Northeastern State University

College Strategies Syllabus

First Year Experience

Department of Enrollment Management

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Course Title and Number

OREI 1001: College Strategies

Course Web Page:
http://www.nsuok.edu – Click on the Blackboard link

Quizzes and additional class information can be found on each student’s Blackboard under “Course Documents.”

http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~first-year

Handouts and assignments will be found on the College Strategies website

Prerequisites

None

Catalog Description of Course

A course required in the university induction program of all freshmen; consideration of academic, social, vocational, and other basic concerns common to first-year college students.

Credit

1 hour of undergraduate credit

Course Purpose

In an effort to educate and acclimate the student, this course seeks to inform incoming freshmen of successful study habits, collegiate materials, and available resources on campus to ensure academic success.

Expected Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate ability to analyze and synthesize pertinent information regarding new student choices and decisions during his or her academic career.
    2. Identify and utilize appropriate research sources.
    3. Discuss factors that contribute to student academic success and retention.
    4. Explore personal and social issues faced by most first-year students
    5. Acquire valuable academic survival skills.
    6. Develop a support group for the successful transition to college.

Communication With Instructor and Peer Leader

Students should set up and regularly check their NSU email. All campus communication is through the campus email.

Required Material

NSU First Year Experience Student Planner 

Academic Assistance

Students who would like academic tutoring, help with study skills, or counseling about a problem they are experiencing at NSU should visit the First-Year Experience staff in room 121 in John Vaughn Library or call extension 3253.

Instructional Materials

The majority of the instructional materials for this course will be electronic and accessed only through Blackboard unless otherwise indicated. There will be few handouts given in class.

A required companion piece will be an NSU customized student planner that is available in the bookstore. The planner is an essential time management tool crucial to academic success. It contains important dates and information specific to NSU.

Instructional Procedures

A combination of web-based resources, small group discussion, independent writing, and lecture will all be incorporated in the course. The instructor and peer leader will serve primarily as facilitators of a seminar-style course with active student participation.

Student Evaluation

Student outcomes will be measured by class participation, journals, quizzes from online tutorials, participation in campus activities, and attendance at a mandatory NSU College Fair. Handouts for homework will be available on Blackboard.

Grading Scale

A: 90% - 100%

B: 80% - 89%

C: 70% - 79%

D: 60% - 69%

F: 0% - 59%

Student Performance

Most assignments will be done in class or required to be turned in through email. Online tutorials and quizzes will need to be completed before class. Completion of quizzes is tracked through the computer system. In-class group discussion assignments will be due at the end of class. Students must attend the NSU College Fair.

Important Withdrawal Dates

Jan 20: Last day to drop 16 Week Class with a refund

April 7: Last day to drop 16 week class with a ‘W’ without an ‘F’ being assigned

April 28: Last Day to Drop a Single Class or Withdraw from all NSU Classes

Inclement Weather/Disaster Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to receive the information about campus closure due to inclement weather or disaster. Tune into the following to obtain information regarding canceled classes.

Radio: KRMG 740AM; KAYI 107FM; KTLQ 1350AM, KEOK 102FM, KBIX 1490AM; KMMY 9700FM, KVOO 1170AM

Television: KJRH Channel 2; KOTV Channel 6; KTUL Channel 8; Cable Channel 99 in Tahlequah

ADA Compliance

If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations of any nature, the instructor with work with the student and the NSU Office of Student Affairs to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure a fair opportunity to perform in the class. Please advise the instructor of such a disability and the desired accommodations at the conclusion of the first class.

Students who would like help with their writing skills are encouraged to visit the Writing Lab in Seminary Hall, Room 135. The hours are Monday – Thursday 8:30 – 4:00 and Friday 8:00 – noon.

Campus Activities Attendance

Freshmen are required to attend at least one forum during the semester. Athletic or club activities will not count toward fulfillment of this requirement. A list of forum topics, dates, and times will be posted outside the College Strategies classrooms or on Blackboard. If students have questions about appropriate events, they should call the First-Year Experience staff at extension 3253.

Students are required to attend the NSU College Fair.  This is a mandatory activity for all freshmen.  It will be held in the University Center.

Attendance will be verified by students getting their planners stamped at the forums. Students without event stamps in their planners will not receive credit for attendance.