SLS 1122
STUDENT SUCCESS

REQUIRED TEXT:
BECOMING A MASTER STUDENT, ELLIS 8th Edition THE STUDENT SUCCESS PORTFOLIO


COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Student Success is a three-credit-hour course which provides an opportunity for the student to learn and adopt methods to promote success in college. The course includes an introduction to the college and its resources, an understanding of how to develop individual study skills and personal development of life skills.


OBJECTIVES:
At the conclusion of the Student Success course, a student should be able to demonstrate mastery in the following areas:


COLLEGE RESOURCES OBJECTIVES
-Critical Thinking... apply critical thinking skills to areas involving the use of college resources -Library Skills... complete the "Pathfinder" activity and demonstrate library skills in other disciplines. -Computer Skills... be able to0 complete assignments using the computer. -IMC... utilize appropriate services of the Instructional Media Center (i.e. testing, reading prep, foreign language lab, or videos) -Tutoring Center... utilize services as needed. -Counseling Office... utilize appropriate services for academic advising or personal counseling. -Registration... be able to successfully enroll in classes. -Financial Aid... utilize the Financial Aid office in order to secure financial assistance. -Student Development... describe various opportunities to become active in the college community. -College Catalog... utilize their personal copy of the college catalog to access information about Valencia College.


STUDY SKILLS OBJECTIVES
-Critical Thinking... apply critical thinking skills in the area of decision making.
-Note Taking... describe the note taking process and utilize one of the styles of note taking.
-Time Management... name at least ten ways to get the most out of now and develop a study plan for college that utilizes these techniques.
-Reading... explain the concept of Muscle Reading and apply the techniques of this concept to any textual material.
-Memory... describe and demonstrate five memory techniques.
-Computer Skills... use the computer in relation to how to study.
-Writing... characterize the three phases of writing and cite specific examples of how these phases have worked in writing assignments.
-Test Taking... explain two techniques of taking math and science tests and demonstrate how these techniques can be applied to taking tests in other subject areas.


VALENCIA'S POLICY on absences as follows:
After three absences you will receive an excessive absence form and you will need to have a conference with your instructor. After five absences and with no further warning you will be withdrawn from the course. If you must miss class, you are expected to notify the instructor.


LATE POLICY:
It is very disruptive to your classmates and your professor if you arrive after class has begun. Repetitive lateness will be counted as an absence. If you come into class after roll has been taken, you are considered late and it is your responsibility to have your absence erased in my grade book.


WITHDRAWAL POLICY DEADLINE:
You may wish to withdraw from a class or from all your classes. To withdraw BEFORE the withdrawal deadline (see class schedule), you must file a withdrawal form in the RECORDS OFFICE, Bldg. 5. To withdraw AFTER the withdrawal deadline, you must file a withdrawal form in the Department Office.
If you withdraw on or before the withdrawal deadline, you will receive a "W". After withdrawal deadline, your professor will assign you a withdrawal grade based upon your academic achievement in the class as of your last date of attendance. (WP-withdrawn passing, WF-withdrawn failing).
IF YOU DO NOT WITHDRAW AND DO NOT TAKE THE FINAL, YOU WILL RECEIVE A "WF". SEE ATTACHED THE NEW WITHDRAWAL POLICY.


HOMEWORK:
All homework assignments MUST BE TURNED IN THE ASSIGNED DAY FOR FULL CREDIT. Some assignments must be TYPED/WORD PROCESSED.


THE MAC LAB:
One of the most important ways to be successful in college is to know something about the computer. You will have assignments throughout the semester dealing with the Mac Lab. Relax...becoming a computer literate IS NOT DIFFICULT.


GRADING:
Tests will be given during the semester along with a Midterm and Final Exam. MAKE UP TESTS WILL BE GIVEN IN CASES OF VERIFIED MEDICAL OR PERSONAL EMERGENCIES.

30% Participation/guest speakers/videos
30% Homework-journals and text exercises
20% Student presentation
20% Tests and Final Exams


A=100-90
B=89-80
C=79-70
D=69-60
F=59-BELOW



FINAL EXAMINATION PERIOD: A two-hour final examination period will be scheduled during exam week. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.