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Freshman Year Initiative
Fall 2006
Instructor: Dr. Terry Pettijohn
Section: 100-9
Office: Hirt 312E
Day: Tuesday
Phone: x2371
Time: 10:05-11:25am
Email: tpettijohn@mercyhurst.edu
Place: Zurn 207
Office Hours: MWF 9:30-11:00am, T 9-10am, TH 11-12pm, or by appointment
Webpage: http://www.tpettijohn.net/fyi
Course Related Articles:
Available through electronic retrieval
Course Description:
Students examine and experience opportunities at Mercyhurst College that will
assist them in becoming successful college students and Mercyhurst community
members. Students and faculty work together as students enhance skills in
decision-making, goal-setting, and critical thinking and explore personal growth
and values clarification. Serving to support the transition into higher education
and the academic life, the course provides a forum for lively, personal interaction
between faculty and students through discussion in a small classroom setting.
Course Objectives:
The successful learner will:
-acclimate to the college environment and make the transitional adjustments
necessary to balance the freedoms and responsibilities that accompany life as a
college student
-examine the history and purposes of higher education in general and Mercyhurst
College as a Catholic liberal arts college in particular
-develop positive relationships within an integrated community of co-learners,
faculty, mentors, and support staff
-develop an understanding of student and faculty roles in college life, including
faculty/student responsibilities and interactions
-acquire valuable academic skills (i.e. critical thinking, accountability, academic
honesty, time management, study skills, note-taking techniques, and exam
preparation skills, etc.)
-become familiar with the educational opportunities and resources available to the
Mercyhurst student (i.e. Hammermill Library, career services, tutoring, academic
advising, counseling services, etc.)
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-explore personal and social issues faced by first-year college students (i.e.
alcohol use, conflict resolution, diversity, etc.)
-develop interpersonal skills vital to the success of the whole person: academic,
personal, social, physical, and spiritual
-develop, practice, and refine electronic communication skills
-develop an understanding of the importance of college and community
service and volunteerism
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend and be on time for all classes. Except for excused
absences (documented illness or death in the immediate family), any missed
classes will result in a half a letter grade reduction for the course. This includes
the first class of the term. To be excused from class requires documentation
(physician or health center in the case of illness; the Academic Dean in the case of
a death in the immediate family), and the instructor must be notified prior to
class-time. More than two unexcused absences during the term will result in
failure of the course.
Requirements:
Students will be asked to participate in a variety of activities and perform a
variety of tasks as part of completing the requirements for the course. The
individual instructor determines the specific requirements for the section, as well
as when each requirement will be due, how it will be evaluated, what will be
expected in terms of quality and format, and what value it will have toward the
final grade. Students can, however, expect requirements that include a
combination of the following:
Participation
Students are expected to be part of the on-going discussion
about the issues concerning us as members of a college
community. Individual contributions to class and active
participation in small and whole group activities are an
important part of success in this course.
In-Class and Out-of Class Assignments
Students should expect to complete a number of exercises and tasks
throughout the course. The course instructor will provide specific
information regarding all assignments, which will be included as part of
the final evaluation for the course.
Journals
Students will be expected to provide regular written feedback
as to their experiences and growing knowledge throughout the
course. The course instructor will provide specific information
as to how personal response journals will be presented and how
they will be evaluated.
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Instructor-designated Assignments
The course instructor may create assignments specifically for
this section of the course.
Some of these assignments may include short papers, quizzes,
tests, surveys, lists, on-line searches, or some other tasks designed
to help students adjust to and integrate their new environment and
learning as first-year students. Students are expected to complete
these assignments. The instructor will provide information about
these requirements as appropriate.
Technology and Library Assignments
The course instructor may create assignments that require students to
develop and demonstrate skills in electronic communication, which could
include, for example, e-mail projects, list-serves, and/or on-line research.
Students may also be required to complete tasks related to learning about
the resources available in Hammermill Library, including completion of
electronic tutorials or site visits.
Evaluation:
Students receive letter grades based on performance on a combination of the
requirements listed above. Individual instructors determine the specific number,
character, and valuation for individual tasks and projects. The instructor should
provide students with the appropriate assignment sheet for the particular section,
listing the specific value given to each assignment, during the first class meeting.
All students in the FYI program, however, are subject to the following evaluation
criteria:
1. Grade Scale:
A = 94-100
B+ = 90-93
B = 84-89
C+ = 80-83
C = 74-79
D+ = 70-73
D = 64-69
F = below 64
2. Students who receive a failing grade in the Freshman Year Initiative Course
will be required to participate in a remediation program during the Winter
term immediately following the course. These students will work with
individuals from the Office of Student Services in developing strategies for
improving communication and maximizing opportunities for student success.
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Schedule
Since individual sections of the Freshman Year Initiative Course meet at different times
on different days, the schedule follows a weekly pattern. Students are expected to
complete all reading assignments by the dates listed on the schedule. In addition,
students should refer to their individual instructor’s assignment sheet for assignment due
dates and requirements not listed on the schedule below.
CLASS MEETING ONE
SUNDAY, August 27, 2006
LARGE GROUP SESSION
Adaptability in College Life
with Ross Szabo (PAC)
Break out session with faculty:
Introduction: Getting to Know the Course and the College
1:30-2:45 p.m.
3:00-4:15 p.m.
Description:
The first class meeting focuses on getting to know each other and beginning to
understand what FYI is meant to achieve. Discussion includes an overview of the
syllabus, including the course objectives and requirements and the schedule, as well as
the instructor’s plans for the course and expectations of the students within that particular
section. Time will also be available for discussion of student-generated issues, especially
relating to the challenges students will face as they begin their work at Mercyhurst.
Topics should also provide a review of the history of Mercyhurst College, focusing on
our unique relationship with the Sisters of Mercy from founding to the present and our
particular commitment to liberal arts education. Course instructors may access materials
on both the history of the College and on issues concerning the liberal arts in education in
the Course Material Binder, available on reserve in the library and in the Academic
Support office 305 Old Main.
This class provides an opportunity for students to discuss the challenges which will be
present in their first weeks at the College. The importance of self-motivation, active
learning, and critical thinking in the classroom should be discussed, along with the topics
generated by the large group presentation on “Adaptability in College Life.”
MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2006
Mercyhurst Class of 2009 Service to Erie Day
~ 12 buses will be taking the members of the freshman class out to pre-arranged service
opportunities ~
Meet & Depart – 9:30 a.m. (PAC parking lot)
Service Project – 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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CLASS MEETING TWO
TUESDAY, August 29, 2006
LARGE GROUP SESSION
Civility and Community Building
with Brent Scarpo (PAC)
Break out session with faculty: Forming Community
Lunch
9:45-11:00 a.m.
11:15-12:30 p.m.
12:45 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Description:
This class provides instructors with the opportunity to engage the topics of campus
involvement, student interaction, and diversity on campus. Instructors address the
options for and importance of clubs and organizations on campus. Additionally, this
session should develop the sense of the Mercyhurst community, its respect for and
involvement of each person. This can translate into the understanding and involvement
in service activity, the relationship of service to the broader regional community, and the
ultimate evolution which moves us toward a true global community.
CLASS MEETING THREE
LARGE GROUP SESSION
TUESDAY, August 29, 2006
College Life Outside the Classroom
with Dr. Terry Nelson Johnson
Break out session with faculty:
Personal Safety: Looking Out for Yourself and Others –
Managing Pressure & Stress
2:15-3:30 p.m.
3:45-5:00 p.m.
Description:
Instruction and discussion surrounds the importance of making informed decisions about
personal safety and lifestyle choices during the college years. Some of the issues
examined include the use of alcohol and drugs in college settings, including the pressures
and the risks, as well as the need for students to support and protect each other in social
situations. Particular attention is paid to what students actually face with regards to these
issues and how they can become better informed so as to take responsibility for their
social choices. Discussion of other personal safety issues, including relationships and
sexual responsibility may also be included, as the instructor determines.
Additionally, the discussion centers on the kinds of stress encountered in college life and
the effects those stresses can have on an individual. Focusing on ways to identify the
sources of stress and managing those issues more effectively, this topic might range from
the difficulties of a high-demand academic and social environment to the benefits of a
healthy lifestyle and techniques for stress reduction.
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CLASS MEETING FOUR – Week 1
(All FYI sections scheduled for Wednesdays will begin on September 6 th and
conclude on September 27th, those sections scheduled for Mondays will begin on
September 11th and conclude on October 2nd)
Aug. 31- Sept. 6, 2006 (September 11th for Monday sections)
Term Management: The Academic Master Plan
Description:
The goal for this week is to introduce the students to the general scope of what it means
to be a college student. Having already been introduced to the liberal arts, the history of
the college, and the general college environment, it is now time to focus on their place
within the liberal arts college. The view to be taken might springboard off of the
College’s mission statement and how the students can make it live ~ i.e. how do they
become life long learners, critical thinkers, have intellectual integrity, practice academic
honesty and value intellectual life?
CLASS MEETING FIVE – Week 2
Sept. 7-13, 2006 (September 18th for Monday sections)
Campus Resources: Why Do I Need Them?
Description:
This session focuses on the need to be aware of resources available to students across
campus. Special emphasis should be given to discussing the relationship with their
academic advisor. Mentoring relationships can be reviewed, support offices, and the
services they provide, should be revisited. Use and comfort accessing library resources is
an essential component.
A general reminder to the students might comfort them to know that stress, at this point
in the term, is normal.
CLASS MEETING SIX – Week 3
Sept. 14-20, 2006 (September 25th for Monday Sections)
There Is Life Outside the Classroom
Description:
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This week’s topics provide an opportunity for students to discuss their experiences
outside of the classroom. The importance of getting involved, participating in service
opportunities and taking advantage of the whole spectrum of activities available to them
can be reviewed. A particular look at conformity v. non-conformity can be addressed.
Roommate and friendship issues are available for review.
CLASS MEETING SEVEN – Week 4
Sept. 21-Sept. 27, 2006 (October 2nd for Monday Sections)
Registration, Advising and Where Do We Go From Here?
Description:
This class focuses on registration and advising. Much of the time should be spent with
the college catalog and using WebAdvisor. Students benefit greatly from a thorough
overview of the advising and registration process, as well as a review of the Core
Curriculum requirements. Emphasis should be placed on planning course selections.
Remember Pre-Majors and those who may wish to change their major in this mix.