MSU First Year Experience Program



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Course Syllabus

Critical Dates - Spring 2003

Course Assessment

Weekly Schedule

FYE Math Component

Math Autobiography

The Differences: High School vs. College

Time Management

Testing Tips

DISCOVER

University Studies

Who Wants to be a Graduate?

How to Calculate Your GPA

Course Syllabus
Freshmen Orientation
Murray State University
First-Year Experience Program
FYE - 098       1 Credit Hour

I. Title:  New Student Orientation for Pre-Baccalaureate Students
II. Catalog Description: A course designed to assist students in the academic and social transitions associated with college life.  The development of specific success skills such as time management, note-taking and study strategies, and career and academic guidance activities will be included in this class.
III. Purpose: The purpose of this new student orientation class is to assist students in adjusting to college life and to enhance their knowledge of Murray State University.
IV. Course Objectives: The following are objectives and expected outcomes:
  1. to assist students in making the transition to college and, more specifically, to Murray State University
  2. to familiarize students with the purpose and desired outcomes of higher education;
  3. to assist students in the process of developing positive relationships with both instructors and peers;
  4. to strengthen student knowledge of academic policies, especially those procedures and regulations most important to their success at Murray State;
  5. to inform students about the variety of support services available to them;
  6. to encourage exploration of relationships between their courses and education and their career and personal goals;
  7. to help students identify and define the student's reason for seeking a college education;
  8. and overall, to facilitate the development of skills that will make the student a more successful learner and college student.
V. Course Outline:
  1. Introduction to Course and Murray State University
    A.    Add/Drop Procedures
    B.     Financial Aid
    C.     Racer Touch/PIN Information system
    D.     Critical Academic semester dates
  2. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
  3. Time management and Weekly Organization
  4. MAP Reports
  5. Career Services and Cooperative Education
  6. DISCOVER Career Guidance Computer Program
  7. E-mail
  8. MSU Student Hand Book
  9. University Studies Program
  10. Grade Point Calculations
  11. Academic class listening and note-taking
  12. Relaxation training and stress management
  13. Test taking strategies
  14. Advanced class scheduling
  15. Math Autobiography
VI. Instructional Activities: A variety of instructional activities will be used including lectures, seminars, small group discussions, individual conferences and demonstrations.  In accordance with the American Disabilities Act, "an appropriate adjustment will be arranged to individuals with a disability that might prevent or eliminate them from participating in certain activities during the semester."  It should be noted that students have the obligation to advise or disclose information to the instructor about their specific disability so that correct accommodations can be made.
VII.<. Attendence Policy: There are 150 maximum points possible for class attendance.  Each class attended will earn the student 10 points; for each unexcused absence 15 points will be taken away.  Attendance points will be accrued cumulatively.  All students start with zero attendance points and then add to or subtract from that total each week.  An excused absence (see 2001-2003 MSU Undergraduate Bulletin) is treated as a neutral issue where no points are earned or taken away and the student is allowed to turn in assignments that were due (without extension of time).  Work due the day of an unexcused absence can NOT be made up.  Quizzes, tests, papers due, and in-class participation event points such as the MBTI interpretation session are lost with no make-up possible unless an excused absence is demonstrated to the instructor's satisfaction.  The instructor will be the sole and final judge of changing unexcused to excused status based on the 2001-2003 Bulletin requirements.