Tennessee Tech University

UNIV1030 Syllabus and Policy Statement

Course Description: UNIV1030

University 1030 course content involves “the learning process, including personal motivation, attitudes supportive of learning, organizational planning, time management, test-taking skills, and other techniques for successful academic progress with a view toward transitioning the student from high-school to university environment by encouraging students to learn to help themselves in the unfamiliar university setting.”

Discussions include:

• academic plans for the first term/first year
• connecting to the TTU campus
• ways to improve grades and increase knowledge base, such as
  
  • time-management skills
  • note-taking skills
  • test-taking skills
  • reading college-level texts
• quick reviews of grammar, basic math, etc., as needed by students
• other such matters [include Sexual Harassment Awareness Test; 1 Fine Arts event; 1 World Culture event]

UNIV1030 is designed to strengthen the student’s connection to Tennessee Technological University by focusing on the enhancement of skills needed for academic success. This course engages the student in meaningful academic and non-academic in-and-out-of-classroom activities. It emphasizes critical thinking in the formation of academic and social goals and support groups, in self-management and in study strategies.

Course Goals:

• to connect students with other students, encouraging both academic and social networks
• to connect students with the University, encouraging them in being proactive in seeking assistance
• to connect students’ present college experience with their future plans and ambitions
• to help students over the bridge between high school and college-level learning

Course Objectives: to help students

• think more creatively and critically
• improve academic functioning through effective management of time, including a focus on physical, emotional, and social well-being
• build academic and social support groups through a knowledge of academic, student affairs, and departmental resources, and through a development of interpersonal skills between students and faculty
• improve the ability to comprehend and retain information through knowledge of reading, note-taking, and test-taking strategies, and managing academic anxiety

Course Topics:

• critical thinking/problem solving
• study strategies [reading, note taking, test taking]
• communication skills
• self management [time management, etc.]
• classroom demeanor
• campus resources, including library
• other pertinent topics

SYLLABUS: University 1030, Learning Strategies

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

Policy Statement

Materials

• pens, blue or black ink only
• loose-leaf paper [regular-ruled; not college-ruled paper]
• 3-ring binder notebook
• Students are responsible for having materials available for each class.

Notebook

Each student is expected to keep a notebook containing ALL work for the semester (papers, tests, quizzes, research projects, etc.). Instructions for organizing and maintaining the folder will be given in class.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required by the instructor, by the Tennessee Board of Regents (the governing body of the state's community colleges and universities that are not part of the University of Tennessee system), and by TTU (see TTU catalog): "When, in the opinion of the instructor, the attendance record of a student becomes unsatisfactory, the Office of Student Affairs will be notified. Unsatisfactory class attendance may result in the student's being dropped from a course with a grade of 'F.' A student who is unable to return to classes due to an emergency or serious accident should notify the Office of Student Services [372-3411]. A student who cannot avoid absence from a class . . . is expected to assume the responsibility of explaining his/her absence to the instructor and for making arrangements to complete the work missed. Tardiness is recorded as an absence."

No absences will be "excused"; however, we do understand that some absences are unavoidable. If you have to miss class, please leave an E-Mail message for your teacher. Be sure to find out about work due before coming to class. It is the student's responsibility, NOT the instructor's, to ask about work missed.

Your teacher reserves the option of counting consistent lack of preparation for class as absences. Any and every absence will count against the semester grade, if for no other reason than information from class discussions will be missed.

Students who must be absent due to university-scheduled events should inform the teacher about the scheduled absence prior to the date of absence and provide documentation of the requirement for attendance. The student should provide evidence of attendance at the event and make arrangements for completion of all missed assignments. A university-scheduled even is a REASON for absence but not an EXCUSE. The teacher will note the absence along with the reason for it.

Class work not turned in on time may be refused by the instructor. If late work is accepted, it will generally receive a 10% grade reduction per class meeting late, unless arrangements have been made with the instructor ahead of time.

SCHOOL IS A JOB: you would not receive pay for days of work missed at your job unless you made up the time; do not expect credit for your classes for time missed unless you make up the time and assignments. A poor attendance record at work can result in your being fired; poor attendance at school can result in your failing the course.

Remember: Non-attendance, poor attendance, or withdrawal may seriously affect lottery scholarship/financial aid. You are expected to maintain a full course load and meet the GPA requirements in order to stay eligible.

See: www.tntech.edu/financialaid/ for more information.

Make-up Work

All work is due on the day and at the time for which it is assigned. Any work not turned in at the specified time MAY BE REFUSED by the instructor. If late work is accepted, it will receive a 10% grade reduction per class meeting late, unless arrangements have been made with the instructor ahead of time.

No make-up work will be accepted after the last class meeting of Week 14.

Plagiarism or Cheating

Plagiarism is stealing another person's thoughts, ideas, or words. Evidence of plagiarism in assignments (or cheating on quizzes/tests) may result in a failing grade for the assignment; evidence of plagiarism on the final exam may result in an "F" for the semester.

Teachers may give assignments that encourage or require cooperative learning; however, specific assignments that are designated to test the individual's understanding of concepts must be completed without giving or accepting assistance.

Grading

A grade for the course will be given at the end of the term. Successful completion of this class is a grade of ‘C’ or better. The lowest possible ‘C’ is 75%. Anyone not attaining 75% will be required to retake the course next semester, so do yourself a favor and pass the first time.

The term grade for this class will (tentatively) be based upon the following:

• Attendance and Class Participation
• In- and out-of-class Assignments
• Quizzes
• Exercises
• Final Exam
• Other assignments deemed pertinent by the instructor

Grade Scale Percentages

• A=93-100
• B=85-92
• C=75-84 Passing = 75% or above
• D=65-74 (used on daily class work but not as a final grade)
• F=below 65

Lecture 2; Credit 1

Grading [May vary from instructor to instructor]

*Students who cannot afford a $10 gift may fulfill the requirement by assisting with packing the toys for shipment to the pickup point. Toys for Tots may be used as the service project for any semester. Storage for toys will be provided.

Grade Scale for Course Grade: Based upon 300 points:

• A = 279-300 points
• B = 255-278 points
• C = 225-254 points
• F = less than 225 points

Important Notes

• A "C" or better is required to pass the course. Any final grade below 75% will be considered failing.
• Students are not allowed to withdraw from University 1030, except with special permission from the Coordinator of the Academic Development Program. "Incomplete" grades are seldom if ever assigned, and then only as strictly outlined in the ADP Incomplete Grades Policy.
• The student must complete the final exam in order to be considered eligible to pass the course. Other factors considered in determining eligibility for passing include attendance, class preparation and participation, acceptable quality of work.
• Students with disabilities requiring accommodation should contact the Office of Disability Services **FIX LINK** (ODS). An Accommodation Request (AR) should be completed as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the first week of the course. The ODS is located in the Roaden University Center, Room 112; phone 931-372-6119.
• Use of tobacco in any form is considered inappropriate in the classroom setting.
• No student is entitled to disrupt the classroom activities that are part of the educational process. A student whose behavior is considered disruptive to the learning environment may be expelled from the classroom.
• Due to University Policy, we are not allowed to act as a babysitting service. If you have children who need to be cared for during class time, make arrangements for their care off campus.
• OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS: Remember to show everyone the same amount of respect and consideration that you would wish for yourself. ("Everyone" includes other members of the class, the instructor(s), guests, substitute lecturers, etc.)

NOTE

[A copy of this Policy Statement must be placed in your Notebook. You will be asked to sign the document, attesting that you have read and understand the course policies outlined in it. Your signature does not mean that you agree WITH the policies, only that you are AWARE OF them and realize that you are expected to abide by them.]

Please sign below to verify that you are aware of and understand the above-stated policies and that you have been advised that non-attendance, poor attendance, or withdrawal may seriously affect lottery scholarship/financial aid.

Place this policy document as the back item in your class Notebook.

NAME:_________________________________________________

DATE:__________________________________________________

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