in a 1-2 page document.
• Who/what is Coaly (or Old Coaly)? Why is Coaly significant to Penn State? Where is Coaly?
Take a picture with Coaly.
• What unsolved mystery happened in the late 1960s at Penn State? What building did this
unsolved mystery take place in? Take a picture with this building (outdoor, NOT in the
building).
• List the names of the staff and faculty of the Forensic Science Program. List one course
taught by each of the faculty members. Find the location of the program office and stop in
and take your picture with Missy, Kathy, or Cheri.
• Attend a meeting of the Forensic Science Club, find out the names of all the officers and learn
about their major Fall Fundraiser. What is it? Take your picture with one or all of the officers.
• Who is Mike the Mailman? Where is he located? What monthly contest does he host? What is
on Mike the Mailman’s graduation bucket list/to do list for graduating students? Take a picture
with Mike the Mailman or inside his “office”!
• What is Dance MaraTHON (or THON)? How can students get involved in THON? In what
building does THON take place? What else happens in this building aside from THON?
• Who are JOEPA and SUEPA? What did SUEPA do to the Nittany Lion Shrine in 1966? What
tradition used to take place every homecoming weekend and why?
• What is the Berkey Creamery? Where is it located/in what building? Who is the only known
person to receive a two-flavor cone from the Creamery? How many total flavors are there?
• What famous ice cream makers got their start taking the ice cream short course at Penn
State? What color are the sprinkles at the Creamery? Take a picture at the Creamery (outdoor
or indoor, ice cream optional).
• It is suspected that the popular “We Are . . . Penn State” saying/chant comes from what
event? And specifically what person(s)?
• Who is Rodney Erickson? Where is his office? Name two things that he did before taking his
current position with the University.