SLS 1103
Strategies for Success in College, Career, and Life
Welcome!
Welcome and thank you for enrolling in this course! I think you will enjoy our time together!
Please take a few minutes to read the syllabus in its entirety. Exploring all the topics in this syllabus and
related links will help you succeed in this course.
I am looking forward to working with you and having a great semester!
Ms. Grapes
Professor Information
Professor:
Office Hours:
Class Time:
Class Day:
Office Location:
Email:
Ashley Grapes
After school, by appointment
1st Period and 4th Period
A DAY
Rm A5
grapesa@duvalschools.org
Campus Information
This is a dual enrollment course offered on the campus of Duncan U. Fletcher High School.
Course Description
This survey course is designed to assist students in developing skills that will help them to succeed in
college, career, and life. This course will emphasize how basic academic success skills can be
applied in a knowledge-based economy. Included in this course are problem solving,
communication skills, work ethic, introduction to information literacy and other related topics.
Course Information
Course Number/Title:
SLS 1103 Strategies for Success in College, Career, and Life
Reference Number:
412223
Number of Credit Hours: 3
Term/Year/Session/Length: Spring/ 2016/ Dual Enrollment
SLS 1103 Strategies for Success in College, Career, and Life
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
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Identify the skills needed to succeed in college, career, and life
Apply information literacy skills and technology effectively to learning and competing in
the workplace
Identify and describe your personal traits and learning styles
Define and apply the positive approach to college, career, and life
Develop and apply effective study strategies
Identify and apply effective decision-making strategies
Identify and apply ways to increase your creative abilities
Develop and apply effective ways to maintain good physical, emotional, spiritual, and
fiscal health
Develop and apply effective ways to communicate and work effectively with others
Develop and apply an effective work ethic
Identify and apply ways to plan for a successful future
Specific Learning Objectives
Specific learning objectives are found at the beginning of each chapter in the e-book. Use the
objectives to identify what the chapter will cover and what you should know when you are
finished reading. In a very real sense, this is much like skimming the headlines of a newspaper
before you delve into a particular story. The objectives provide you with a basic framework for
learning and understanding; however, these objectives should not limit your knowledge or interest
in the subject.
Important Course Dates
Class Begins
1/26/16
Drop Deadline
Withdraw with “W” Deadline
Class Ends
Instructional Materials and Equipment
Required Text/Materials
Wisner, F., Muntz, P. A., & Wisner, J. (2010). Strategies for success in college, career and life (3d ed.).
Jacksonville, FL: Florida State College at Jacksonville. ISBN 13:978-1-931997-41-6 (digital);
13:978-1-931997-20-1 (print)
Online Delivery System
This course will be delivered using the Blackboard Learn™ course management system.
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Technology Requirements
Reliable and consistent computer and Internet access is encouraged to successfully participate in
and complete online courses. Ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements
noted below and on the Florida State College at Jacksonville Distance Learning/Online Courses site.
Please use the following checklist to determine your computer readiness.
You should own or have access to:
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An email account
Computer with high speed access to the Internet
Access to College computers when needed
Virus-checking software
Word-processing software
Software and plug-Ins that may include (click the titles for the free downloads)
o Adobe Acrobat Reader
o Flash Player
o Java
o QuickTime
o RealPlayer
o Shockwave Player
o Windows Media Player
It is a good idea to check your computer at the beginning of each class and a couple of times
throughout the term to ensure you have all the necessary software and plug-ins to use the
Blackboard online system and course features. After logging in to Blackboard, click on the Browser
Checker link. Review the results and click the links to the recommended software.
Please note that you will need to turn off your pop-up blocker to use all features of this online course.
Blackboard™ Supported Browsers for Blackboard Version 9.1 SP7
To view Blackboard’s most recent browser compatibility page, click here. Please note the following
when reviewing the Blackboard compatibility ratings.
Certified: 100% Compatible
Compatible: Compatible in most areas, but could have some incompatibility issues
Unsupported: Not tested and not recommended
Accessibility
If you require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact the Florida State College at
Jacksonville Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. Click here for contact information.
Your Course Participation and Assessments
First Course Access
The first time you access the course materials online (which may be several weeks into the course)
your task is to read the opening course announcements and to choose a “Friend” who will introduce
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each chapter to you and assist you in navigating through the course. Full information regarding
selection of the Friend is contained in the course shell; you cannot enter the course until you have
chosen a Friend.
After choosing a “Friend,” click on the hyperlink “ISAEC the Librarian.” This Avatar will serve as a
valuable resource for understanding the library, information literacy, and their importance to your
academic success. “ISAEC the Librarian” appears throughout the course to help you understand
how to effectively use information literacy.
Learning Communities
Students learn through interactions with each other, with their instructor, and with the course material.
To build on this, a major goal of this course is to encourage you to build learning communities within
the class.
Journaling Responses
Students will respond to journal prompt questions in their notebook in class or on our online discussion
board. We will also discuss these questions in class. To encourage your active participation in the
course, you will receive credit for your contributions to the discussions.
Tests
We will have unit tests, usually covering 3 chapters at a time. Each chapter is 25 questions.
You will NOT be able to use your book for these tests. This class is designed to teach effective
study strategies 
At the end of the course, you will take a cumulative final exam which will count as 20% of the
total course grade (quarter 1 = 2/5, quarter 2 = 2/5)
ASSIGNMENTS
Each chapter will feature a number of assignments to be completed. Those that will be
graded for points will be designated by the instructor. Other assignments will not carry a
point value, but need to be completed in order to do well on the chapter quiz.
Some of the assignments will allow you to practice information literacy skills, a critical
component for successful students.
GRADING
The tests, unit study guides, participation in class discussions, notebook/journal checks, and
classwork assignments will be used to compute the final grade in the course.
COURSE GRADE
Your final letter grade will be determined by totaling the points earned on all graded coursework.
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SLS 1103 Strategies for Success in College, Career, and Life
ASSIGNMENTS
PERCENTAGE
Tests
35%
Notebooks/Journal Prompts
10%
Class Participation
10%
Assignments
45%
Total Percentage
100%
GRADE
POINTS
A
90-100
B
80-89
C
70-79
D
60-69
F
0-59
Repeating the Course
You may repeat a course in an attempt to improve a grade previously earned. However, you are
limited in your attempts to courses where a “D,” or “F” grade was earned. You have only three total
attempts in any course, including the original grade, repeat grades, and withdrawals. Upon the third
attempt in a course, you must be given an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F”.
When you repeat a course at Florida State College, only the last grade earned is calculated in your
cumulative grade point average (GPA). However, the grade does is not actually removed from your
transcript and does count as a course attempt when calculating things like financial aid or
scholarship eligibility. If you have an excessive number of “W” grades and repeat courses to
improve your GPA, you may jeopardize your admission to programs in the Florida State University
System (SUS) or other institutions.
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SLS 1103 Strategies for Success in College, Career, and Life
Course Guidelines/Policies
Academic Dishonesty Policy
Academic dishonesty, in any form, has severe consequences. Click here to view FSCJ’s academic
dishonesty definitions and procedures.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is critical for this course. If you miss more than 8 classes then you will have to
complete an additional, Teacher Created EXAM, per student progression plan.
Late/Make Up Work Policy
-If you miss ANY classes, it is your responsibility to turn in work that is due on the date that you
return.
-Anything late will be given a late penalty of 50%, and will not be accepted after one week.
Expectations of Student Conduct
It is expected that each of you use appropriate, professional language and respect when addressing
classmates, as well as your instructor, in any part of the classroom. That same level of professional
conduct should extend to all assignments submitted. It is expected that you will not make insulting or
inflammatory statements to other members of the class. Be positive, thoughtful, and constructive in
your comments and responses.
-Duval County Code of Conduct will be enforced
Recommendations for Success in this Course
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Have a place where you can study and set aside an appropriate amount of time to do it.
Generally, a 3-credit hour course requires a minimum of 12 hours of self-study time each week
in addition to the time spent completing assignments.
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Practice and repetition are the best way to ensure your mastery of the material.
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Communicate with your instructor to ask any important questions and to discuss important
concepts.
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Complete all reading assignments and view and review all chapter resources.
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Complete and review all online classroom activities.
College Resources
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers many resources to help you become successful in your
course and academic career. A brief description of some of these resources follows.
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Library and Learning Commons
The Library/Learning Commons (LLC) is an instructional area of the College designed to offer a
variety of teaching, learning and research resources to students enrolled in courses at Florida State
College at Jacksonville. LLC services include individual and small group tutoring; traditional and
virtual library services and materials; subject-specific instruction including orientations; free workshops;
study areas; and access to tutorials, computers, and multimedia technology. Click here to access
the LLC website.
Online Support Center/Technical Helpdesk
If you have any problems with Blackboard, viewing online content, email or Connections, visit the
Florida State College at Jacksonville Online Support Center. There you can browse helpful guides
and material, search the knowledge base, and contact the technical support team directly via
completion of an online form or live chat. The Support Center is also available via phone at
904.632.3151 or toll free at 866.886.4952.
Please remember that answers to questions about your course materials, tests, quizzes, or assignments
can only be provided by your instructor.
Tutorials/Online Demonstrations
To view demonstrations of common Blackboard and computer activities, go to
http://www.fscj.edu/tutorials/index.html.
Success in Online Learning Workshop
This free and optional workshop sets you up for success in online courses. Click here to view the
workshop topics and schedule.
The Next Step
I hope you have enjoyed exploring this syllabus and find it useful. Your next step is to become familiar
with the Blackboard classroom and begin the assignments for Week One.
See you in the course!
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