First Year Seminar - Learning Framework Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Instructor Information

Office Hours

Office hours are by appointment only. I am located out-of-state and am unable to meet with you in person; however, I am always happy to meet with you through a voice call, text or Zoom meeting.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

EDUC-1100-PSH First Year Seminar - Learning Framework

Prerequisites

Course Description

A study of the: research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition and motivation; factors that impact learning; and application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. Students use assessment instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(1 sem hr; 1 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

There is no required text for this class. 

Supplies

Students will need a USB drive for storing electronic files and should always bring note-taking materials to class.

Student Performance

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Grading Criteria

GRADING CRITERIA

Course grade will be determined by the following percentages:
20% Group Project
  -- Project Planning Sheet
  -- Project Execution, Evaluation
20% Out-of-class Events/Presentations
20% Travel Presentation with Presentation Software Slideshow (PowerPoint)
20% Honors Update Newsletter Article
20% Research Conference Proposal


 

Grading Scale:
90 -100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
0-58

ASSIGNMENTS

 

Group Project
Each student will be assigned a Project Group and will work with team members to fulfill group responsibilities.  The entire Scholars Seminar class will provide the ‘manpower’ for events and activities; however, each Project Group will coordinate planning and execution for that group’s particular responsibilities.

Each group will also have an assigned day to bring lunch for the class.  Groups should collect no more than $10 per class member to cover the cost of food.  Groups are encouraged to choose a theme for their lunches—be creative and fun.

Grades will be based on the overall success of the project including planning, organization, teamwork, leadership and creativity and the individual contribution to the group.

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Cultural Awareness

Events

Community Service


Group 1: This group will assist with events and activities surrounding cultural awareness

Responsibilities will include:

  • Creating and delivering an interactive presentation for the class on the importance developing an appreciation of arts and culture as part of a college education.
  • Finding a minimum of three cultural events for the Scholars to attend as a group (musical and theatre performances, art shows, museum visits, etc.) Coordinate the event attendance and a preview discussion/debriefing during class time before and after the event.
  • Other duties as assigned or as determined necessary by the group

Group 2: This group will coordinate the Fallfest table and Fall-into-Honors Event.

Responsibilities will include:

  • Creating and delivering an interactive presentation for the class on the importance of mastering teamwork skills as part of a college education.
  • Devising a fun activity that matches Fallfest theme and will promote Honors classes.  Coordinates set up, clean up and staffing of booth.
  • Determining location, facilities needed and format of Fall-into-Honors Event
  • Reserving facilities for Fall-into-Honors
  • Arranging for AV equipment (if needed), tables (if needed), refreshments, and decorations (if desired) at Fall-into-Honors
  • Creating a schedule for Scholars to assist at Fall-into-Scholars Event and coordinating sign-ups
  • Creating and distributing promotional materials for Fall-into-Honors
  • Coordinating Fall-into-Honors set-up and clean-up
  • Other duties as assigned or as determined necessary by the group

Group 3: This group will

This group will create and execute a community service project

Responsibilities will include:

  • Creating and delivering an interactive presentation for the class on the importance of serving others as part of a college education.
  • Designing a community service project that can be carried out during Fall semester
  • Coordinating arrangements with community organization
  • Creating a schedule for Scholars to participate in the service project and coordinating sign-ups
  • Executing project that offers flexible service times and allows each Scholar to complete at least three hours of community service
  • Other duties as assigned or as determined necessary by the group

Out-of-Class Events
Numerous activities outside of seminar class time will be offered, some of which will be optional and others will be mandatory.  Scholars are expected to participate in a minimum of three out-of-class events.  Events that take place during normal seminar class time will not count toward this total.  Attendance and participation must be documented. Taking photos to document attendance at events is highly encouraged.

High School/Community Presentations
As a class, we will contact high school teachers, counselors and community groups to arrange opportunities to share information regarding Scholars and Honors. Students may be required to give presentations. 

Travel Presentation with Presentation Software Slideshow (PowerPoint)
Scholars will research, prepare and present a 5-6 minute oral report related to the upcoming Scholars travel.  All presentations must include a minimum of four sources cited aloud, a formal typed outline, a bibliography and a slideshow.  Seminar instructors will provide suggestions regarding appropriate topics.

Honors Update Newsletter Article Students will write a 400-600 word article for the Program’s digital newsletter, The Honors Update.  Due dates will vary according to which project group the student is in.  Scholars may choose from the following topics:

  • A personal reflection on and description of his/her experiences in AC’s Presidential Scholars program
  • A profile of a current Presidential Scholar or a Presidential Scholar graduate (faculty can provide contact information if needed)
  • A profile of an Honors instructor
  • A glimpse inside an Honors or Presidential Scholars class
  • Another topic related to Honors or Presidential Scholars pending instructor approval

Article submission does not guarantee publication.  Scholars are encouraged to seek assistance from The Writer’s Corner prior to handing in this assignment. Articles may also be published in other AC-related media outlets.

Research Conference Proposal

Students will write an approximately 300 word proposal for a presentation or poster session to be submitted for consideration at the 2019 WTAMU Student Research Conference.  Research topics should be relevant to the student’s career goals and areas of study but accessible to a broad audience.  The proposal will consist of an introduction to the topic, an explanation of the approach and the importance of this research; and a clear statement of where the project is heading and what results or conclusions the researcher expects to draw from it.  Along with the proposal, students will submit an annotated bibliography of three possible sources.  Additional information will be distributed in class.

Attendance

Class Attendance/Participation
Because your success in this class depends on your ability to collaborate during class time, regular attendance is essential for satisfactory achievement. Your participation will directly affect your grade. Daily attendance will be recorded. Points will be deducted from your final course grade for more than two absences -- regardless of the reason for the absence. Leaving class prior to dismissal time or arriving late will be counted as an absence. Should you need to miss class due to illness or other conflict, please notify your project team.

Calendar

Scholars Seminar Class Calendar Fall 2018

DATE

CLASS TOPIC or EVENT

ASSIGNMENT DUE

Activities & Events of Interest

Week One:
Aug. 21 (T)


Ice-Breaker
Course Overview and Syllabus

 

Aug. 21 & 22 Badger Connect 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  Oeschger Mall

Welcome Week: Glo activities evenings Aug. 21-23

August 23 (R)

Sign-up for preferences for Project Groups
Scholar Scavenger Hunt

 

Submit contact information to Blackboard Dropbox

Aug. 22, 23, 7 p.m. Western Film Event

Welcome Week: Glo activities evenings Aug. 21-23

Week Two:
Aug 28(T)


College Success Tips Discussion
Overview/Group Project

 

 

Sept. 28 Board of Regents Meeting

Aug. 30 (R)

True Colors

Project Planning Group Work

 

Aug. 30 AC Movie Night: 8:20 p.m. in the Pitt  

Aug. 31, 12 - 2 p.m. Student Leadership Institute

Sept. 1 Yellow City Sounds Music Festival

Week Three:
Sept. 4 (T)

President’s Coffee Talk


 

Sept. 3 Labor Day (college closed)

Sept. 6 (R)

Overview of research proposal and travel presentations
Project Planning Group Work

 Project Planning Worksheet Due

Ranger on newsstands

Week Four:
Sept. 11 (T)


Arts & Culture Presentation (Group 1)

 

Sept. 13 (R)

Sept. 14-15 Heart of Leader Retreat

Importance of the Arts AMOA Tour

 Meet at AMOA

Sept. 14,  12 - 2 p.m. Student Leadership Institute

Week Five:
Sept. 18 (T)


Fallfest prep

 

Sept. 18 ARC Resource Fair

Sept. 20 (R)

Fallfest 11 a.m. -2 p.m. Students will attend during regular seminar time and at other times as individual class schedules allow)

 

Sept. 20 Fallfest

Sept. 20 Common Lobby, Visual Arts Faculty Art Show

Ranger on newsstands

Week Six:
Sept. 25 (T)

Teamwork Presentation (Group 2)

 

Sept. 27 (R)

Scholarly Research

 

Sept. 28, 12 - 2 p.m. Student Leadership Institute

Week Seven:
Oct. 2 (T)

Planning your educational path and career/setting goals
 

Complete the MyPlan Career inventory prior to class meeting. At minimum take the personality test and interests assessment. Go to https://www.actx.edu/career/myplan

Oct. 2 Last day to withdraw from first 8-week classes

Oct. 4 (R)

President’s Coffee Talk

Group One Lunch

 Group One Lunch
Group One Newsletter Articles Due

Oct. 4-7 Theatre production “The Good-Night”

Ranger on newsstands

Week Eight:
Oct. 9 (T)


Community Service Presentation (Group 3)

 

Oct. 11 (R)

Community Leader Luncheon

 Meeting place TBA

Oct. 11-13 Texas Community College Journalism Association Convention
 

Oct. 12, 12 - 2 p.m. Student Leadership Institute

Fall Break
Oct. 15-19


No class

 

Oct. 15 8:30-2 p.m. Media Day

Fall break!

Week Nine:
Oct. 23 (T)

Presenting about Honors and Scholars

 


Oct. 25 (R)

Oct. 26-27 Arts Excursion

Research Proposal Discussion

 

Oct. 25:  Common Lobby, Day of the Dead Art Show

Week Ten:
Oct. 30 (T)


Project Work Day

 

Nov. 1 (R)

President Coffee Talk
Group Two Lunch

 

Group Two Lunch Group Two Newsletter Articles Due


Ranger on newsstands

Nov. 2 & 3: Student Leadership Institute, Student Retreat

Week Eleven:  
Nov. 6 (T)

Fall into Honors Promotion Event (attendance required during regular seminar time and at other times as individual class schedules allow)

 

Nov. 8 (R)

Proposal Work Day

Research Proposal Due

Week Twelve:  
Nov. 13 (T)

Travel Presentations
 


Travel Presentations

Nov. 12 Spring registration begins

Nov. 15 (R)

Travel Presentations Continued

Travel Presentations

Ranger on newsstands

Nov. 15 Common Lobby Art Show, Visiting artist


Nov. 16, 12 - 2 p.m. Student Leadership Institute

Week Thirteen:
Nov. 20  (T)

Travel Presentations
 

Travel Presentations

Last day to withdraw 16 week classes-- please contact your instructor if you are considering withdrawing

Nov. 22 (R)   

Thanksgiving Holiday

 No class

Week Fourteen:
Nov. 27 (T)

Coping with Stress

 

Nov. 29 (R)


TBA

 

Common Lobby Student Art Show

Week Fifteen:
Dec. 4 (T)

Trip Preparation Day

 

Dec. 5 Last day to withdraw from 2nd 8-week classes

Dec. 6 (R)

Holiday Party

Group Three Lunch

Group Three Lunch
Group Three Newsletter Articles Due


Dec. 6-9 Theatre production: “Abigail/1702”

Ranger on newsstands

Dec. 7 Student Life End of Year Party 10 p.m.- 12 a.m. Mr. Gatti’s

Week Sixteen:
Final Exam Week

Dec. 11 (T)

No class meetings during Finals Week

End of Semester Evaluation Due Dec. 11

Dec. 14 Commencement

Additional Information

Syllabus Created on:

08/16/18 9:32 PM

Last Edited on:

08/16/18 9:55 PM