Fall 2007

Paradise Valley Community College

 

AAA 115 Creating College Success

*      About AAA115    Help & Policies  Outline & Assignments  College Resources   

 

Instructor:      Rick A. Sheets, Ed.D.

Telephone:  602-787-7183 (wk)  602-448-8730 (cell)

E-mail: rick.sheets@pvmail.maricopa.edu

 

Section Number of course: #7090

Days & Times: Mondays & Wednesdays  12:00-12:50  (8 weeks, 8/20/07-10/10/07)

No class on Monday, 9/3/07

Room: J139

 

Required Textbook:  On Course, 5th edition, by Skip Downing

Required Materials:  3 ring notebook

 

Welcome!  My goal in this course is to offer you one of the most valuable learning experiences of your entire life.  And I need your full cooperation to make it work!

 

What is this course about?

 

Course Purpose:  This course is designed to help you create greater success in college and in life.  In the coming weeks, you will learn many proven strategies for creating greater academic, professional, and personal success.  We will use guided journal writings to explore these strategies, and as a bonus, you will learn to express yourself more effectively in writing.  You may never again have an opportunity quite like this one to discover how to create a rich, personally fulfilling life.  I urge you make the most of this extraordinary opportunity!  If you do, you will dramatically change the outcome of your life – for the better!

 

Course Objectives:  In this course you will learn how to…

1.      Take charge of your life.  You will learn how to take greater personal responsibility, gaining more control over the outcomes and experiences that you create both in college and in life. 

2.      Increase self-motivation.  You will learn to create greater inner motivation by, among other things, discovering your own personally meaningful goals and dreams. 

3.      Improve personal self-management.  You will learn numerous strategies for taking control of your time and energy, allowing you to move more effectively and efficiently toward the accomplishment of your goals and dreams.

4.      Develop interdependence.  You will learn how to develop mutually supportive relationships with people who will help you achieve your goals and dreams as you assist them to achieve theirs. 

5.      Increase self-awareness.  You will learn how to understand and revise your self-defeating patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion as well as your unconscious limiting beliefs.

6.      Master effective study skills.  You will learn how to raise your grades in college by improving essential study skills like reading, note taking, memorizing, studying, and test taking. 

 

Method:  By reading On Course (our textbook), you’ll learn empowering strategies that have helped others create great success.  By keeping a guided journal, you’ll discover how to apply these success strategies to achieve your own goals and dreams.  By participating in class activities and focused conversations, and by completing a course project, you will further improve your ability to stay on course to your success.  Once you make these new strategies your own through application, you’ll have the ability to dramatically improve the outcome of your life – academically, professionally, and personally. 

 

What are the ground rules?

 

Attendance Policy:

Attendance is taken in every class.  This class is about college success and the first rule of success is to show up!  Three tardies equal one absence.  By college policy I have the right to withdraw any student who misses more than the number of times the class meets per week.  If you miss a class, you need to call or email me as soon as possible.  If you know you will miss a class ahead of time, you should turn in the assignment early; if that is not possible, turn in assignments at the very next class. 

If you cannot reach the instructor, you should contact another student in the class to find out what the assignments are so that you will be ready for the next class.  

 

Late Work Policy:  

You are allowed one late assignment with a late coupon attached with full points. 

 

Classroom Etiquette:

§         Portable electronic devices must be turned down or off.  If they are turned down, upon ringing they are to be silenced. Talking on a cell phone or texting during class is not permitted during class instruction as they are inappropriate and disruptive to the learning process.

§         Please arrive on time, leave when class is dismissed, and listen respectfully when someone else is speaking. Students whose behavior interferes with the learning process will be asked to leave class.

§         Food and drink are not permitted in the classroom.

 

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is a serious offense.  It is the unacknowledged use of another’s words, ideas, or information.  Some common examples of plagiarism are summarizing or paraphrasing source material without documentation, quoting without citations, copying all or parts of another writer’s paper, having another person write the paper, or purchasing another writer’s paper.

 

To avoid plagiarism, students must give a source credit for any ideas or information they have used in a paper, whether they have paraphrased, summarized, or quoted from the source. 

 

A student who plagiarizes is subject to disciplinary probation and suspension (see page 218 of the PVCC Catalog.)  The first occurrence of plagiarism will result in at least a zero for that assignment.  On the second offense, or if intent to defraud is shown on the first occurrence, either could result in a grade of “F” for the course.

 

Syllabus Changes:
“Students will be notified by the instructor of any changes in course requirements or policies via class announcements.”

 

For Your Protection:

It is your responsibility to SAVE your journals, essays, and assignments on your hard drive or other storage device.  Keep these copies in a safe place until you have received your final grade.

 

How will I be graded?

 

Attendance/Participation (5 points per class)

75

14 Success Journals (5 points each) (On Course, #1, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9 or #10,
#9 or #12, #13, #15, #16, in class #31)

70

Special Team Assignments: Scavenger Hunt (10 points) & In-class Jeopardy Exercise (5 points)

15

Quizzes

40

Philosophy of Success Essay (required to pass):

50
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE:
250

                                                                        

Grading Scale:

90-100% =  A

                     80-89%  =  B

                     70-79%  =  C

                      <70%   =  F

No D’s are given for this course. Anything below a score of 175 is not considered a successful completion of the class and you will need to take the class again next semester to meet the completion requirement.

 

            Attendance/Participation/Quizzes: 

This is a course for students who wish to be successful in college and in life.  One of the most important factors of success is any endeavor is consistent and active participation.  To encourage and reward your preparation for active participation at every class, eight unannounced quizzes on the readings will be given.  If you have read the assignment and completed your journal entry, you should have no trouble earning the maximum points (5) for each quiz. 

 

Great success is created one small step at a time.  Each time that you earn your quiz points you take an important step toward your success in this course…..and in life! 

 

            Success Journals: 

Your success journal provides an opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings as you experiment with the success strategies presented in On Course.  By carefully examining each strategy in your journal, you will discover which ones will assist you to create a rich, personally fulfilling life.   Although I will be collecting your journals and looking through them, write your journal for yourself, not for me.  

 

The numbered journal entries in the On Course textbook will typically be written outside of class.  Additionally, you will write occasional lettered journal entries based on class exercises.  These entries will be written in class.  At various times you may have an opportunity to read a journal entry to one or more classmates.  THEREFORE, PLEASE BRING YOUR TEXTBOOK AND JOURNAL TO EVERY CLASS. 

 

Journal entries should be written or typed and placed in a 3 ring binder.  This requirement will assure that none of your entries gets lost.  At the end of this semester, you will have your entire journal to keep for years to come.  Many students come to regard their personal journal as one of their most valued possessions. 

 

Journal Evaluations:   Journals are due each class period.  I may not read every journal entry you write.  Instead, I will look through your journal to verify the completion of each assignment and to give credit for a job well done.  I read some journal entries to get a sense of the issues you are working on.  With this knowledge I can be of greater assistance to you this semester.  If you want my comment on a specific journal entry, please let me know.  Each journal will be awarded the maximum points if it fulfills the following two criteria:

1.       The entry is complete (all steps in the directions have been responded to), and

2.      The entry is written with high standards (an obvious attempt has been made to dive deep). 

Grammar, spelling, and punctuation will NOT be factors in awarding points in this journal.  You are free to express yourself without concern for Standard English conventions.  However, if I cannot read your handwriting, or if it is tattered or unpresentable, I will return it to you to redo. 

 

            Personal Philosophy of Success Essay:

In this essay, you will present your own Personal Philosophy of Success, identifying the On Course success strategies that you will use for years to come.  This essay is your opportunity to write the script that will keep you on course to a rich, personally fulfilling life! Be sure to follow the handout which will provide you with guidelines for writing it and will also include scoring guidelines.

 

An “A” paper will…

1.      Demonstrate the writer’s careful consideration of several On Course success strategies.

2.      Contain extensive support (examples, experiences, evidence, and/or explanation) for each strategy, and

3.      Show a commitment to excellence in preparation, including professional appearance and a command of Standard English.

 

What can I do to be successful?

  

To create the very best environment for supporting your success and the success of your classmates, this course has three important rules.  The more challenging these are for you, the more value you will experience by adopting them.  By choosing to follow these three rules, you are choosing to be successful not only in this course but in your life.  These rules will support your success in every goal you pursue! 

1.      Show up!  To support my success, I choose to attend every scheduled class period in its entirety.

2.      Do the work!   To support my success, I choose to do my very best work in preparing all of my assignments and hand them in on time. 

3.     Participate actively!  To support my success, I choose to stay focused and involved in every class, offering my best comments, questions, and answers when appropriate.

 

*      About AAA115    Help & Policies  Outline & Assignments  College Resources   

 

Where can I get extra assistance?

 

            The Learning Support Center:

Please feel free to make an appointment with a tutor if you need assistance with assignments.  Tutors in The Writing Center, which is a part of the Learning Support Center, can assist you with writing concerns. Tutoring is free to PVCC students.

 

Counseling:

Feel free to make an appointment with a Counselor if you need assistance with personal issues or help in selecting a major/career.  Counseling is free to PVCC students.  The phone number to make an appointment is (602) 787-6540.

 

Textbook Website:  

www.college.hmco.com/pic/downing5e

Click on Online Study Center 

 

What other policies do I need to know about?

           

Students Rights and Responsibilities:

Students are responsible to read and understand the District-wide Scholastic Standards found in the current Student Handbook.  Pay particular attention to the technology section, 2.5.2 Student Disciplinary Code, Article III, Paragraph 15.

 

Student Disabilities:

Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center, KSC room 119, (602) 787-7170.

 

Withdrawal Policy:

If you are considering withdrawing from CPD/AAA 115, please speak with your instructor first.  If together you determine that it is best for you to withdraw, then go to Admissions and Records in the Kranitz Student Center (KSC building)  to complete the necessary paperwork.  The responsibility for withdrawing is yours. If at the time of withdrawal a student has a grade of “C” or higher, a “W” (withdraw passing) will be assigned.  Otherwise, a grade of “Y” (withdraw failing) will be assigned.

 

*      About AAA115    Help & Policies  Outline & Assignments  College Resources   


Course Outline and Assignments: (8 week course)

 

NOTE:            Course material and assignments may vary to fit the needs of this individual class.  Additional readings from your text and writing assignments may be added as the instructor sees the need.

 

WEEK

TOPIC

ASSIGNMENTS

1.  Mon., 8/20 & Wed., 8/22

Introduction to course

Inner Qualities/Outer Behaviors

      of successful students

 
  1. Scan text.  5 questions that you are interested in. DUE 8/22
  2. For 8/22, read pp. 1-6.  Take Self-Assessment on pp. 6 - 9 (or online).
  3. E-mail Journal #1 (pp. 12) to instructor DUE 8/27

2.  Mon., 8/27 & Wed., 8/29

Desired outcomes & experiences

Learning Teams – commitments

       & constitution

Learning College Customs

In-class team quiz
  1. For 8/29, read “Learning College Customs” pp. 18 - 21. 
  2. For 9/5, read pages 48 – 50 on Effective Reading.  Read pages 22 – 33 using SQ3R method. 
  3. Journal #3 Due 9/5

3.  Wed., 9/5
(No class on Mon., 9/3)

Victim/Creator

Language of Responsibility

The On Course Game
  1. For 9/10, read pages 34 – 47
  2. Journal 4 Due 9/10
  3. Journal 5 Due 9/10
  4. Journal 6 Due 9/10
4.  Mon., 9/10 & Wed., 9/12

Effective Reading

The Wise Choice Process

Effective Note-taking

Case Study:  Popson’s Dilemma

Discovering Self-Motivation
  1. For 9/12 Read pages 53 – 61 (use SQ3R!).  Reading Log.
  2.  Journal 7 Due 9/12
  3. For 9/17, read pages 62 – 75.  Reading log.
  4. Journal 8 Due 9/17

5.  Mon., 9/17 & Wed., 9/19

Visualize Perfect Workday

iGoal

Acting on Purpose

Employ Self-Management Tools

  1. For 9/19, goals emailed to instructor
  2. For 9/19. read pages 75 – 80. 
  3. Journal 10 Due 9/19
  4. For 9/24, read pages 87 – 101.
  5. Journal 9 or 12 Due 9/24

6.  Mon., 9/24 & Wed., 9/26

The Graduation Game. 
3 foot tosses.  30 foot tosses.

Effective Studying

Test-taking Strategies
  1. For 9/26, read pages
    101 – 111
  2. Journal 13 Due 9/26
  3.  For 10/1, read pages
    142 – 144 and pages
    120 – 126.
  4. Describe study & test-taking strategies.
  5. Journal 15 Due 10/1

7.  Mon., 10/1 & Wed., 10/3

How to write the Philosophy of Success paper.

Scavenger Hunt of College Resources

Case Study:  The Procrastinators

Interdependence

 
  1. For 10/3, read pages 126 – 141.
  2. Scavenger Hunt in-class
  3. Journal 16 Due 10/3
  4. For 10/8, read pages 170 – 173. 
  5. Personal Philosophy of Success Paper Due 10/8

8.  Mon., 10/8 & Wed., 10/10

Self-Awareness:  Recognizing When You Are Off Course

Commencement/Evaluation
  1. For 10/10, read pages 147 – 169.
  2. In-class
    Self-Assessment on 10/10
  3. In-class Journal 31
    on 10/10

 

 

 

 

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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

 

 

Students engaging in the following are subject to disciplinary sanctions outlined in the PVCC Catalog, Student Policies Section.

 

Acts of Dishonesty; examples include:

Plagiarism

Furnishing false information

Falsifying records related to coursework

Forgery, alteration, misuse of any college document

Tampering with the election of any college-recognized official

 

Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or college activities.  An instructor can remove a student from class for disciplinary reasons.

 

Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion and/or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person.

 

Attempted or actual theft

 

Failure to comply with direction of college officials or law enforcement officers

 

Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any college premises

 

Violation of federal, state, or local laws on college campus or at college sponsored activities

 

Use, possession or distribution of narcotics or other controlled substances

 

Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, or public intoxication

 

Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, weapons, or dangerous chemicals

 

Participation in a college demonstration that disrupts the normal operations of the college

 

Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on college premises

 

Conduct which is disorderly, lewd or indecent

 

Theft or other abuse of computer time

 

Abuse of the judicial system

 

 

 

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*      About AAA115    Help & Policies  Outline & Assignments  College Resources   


PVCC STUDENT SERVICES RESOURCES

 

 

The majority of services are open Monday – Thursday 8:00 -7:00 and Friday 8:00 – 5:00.  Appointments may be required for some areas.  Visit our Web Site at www.pvc.maricopa.edu for more information.

 

Athletics – To learn more about our athletic programs call (602) 787-7173 or e-mail us at www.pvc.maricopa.edu/athletics.

 

Academic Advising – KSC186, (602) 787-7060.  Advisors are available to assist with classes and degree information.  Discuss your goals, education history, and interests with the advisor . 

Hours:  Walk-in 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.   Afternoon and evenings by appointment.

 

Admissions and Records – KSC111, (602) 787-7020.  Services include registration, transcript requests, graduation requests, and educational records.  This office maintains all student records.

 

Assessment Center – KSC226, (602) 787-7050.  Services include placement, ESL, instructional , and CLEP testing.  Assessment helps students identify their existing skills and knowledge.

 

Bookstore - KSC143, (602) 787-7120.  The Bookstore, operated by Follett, sells new and used textbooks, school supplies, greeting cards, gifts, sundries, college clothing, trade books, and educationally priced software.

 

Child Development Center – D101, (602) 787-7150.  This service is available for the children of PVCC students.  The program’s main focus is language development, fine motor and social skills for children between the ages of 3 – 8 years.

 

College Safety – KSC126, (602) 787-7900.  Provides safety and security measures for the campus.  Services include lost and found, emergency assistance, first-aid, parking decals, photo ID’s.

 

Counseling/Personal Development – KSC177, (602) 787-6540.  Free, confidential counseling is available to prospective and currently enrolled students at PVCC. Counselors are available by appointment.  Please call or stop by the Counseling Office.

 

Disability Resource Center/Student Development – KSC119, (602) 787-7174.  This office participates in the Americans with Disabilities Act which include reasonable accommodations with access, resources, and support services.  Student development activities include student orientations, ESL student support, and student diversity program.

 

Financial Aid – KSC101, (602) 787-7100.  Services include financial counseling for students, assistance in completing the financial aid process and information about scholarship programs.  Financial aid includes grants, loans, student employment and scholarships.

 

Career Services/Job Placement KSC Building, (602) 787-7073.  This office provides job listings on and off campus, assistance in job searches, internships, and Maricopa Career Network for on-line postings.

 

Learning Support Center, E Building, (602) 787-7180.  The Learning Support Center provides free tutoring and other learning support for most PVCC courses.  Free tutoring includes study groups, drop-in tutoring, individual appointments and on-line tutoring.  Learning Support resources include video tapes, software, and print materials to provide help with both course content and study skills.  Hours:  Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

 

Library - E Building, (602)787-7200.  The PVCC Library offers a print and media collection of approximately 40,000 items.  In addition, the library now has a collection of electronic books.  An online catalog provides indexing to much of the material held by PVCC as well as materials owned by other Maricopa County Community College libraries.

 

Service Learning, KSC141A.  (602) 787-6657 or (602) 787-7241.  Service-Learning is a direct expression of the PVCC vision statement.  Our college is dedicated to “building partnerships… that cross institutional boundaries for innovative instruction and coordinated community service.”  Service-Learning combines academic learning and educational goals with student action in real life situations outside the four walls of the classroom.  Students are given the opportunity to learn and develop as leaders through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that meet vital community needs. 

 

Student Life, KSC135, (602) 787-7244.  The center encourages students to participate in college and community life.  Some activities include honors, leadership training, service learning, student clubs, Student Leadership Council, Emerging Leaders Program and student insurance.

 

Veteran’s Services, KSC 111 (602) 787-7045, is located in the Admissions and Records Office.

 

 

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SYLLABUS ACKNOWLEDGMENT RECEIPT

 

 

NAME:_________________________________________________________________

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