UB 101: University Experience
Fall Semester 2010
Thursdays, 10:00 – 10:50am
208 Diefendorf Hall (South Campus)
Registration Number: 059587 • Section: AH
Instructor
Kristine Huber
Assistant Director, SBI Health Education
Hayes Annex C, Suite 5 (South Campus)
(716)829-2584
khuber@buffalo.edu
Office hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 3:30pm
Peer Mentor
Michael Constantine
Major: Architecture
(716)725-1970
mlc34@buffalo.edu
Please contact me for an appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
UB 101 is a one-credit hour seminar course designed to assist first year students in making the transition to the University
at Buffalo, providing them a framework for their success as students. Through a small, interactive classroom environment
intended to engage students in learning, this course focuses on providing resources, fostering important relationships,
and helping students to understand their responsibilities and privileges with the University community.
COURSE GOALS
To assist first-year students with their transition into the University at Buffalo and to help them develop skills needed to
become successful college students.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
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To become familiar with and utilize the various resources available at UB.
To create important relationships with students, faculty and staff throughout the UB community.
To understand their responsibilities and privileges within the University community.
COURSE POLICIES
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental university value. Through the honest completion of academic work, students sustain
the integrity of the university while facilitating the university’s imperative for the transmission of knowledge and culture
based upon the generation of new and innovative ideas. For a complete description of UB’s Academic Integrity Policies
and Procedures, refer to the Undergraduate Catalog (http://undergradcatalog.buffalo.edu/policies/course/integrity.shtml).
Students with Disabilities
If you have a documented disability, are registered with the Office of Disability Services, and are entitled to
accommodations, please inform us within the first three weeks of class.
Class Conduct
Out of respect to the instructors and classmates, please turn off your cell phone before coming to class.
REQUIRED BOOK AND SUPPLIES
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Mortenson, G. (2006). Three Cups of Tea. (Distributed at summer orientation)
UB email address
o Please check your email for important information throughout the semester.
UBlearns
o Kristine and Mike will post important information, events, and handouts throughout the semester.
Students are encouraged to post questions or comments and email class or instructor/peer mentor
through this site. You are expected to check for updates on a weekly basis.
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Facebook
o Mike will setup a Facebook page for our class. You are encouraged to utilize this page as another way to
communicate with us and the class.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS
All assignments should be handed in at the start of class on the due date. Layout for all papers is 1” margins, typed,
double-space, 12 font.
1. Class Participation and Attendance
Class participation is critical to your academic success in this course and at UB in general. Active involvement and
participation in class (this includes completion of course readings and assignments) are evaluated throughout the
semester. Additionally, in-class assignments and activities will contribute to your overall class participation grade.
Being prepared for class by completing reading and work as assigned, participating in class activities, and sharing your
thoughts and ideas are essential to making this class rewarding and enjoyable.
You are allowed one (1) unexcused absence during the semester. For each subsequent unexcused absence, you will
lose ten (10) points in class participation. For excused absences such as illness or a death in the family, a valid excuse
must be submitted to Kristine by the next class.
2. Library Skills Workbook
The Library Skills Workbook is a requirement for graduation from UB as well as a requirement for this class. By
completing it early during your first semester, you will gain valuable knowledge regarding the University’s library
resources, research methods, and fulfill your first graduation requirement. More information can be found at
http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/workbook. You must provide the course instructor with proof that you have
received a passing grade for the Library Skills Workbook by December 2.
3. Journal Entries
Journal entries provide you an opportunity to share your thoughts with us about your college experience and reflect
on your first semester as a college student. Journal entries will be assigned throughout the semester. Each journal
entry must be at least one (1) full page with the above-mentioned format. Each journal is worth 10 points. Journal
due dates below.
Journal Assignments – Fall 2010
Journal Due Date
Topic
9/16/10
Autobiography
9/23/10
Write about what YOU want to write!
9/30/10
Write about what YOU want to write!
10/7/10
Reflect on the semester so far. What would you change? What would you keep the
same?
10/14/10
Write about your thoughts from the Safety Services presentation
10/21/10
Campus Activity #1
10/28/10
How is school going?
11/4/10
Write about your thoughts on the department you chose for the group presentation
11/11/10
Campus Activity #2
11/18/10
Reflection on Greg Mortenson and Three Cups of Tea
12/2/10
What are your plans for the spring semester? Have they changed since you first
started at UB?
4. Autobiography
Each student will write a typed, 2-page autobiography (personal reflection paper). The purpose of this assignment is
to get you to reflect on your life thus far and how you have developed into the person you are as a first-year student
at UB. It is also intended to allow me to get to know where you come from, who you are, and where you see yourself
going in the future. You may focus on your reflection as you wish, but consider the following questions below to get
you started. Share only the amount of personal information you feel comfortable with. Due September 16.
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Where are you from? Where did you grow up?
Describe your family/home life. How did the environment in which you were raised affect you as a person
now?
What influenced your decision to come to UB? How do you feel about starting college?
What are your interests, hobbies, passions, talents, strengths, etc?
Describe yourself academically. In which subjects do you excel the most? What do you like/dislike about
school?
What are your thoughts for the future? Do you have any major/career interests at this point? Where do
you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now?
What is something that you want us to know about you?
5. Campus Events/Activities
Throughout the semester, you are required to attend two (2) campus events (one (1) social and one (1) academic) and
submit a one (1) page response of each event. Your review must include the following points:
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Date, time, and location of the event
Event name and description
Name of presenter/facilitator
What did you like about the event?
Did the event meet your expectations? Why or why not?
What have you learned about yourself and/or the campus?
We will provide you with weekly updates of events scheduled on campus. However, please take the time to explore
and find events that interest you or you feel you would like to explore. A few examples of events are workshops,
student club meetings, lectures, sporting, events, and theater events. More details will be discussed in class. Due
October 19 and November 11.
6. UB Reads
You are required to read the UB Reads Book, Three Cups of Tea, you received at summer orientation. A written
reflection paper about the book and lecture is due in class on November 18. (more details will be provided in class).
Together as a class we will attend the Distinguished Speaker Lecture, Greg Mortenson (author of Three Cups of Tea)
on November 10 at Alumni Arena (tickets will be provided). If you have a conflict with this date due to your class
schedule, please notify Kristine or Mike immediately.
7. Meet with Peer Mentor
Each student will be required to meet with Mike to discuss their progress in class, their success thus far as a new
college student, and provide an opportunity to answer questions and/or discuss any issues or concerns you may have.
This meeting needs to be scheduled and completed by November 11 (available dates and times will be provided in
class).
8. Campus Resources - Group Project
The class will be split into groups of 4 (maximum) to seek out a department that they feel is important for new
students to know about. In a brief presentation, each group will tell the class the department name, location, and
resources/services they provide to students. In your presentation, explain why you feel this department is important
for new students. Be sure to mention the department’s website and brochures. The goal of this assignment is to learn
about the wide-range of resources available on campus and for each student to have presentation experience. We’ll
select departments during the second class of the semester and provide guidelines. Date of Presentations is
November 4.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
All completed assignments will be collected at the start of class on the due date. Late assignments will not be accepted
unless there are extraordinary circumstances (please speak with Kristine or Mike).
COURSE GRADING
This is a one credit hour course and is graded Pass/Fail (P/F). In order to receive a passing grade, students must
accumulate a minimum of 350 out of 375 possible points. Receiving an “F” will translate as a “0” on your transcript and
will be included in your GPA.
Assignment
Due Date
Class Participation
Class Attendance (10 points/class)
N/A
N/A
Journals
weekly
Group Project
UB Reads Lecture
Campus Activity #1
Campus Activity #2
Meeting with Mike
Library Skills Workbook
Total Points
Points
Possible
50
120
110 (10 pts
each)
25
10
10
10
15
25
375
My Points
Passing = 350-375 points
Failing = 0-349 points
COURSE OUTLINE
Date
9/2/10
Topic
Introductions
Assignment Due
9/9/10
No Class – Rosh Hashanna
9/16/10
Values Exploration
Autobiography
9/23/10
Time Management
Journal
9/30/10
Academic Success Skills – Part I
Journal
10/7/10
Campus Safety – SBI Safety Services
Mid-Semester Reflection journal
Safety Services reflection journal
10/14/10
Registering for Classes
Guest Speaker – RJ
**make sure you bring your DARS report to class!**
10/21/10
Sexual Health
Campus Activity #1 journal
10/28/10
Academic Success Skills – Part II
How is School?
11/4/10
Campus Presentations
Group presentation journal
11/11/10
Stress Management
Campus Activity #2 journal
11/18/10
Alcohol
UB Reads reflection
11/25/10
No Class – Fall Recess
12/2/10
Cultural Diversity
Alcohol use reflection
12/9/10
Planning for the Future, Course Evaluations, Wrap Up
Spring Semester journal
Important Dates – Fall 2010
Date
Event
Monday, August 30
First day of classes
Monday, September 6
Labor Day (no classes)
Thursday, September 29
No day classes – Rosh Hashanah (classes resume at 6:00 pm)
Wednesday, November
24 –
Saturday, November 27
Fall recess
Friday, December 10
Last day of classes
Saturday, December 11 –
Sunday, December 12
Reading Days
Monday, December 13 –
Monday, December 20
Final exams
Tuesday, December 21
Winter recess begins