UNI101 Syllabus - Fall 2002

UNI101: University Studies
Course Syllabus
Fall 2002, T 3:00 PM – 3:50 PM, Prichard Hall 207

Instructor	: Brian M. Morgan
Office	: Prichard Hall 212
Phone Number	: (304) 696-6469
Fax Number	: (304) 696-6533
Office Hours	: MWF: 10:00 – 11:00 MW: 1:00 – 2:00 T, R: 8:00 – 9:30 T: 1:00 – 3:00 Other times by appointment ONLY
E-Mail	: brian.morgan@marshall.edu

Textbooks:
There are no required textbooks for this course.

Course Description:
This is a one-credit hour course designed to introduce new students to the nature of university life, provide them with essential college survival skills, and enhance personal growth as they enter into the university experience.

Credit:
This is a credit/no credit course. This means that you will receive one credit (of the 128 required) towards graduation if you meet the requirements for the course. You will not receive a grade. The credit will not be calculated into your GPA.

Pre/co-requisites:
NONE

Desired Objectives/Outcomes:
The goal of UNI 101 is to help you make a successful transition to college and equip you with the skills necessary to face the academic challenges at the University and the social and cultural adjustments of adult life. More specifically, this course will:

- Provide opportunities for students to develop relationships with fellow students, faculty, and the university itself that will help develop and support a successful university experience

- Provide opportunities to learn survival techniques in transitioning from high school to college, and thus say in college and earn a degree

- Provide opportunities for learning time management and study skills to assist with making good choices as students in transitioning to a life of relative freedom at the university

- Assist the student in defining the value of an education and developing an appreciation for the various cultural, personal, and educational opportunities available at Marshall

- Assist students in thoroughly understanding such concepts as academic good standing, probation and academic policies

Instruction method:
We will be in class 1 hour each week through the course of the semester. We will participate in projects covering the major topics are part of the course.

Grading Policy:

You either get a grade for the course or you do not. In order to receive credit for the course, you must:

- Attend class regularly and miss no more than one class. Get in touch with me if you have to miss class

- Complete the required written and oral assignments at a satisfactory level

- Participate in class discussions EACH AND EVERY class period, and come prepared for class

Assignments:

- Visit Independence Daze between September 4^th and 6^th on the MSC Plaza. Visits at least 3 booths and for each jot down a paragraph about each. Send me an e-mail by September 10^th about the event.

- Visit and complete a written report about at least one university function such as an Artist series performance, University Theater show, music event, or student organized event. This is due by September 24^th.

- Attend a university athletic event (doesn’t have to be football) and send me an e-mail about it. This is due by October 29^th.

- Prepare an oral presentation around the topic – “What do you think of MU, IST, and college life in general?” You will be making this presentation on November 19^th.

- Write a 1-2 page paper (and be prepared to discuss it) detailing what you do for Thanksgiving, including what type of foods you eat, who attends, and where you go. You will read this paper on November 26^th.

Policy Statement:
Open Environment: The lines of communication are WIDE OPEN. Everyone is encouraged to speak his/her mind about anything of concern at Marshall. If you have complaints, opinions, comments or questions, please bring them up in class or e-mail me if you prefer. We will have several guest speakers during the semester. If you have questions for them, don't hesitate to ask. This is your course. The more you participate, the more you will benefit from it.

Exams: There are NONE! So don’t worry about them.

Attendance Statement:
You are expected to attend class. A student who misses two or more unexcused classes will not earn credit for the class. Every absence will be discussed with the instructor.

Withdrawal Policy:
The University withdrawal policy is followed in this course. The last day to drop an individual course for the Fall of 2002 is November 1, 2002.

Topics and Methodology:
The following outline delineates the tentative class schedule with topics to be addressed during the course. Please note this is a tentative schedule and it may change upon class progress:

August 27	Introductions (me, each other, IST, UNI 101) myMU, MILO, and WebCT E-mailing assignments - etiquette
September 3	Extracurricular Activities Discussion of Campus Organizations INDEPENDENCE DAZE ARE SEPTEMBER 4^TH-6^TH
September 10	Introduction to College Academics – how to read a syllabus Bring a copy of the syllabus for all of your courses to class
September 17	Library Instruction – meet at the Drinko Library Reference Desk (first floor just inside the atrium). DON’T BE LATE!!! Ask for Monica
September 24	University policies and procedures. Bring your student handbook and catalog (guest speaker: Dr. Ralph Taylor)
October 1	Test Taking Strategies, Preparing for Exams
October 8	Managing your time Bring all of your schedules to class (course, work, etc.)
October 15	Getting and Staying Healthy – Fiscal and physical well being Money, substance abuse, drinking, and contraception
October 22	Living with Diversity, understanding prejudices, biases (racial, ethnic, gender, age, disability, etc.)
October 29	Kidney Machine exercise. A discussion of scientific ethics, personal worth, and decision making
November 5	Getting ready for the Spring semester – course requirements for the spring and the next 3 years, how to register, etc.
November 12	Open Discussion – topics we haven’t covered, things you want to know about.
November 19	Oral Reports – What do you think of MU, IST, and college life in general?
November 26	Culture – How do we understand cultures?
December 3	Class evaluations, planning for final exams
December 10	Final Exam Week – no class scheduled