Jacqueline M. Escobar

COUN 100 College Success - Puente
Fall 2006

“College is as much an experience as it is a place, and both the experience and its outcome are yours to control.
No matter what your past has been, you can choose your future …”
-Carol Kanar, The Confident Student

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Course Syllabus

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ABOUT THE PUENTE PROGRAM  
Bienvenidos to the Skyline College Puente Program. The Puente Program is a nationally recognized, award-winning academic program sponsored by the University of California , Office of the President. The Skyline College Puente Program is one of 54 programs offered in Northern and Southern California Community Colleges. The Puente Program is a three part program involving Counseling, English Instruction, and Mentoring. Our goal is to help you realize and achieve your goals of obtaining a degree at Skyline and/or transferring to four-year colleges and universities. Puente graduates are individuals who go on to become professionals in their chosen professions and leaders in their communities. Welcome to Puente!

COURSE SYLLABUS

COUN 100 College Success – Puente Fall 2006

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
“This course provides information about college/university systems, goal setting, educational planning, study skills, health maintenance, stress management, learning styles, college resources, relationships, and cultural diversity. Transfer: UC; CSU (E1).”

 COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The primary focus of this course is to help you build the skills needed to become a successful college student. In this course, we will explore topics and issues that will help you fully realize your potential for excellence in college. I have attached to your syllabus a list of course objectives (see attached, pages three and four).

 REQUIRED TEXT:
Gonzalez, Pablo . The Caterpillar Factor .
Kanar, Carol C. The Confident Student. Houghton Mifflin Company. 2004
Skyline College Catalog (I will provide you with a free copy of the catalog)
Skyline College Class Schedule (You can pick this up at the One-Stop Center , Building Two)

MATERIALS:
One-inch three-ringed binder
Daily Planner (can be obtained for free from the ASSC)
Blue books (can be purchased at the bookstore)
Index Cards joined by spiral binding and/or rings

ATTENDANCE:
Your attendance in this course is critical to your successful completion of this course. College policy allows only a maximum of six absences are permitted; each absence after the sixth may significantly lower your grade. Should you happen to be absent from class at any point throughout the semester, you are still responsible for completing any and all work assigned or due on the day of your absence. Review your homework handout sheets, consult with a classmate, or review the website to determine what work you may have missed.

TARDINESS:
Class will begin at 9:10 on time every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You are expected to be in class on time. Late arrivals will count as a half an absence.

Respect and treat your classes as you would your job. If you were to be frequently late or absent in your job, you probably would not have a job to go back to for long. The possible consequence to absenteeism and tardiness is the loss of your job and a paycheck. The loss of not attending class and/or being late to class is that you miss important information that could impact your grade in the class. A bad grade in any class has long term implications – for obtaining your degree, for transfer, for internship and scholarship opportunities, etc.

GRADING:
Grading is based on a letter or CR/NC option. Class grading will be based on the completion of the following course assignments:

ASSIGNMENT FORMAT:
All assignments (major and minor) should be typed with 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides, on 8.5” X 11” standard weight paper.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:
If you need assistance with understanding and completing the course assignments, please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance. I am here to help you succeed in the class!

Accommodations are made for eligible students with disabilities. If you have not already done so, please contact the DSPS office at (650)738-4320 or visit the office in Building 2, Room 2208 to obtain an accommodation letter, should you need one.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

SELF-EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT
Conduct an honest self-assessment of your motivation, strengths/weaknesses, personal study habits, learning style, and general college readiness (Preface (Skill Finder); Chapter Two)
Administer, interpret, and evaluate various self-assessment instruments (i.e., Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Strong Interest Inventory) to gain an understanding of your preferred learning style(s) (Chapter Two)

ACADEMIC STUDY
Review of concepts and factors that contribute to your college success
Examine principles of learning to understand learning in general and to determine your preferred learning style
Compare and contrast college study techniques and determine techniques to employ in your own learning.
Develop an individual Student Educational Plan (SEP) based on your academic and career goals.
Establish academic and career goals (Chapter Four)

RESOURCES FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS
Explore college resources such as Library, Learning Center , Counseling, Special Programs, and Career and Transfers Services that support college success
Develop an understanding the value of support systems such as study groups, mentoring, and relationships with instructors and counselors
Develop an understanding of Skyline college policies, rules and regulations

STUDY SKILLS TECHNIQUES
Review of study skills techniques including, but not limited to, …
Goal Setting
Time Management
Reducing procrastination
Test Taking Skills
Memory and concentration techniques

COLLEGE AND CAREER EXPLORATION
Develop an understanding of the systems of higher education including community colleges, CSU, UC and private/independent colleges.
Understanding necessary requirements to meet educational goals regarding transfer, associate degree, vocational certificates and creating education plans
Demonstrate understanding of personal skills, interests, and values as they relate to educational, career and life goals
Examine and evaluate college and university programs to determine majors and decide on the educational path to meet appropriate goals

PERSONAL GROWTH AND VALUES
Analyze personal management of time and self, and develop strategies to maximize student effectiveness
Analyze personal, present and future budget needs; demonstrate an understanding of effective money management strategies; apply knowledge of available financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Research and evaluate at least two careers based on personal values, interests and personality

CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS
Valuing individual strengths and differences
Synthesize, retain and utilize the knowledge, skills and tools gained in the course to function more effectively as a student and global citizen
Understanding cultural diversity

 HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Gain an understanding of issues related to mental health such as, stress, anxiety, depression, drug/alcohol use, personal relationships, diet, exercise, drug/alcohol use, assertiveness training, and decision-making, and their impact on your college success

IMPORTANT DATES