EXTENDED ORIENTATION SYLLABI - SG S 100 FRESHMAN SUCCESS SEMINAR

This one-credit elective course was introduced as part of Lynchburg College’s continued commitment to the success of its first year students. This course is being taught by the experts on what it means to be a new student at LC –students themselves – specifically the Connection Leaders you met during Orientation/Registration. Each week you will meet for one hour to continue your orientation to college-life. In addition to covering campus policies and resources, goal setting, time management, wellness, relationships, money matters, and good decision-making, you will have time to discuss whatever you are facing as part of your transition to adulthood. When you come to the final class meeting you will have learned a great deal about succeeding in college – in and out of the classroom. You will also have gotten to know other freshmen, and an upper-class student, very well. To summarize, this course is all about you – and how to help you get the most out of your first semester at LC. This involves meeting the goals established by LC for its first year students:

You will get to know one instructor or staff member well.
You will find a group of friends with similar interests.
You will make friends with someone different from you.
You will become involved in at least one activity.
You will think of Lynchburg as your second home.
You will attend all of your classes regularly, arriving promptly.
You will confirm or explore a major.
You will learn to set goals and budget your time.
You will get excited about at least one class each term.
You will finish the year with at least a 2.3 (C+) q.p.a. on at least 26 credit hours (8 courses).

G S 100 has been specifically designed to address the things first year students will be facing, as they are facing them. The skills that are the cornerstone to success at LC are the foundation of this class. These critical skills are:

Managing time, stress, finances, and relationships in college
Studying in college
Setting goals and achieving success in college
Knowing campus policies and regulations
Learning how to balance freedom with responsibility
Examining personal ideas and decisions regarding relationships, alcohol use, wellness, safety, diversity (advance critical thinking/ self-awareness)
Clarifying values, priorities, and interests
Establishing effective and appropriate communication skills and patterns of in-class behavior – understanding the culture and expectations of college life and specifically LC
Becoming comfortable with small group discussions and presentations
Being familiar with campus resources and knowing when to use them
Understanding how to comfortably interact with faculty members, instructors, and advisors
Developing healthy and respectful relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Realizing that you are not the only one facing these challenges during their transition to college.

Expectations and Assignments:
You will receive a grade of Pass or Fail in G S 100. Because it is a graded, credit-bearing course it should be approached like any other course offered at Lynchburg College.

Students will meet with their Freshman Advisor as designated in the agreement/communications outlining these appointments
Quiz on Hornet policies and Undergraduate Studies Catologue
2 written reflections on transition issues
Students will participate in at least one community service project and complete event report form
Students will attend at least one cultural event on campus and complete event report form
Group presentation on their “legacy” project
Students will be respectful of classmates, instructors, and guest speakers
Students will come to class prepared and ready to participate
Students will be open and honest with their CL and Freshmen Advisor about study habits and academic progress

You can expect the following from your CL/instructor:

They will be prepared and on time for class
They will have time to listen to your questions and concerns
They will be a knowledgeable and accurate resource
They will be available and accessible to assist you
They will be respectful of all students and guest presenters.
They will act in a manner that is appropriate for an instructor.
They will let you have fun and get to know your classmates.
They will respect your right to privacy.
They will be understanding and helpful.

8/25 – Welcome Week: First meeting with Advisor, CL, and your Connections Group.
8/29 or 8/30 - Session I: What Matters: Academic and Social Policies at LC
9/5 or 9/6 - Session II: Wellness Education: Safety and Security
9/12 or 9/13 - Session III: Relationships 101: Roommates, New Friends, Old Friends, & Family
9/19 or 9/20 - Session IV: Goal Setting and Time Management/ Advisor Meetings
9/26 or 9/27 - Session V: Co-Curricular Opportunities On and Off Campus
10/3 or 10/4 - Session VI: Study Strategies – College is Different Than High School
10/10 or 10/11 - Session VII: Staying Healthy and Happy in College
10/7 or 10/18 WEEK OFF: Discovery Weekend
10/24 or 10/25 - Session VIII: Mid-Term Grades: Making the Most of the Rest of the Semester
10/31 or 11/1 - Session IX: Wellness Education: Alcohol and the College Student
11/6 or 11/7 - Session X: Managing Finances on Your Own
11/13 or 11/14 - Session XI: Explorations and Transitions

REQUIRED READING: COURESPACK