Table of Contents
Advanced College Success Skills - RSS 1510A ......................................................................................................... 2
Prerequisites ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Class Meeting Times and Location ......................................................................................................................... 2
CAI Lab
Tutoring Lab
....................................................................................................................................................... 2
................................................................................................................................ 2
Texts/Supplies ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
Instructor Information: .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Catalog Description ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Course Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Classroom Policies ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Campus Assistance ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Students with Disabilities ...................................................................................................................................... 6
YSU Non-Discrimination Policy .............................................................................................................................. 6
Course Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Course Assignments and Points ............................................................................................................................. 8
Final Grading Scale ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Tentative Course Schedule .................................................................................................................................... 8
Advanced College Success Skills - RSS 1510A
Spring 2016 CRN: 22031
Mrs. Victoria Rush, M.S.
(under supervision of Dr. Karen Becker)
Prerequisites
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 obtained from the candidate’s
academic advisor.
Class Meeting Times and Location
TTR 2:00 P.M. to 3:50 P.M.
Lecture Room: Maag, Room 166
CAI Lab: Day:___ Time:____
Tutoring Lab: Day:___
Room:_____
Time:____
Room:_____
Tutor:_______
Tutor:_______
Texts/Supplies
Becker, K.A., and Towler, K. (2015). The Art and Science of Quality Learning. (4th Edition), Van-Griner Publishing,
Cincinnati, OH
ISBN – 978-1-61740-260-9
two 3 ring binders (for student portfolio and book), Number 2 pencils, pens, index cards, loose-leaf paper,
highlighters
Instructor Information:
Mrs. Victoria Rush, MS
R&SS Center Office: Maag 154
RSS Phone: 330-941-3099
E-mail: vsrush@ysu.edu
Office Hours: By Appointment
R&SS Website: http://web.ysu.edu/rdgstudyskills
ASQL Website: http://artsciencequalitylearning.com
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 graduation hours. 3 s.h.
Course Objectives
A. Knowledge. The University student, henceforth referred to as “student”, 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 STEM area textbooks outside of class.
(3) Improve self-management relating to the college learning process and as applied to STEM material.
(4) Improve their command of concepts in STEM disciplines.
B. Skills. The student will:
(1) Practice and adopt a variety of reading and study skill strategies for college learning, including notetaking, test-taking, and making visual study tools.
(2) Work to improve reading rate and comprehension through computer assisted instruction.
(3) Improve learning in STEM disciplines, including mathematical-logical reasoning and the scientific method.
(4) Practice problem solving in mathematics, science, and technology.
C. Dispositions. The student will:
(1) Learn to view himself/herself as responsible for, and capable of, adopting strategies to increase his/her
academic successes in STEM disciplines.
(2) Consider the roles of self-awareness, self-responsibility, and life-long learning in the learning process.
(3) Focus upon his/her successes through specific goal setting steps.
(4) Learn to appreciate the academic rigor and structural thinking in STEM disciplines.
Classroom Policies
ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES: Students are expected to attend all class and tutoring sessions and arrive on time.
Attendance is considered when assigning a final grade, and is a significant portion of your tutoring grades in CAI
and small-group tutoring. In-class assignments (including journals) cannot be made up for unexcused absences. An
excused absence means you have informed the instructor via phone (text) or e-mail that you will be absent AND
have written medical notification of your absence. Only medical excuses are acceptable for missing tutoring
sessions. Students who fail the course due to non-attendance will be assigned a grade of NAF.
If you miss an exam due to illness or uncontrollable circumstances, you must notify the instructor before the exam
begins. You must make up the exam within one week and will be given a different exam. If you are unable to make
up the exam within one week of your return, you will be assigned 0 points for the exam.
READING ASSIGNMENTS: It is expected that you prepare for your class. It is understood that you may have other
obligations and courses to prepare for, but you are expected to attend to your assignments in a professional
manner. Reading the assignments will help you understand the material when presented – and prepare you to ask
questions for clarification. It is expected that you will bring your textbook to every class and tutoring session as we
will use it during in class assignments. For those who may not be able to immediately afford the textbook, copies
are on closed reserve in Maag Library and the Curriculum Resource Center in Beeghly Hall. You may use these
reserved textbooks to complete readings and assignments only while in the library or CRC.
DUE DATES/ASSIGNEMENT SUBMISSION POLICY: All due dates are listed by week on your course schedule.
Specific due dates will be announced throughout the semester. All work is expected to be turned in on time at the
start of class. For every class session an assignment is late 10% will be deducted from your assignment grade late
assignments will not be accepted after 1 full week.
Certain assignments will not be accepted late
No electronic copies of assignments will be accepted (no email)
All assignments must be typed in 12 point font and have 1” margins
CLASSROOM CONDUCT: I expect all students to be courteous, respectful, and non-disruptive to not just me but to
your fellow students and your tutors. If I believe you are being disruptive I will ask you to leave class and/or
tutoring. Please see the Student Handbook regarding disruptive behavior. TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES AT THE
BEGINNING OF CLASS AND TUTORING AND PLACE THEM OUT OF SIGHT. If you must make or receive a phone call
during class or tutoring please leave the room quietly before answering the phone. Take out all ear buds, ear
phones, Bluetooth devices and sunglasses before class begins. Participation in class and tutoring is expected.
Participation will be factored into your final grade.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST: Both pre- and post- test is mandatory. Please DO NOT miss class on this day. This is a
standardized test required of all RSS students. If you miss the test you must make the test up outside of class
within one week. If you do not make up the test, your final grade will be lowered by 20 points. A grade is not given
for the test but extra credit points may be assigned.
CONCERNS/FRUSTRATIONS: If at any time you are feeling frustration at your progress in this class or believe you
are having trouble in the course. PLEASE see your instructor sooner as opposed to later. He/she will work with you
as long as you have shown an effort to take responsibility for your grade.
Course fees: Each student registered for this course is charged a $35 technology fee to cover costs for items
consumed in and or maintenance of the Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) lab, a required component of the RSS
curriculum.
ACADEMIC CONDUCT: Cheating on exams, submitting work of other students as your own, or plagiarism results in
penalties ranging from an “F” on an assignment to expulsion, depending on the seriousness of the offense.
CLASS CANCELLATION: If the class is being cancelled for any one day because of instructor illness, or other
reasons, notification will be sent to the student’s YSU email or if planned in advanced will be told in class at least
one week prior to the cancellation. Please be sure to sign up for YSU’s Text Alert system for notification of
University closings.
Campus Assistance:
Students requiring additional academic assistance should consider contacting the following FREE campus services:
Center for Student Progress, 330-941-3538, Kilcawley Center West
Foreign Language Lab, 330-941-3465, DeBartolo Hall 501
Maag Library, 330-941-3677, Maag
Math Assistance Center, 330-941-3274, Cushwa Hall 3090
Reading and Study Skills Center, 330-941-3099, Maag 154
Writing Center, 330-941-3055, Maag 171
Counseling Center, 330-941-3151, Jones Hall 1034
VA Office, 330-941-2503, 633 Wick Ave.
Students with Disabilities
Youngstown State University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with
disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternative format upon request. In accordance with University procedures,
if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please
contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. You must be registered with the Center for Student Progress
Disability Services, located at 275 Fifth Avenue, and provide a letter of accommodation to coordinate reasonable
accommodations. You can reach CSP Disability Services at 330-941-1372.
YSU Non-Discrimination Policy
Youngstown State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, age, religion or veteran/military status in its programs or
activities. Please visit www.ysu.edu/ada-accessibility for contact information for persons designated to handle
questions about this policy.”
COURSE REQUIREMENTS (Points Breakdown is below)
•
Attendance & Class Participation in class and tutoring sessions.
•
Assignments & Team Projects: Some assignments will be completed in class and placed in your Learning
Portfolio. In some cases, you will be asked to turn assignments in so they can be reviewed, but please
place them in the in-class section of your portfolio when they are returned. Assignments done in class
may be handwritten, but please be sure to use legible handwriting on lined paper. If you carry a spiral
notebook instead of loose leaf paper it is strongly suggested you use a notebook that has perforations and
is already hole punched. UNLESS STATED ALL ASSIGMENTS MUST BE TYPED.
•
Tutoring Lab Work: Reading (small group) lab work and CAI lab work, plays an integral part in this course.
Grades are assigned from the tutor based on attendance and motivation. For every 10 minutes you are
late or leave early, tutors are instructed to deduct one attendance point.
•
Learning Portfolio: You will be required to complete a learning portfolio. It will be divided into sections: InClass Notes/Assignments, Tutoring, Projects/Exams, Use of Resources/Extra Credit. You will turn in this
portfolio towards the end of the term and it may be returned to you around your end of the term
conference.
•
Exams: There are several exams in this course. Exams will be made up of lecture material, reading
material, tutoring material, and work presented from other sources (videos, presentations, etc.).

Use of Resources: – As an effective and successful student, you should be utilizing resources on campus
such as the Center for Student Progress (Student Tutorial Services, First-Year Student Services,
Supplemental Instruction), the Writing Center, the Math Assistance Center, and the Language Learning &
Resource Center. This component is required and not optional. You will receive 5 points for each visit to
each service, up to 50 points. If the service does not have a method of notifying instructors (i.e. record of
visit form), please ask the provider of that service to email your instructor at vsrush@ysu.edu each time
you use the service.

Student Prepared Study Guide: – The candidate will prepare a study guide in order to prepare for each
examination. Points will be awarded based on the amount of information included in the study guide and
the demonstrated amount of effort put into the study guide.

Visual Organizer: – The candidate will create a mind map or other visual organizer to demonstrate the
ability to organize the information in a chapter from a textbook in another class. This visual organizer
should look as though thought and time were put into its creation. This organizer will be presented on the
day the assignment is due.
•
Extra Credit: Throughout the course there will be the possibility for extra credit points at various times.
Course Assignments and Points
Attendance 50 points
CAI Lab 50 points
Tutor Lab 50 pts
Book and Binder Check 50 pts
Midterm 50 pts
Use of Resources 50 pts
Final 100 pts
Assignments/Quizzes 250 points
Portfolio 50 pts
Total Points: 700
Final Grading Scale:
700-630 = A
629-560 = B
559-490 = C
489- 0 = NC (and you must complete the course again)
Tentative Course Schedule (this schedule/syllabus can be changed at the discretion of the course instructor in
order to meet the course objectives)
Academic Week / Date
RSS Topics/Assignments
Section
Week 1 / January 12 & 14
Syllabus Overview
Introduction: Using MAPS for Learning and
Reading for Quality Learning
Quality Living
Intro to Information
Module 1
Processing
Week 2 / January 19 & 21
Introduction to CAAP
Covering Pages 18-21
University Closed: Monday
Book & Binder Check
Module 4: The Practice of CAAP for Quality
January 18th (Martin Luther
Pre-Test
Learners
King Day)
(Bring pencil & Student ID)
Module 9: Reading for Quality Learning
*date subject to change
Last Day to Add Classes or
Change Grading Option:
Explanation of Tutoring &
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Goals
Week 3 / January 26 & 29
*Tutoring Begins*
Module 3: Strategies for Quality Learners
Module 3
Sunday January 24th Last day
Syllabus Quiz
to withdraw with 100% refund
* First Week of Reading/CAI
Labs
Week 4 / February 2 & 4
Learning to Study
Module 2: Learning to Study, The Art and
Make Your Own Study Guide
Science
Module 6: Taking Notes from a Textbook:
Making Your Own Study Guides
Week 5 / February 9 & 11
Exam 1
Visual Organizer assigned
Module 7: Taking Lecture Notes
Academic Week / Date
RSS Topics/Assignments
Section
Week 6/ February 16 & 18
Exam 1 review
NTM: Annotation
Module 2
Module 8: Test Preparation and Anxiety,
Showing What You Know
Week 7 / February 23 & 25
Review
Note-Taking Principles
NTM: Note Cards (Bring
notecards)
Module 5: A Quality Foundation
Week 8 / March 1 & 3
Midterm/Maag Library Tour
DUE: Study Guide 2
Spring Break Period
Week 9 / March 7 through 13
Spring Break
Week 10 / March 15 & 17
Module 10: Reading to Learn
Spring Break Period: Monday, March 7, 2016
through Sunday, March 13, 2016
NTM: 2/3 Column
Mid-Term Review
Module 11: Structure, Anatomy of Reading a
Text
DUE: Student Prepared Study
Guide 3
Module 14: Reading to Research and Write
Week 12 / March 29 & 31
Exam 2
Module 12: Reading Tune-Up
Week 13 / April 5 & 7
Post-Test (: Bring pencil &
Student ID)
Module 13: Resources Beyond The Classroom
Final Study Guide and explain final exam
expectations
Week 14/ April 12 & 14
Conference Scheduling
*Reading Post Test
Final Examination Review
Visual Organizer Presentation
Instructor Conferences
Learning Portfolio DUE
Final Examinations Week
Final Examination Thursday May 5 1:00-3:00 Maag Room 166
Week 11 / March 22 & 24
March 23 Last day to
withdraw with a “W”
Week 15/ April 19 & 21
Week 16/ April 26 & 28
Finals Week May 5th