Fall 1998
Thursday 2:00-2:50
Norton 15

Prof. Erik Seeman
seeman@acsu.buffalo.edu
645-2181 x534
 

Course Description:  This class is designed to help you become part of the UB community more quickly and more smoothly than might be possible otherwise.  Through discussion and activities you will learn strategies for getting the most out of your college experience.  This class will pay particular attention to academic issues and skills that will help you in the classroom.  This course emphasizes connecting college success skills to career and life skills.

Course Requirements and Grading:  Attendance and class participation are essential for success in this course along with completion of all assignments.  UB 101 is a Pass/Fail one-credit course.  To pass this course you must complete readings, projects, and assignments; attend class faithfully; and participate in a vigorous and lively class discussion.  One important assignment is a weekly journal you will keep and hand in three times during the semester.

Required Activities:  In addition to homework, the journal, and other assignments there are five required activities:  1) attendance at a campus cultural activity; 2) attendance at a campus sporting event; 3) attendance at an off-campus cultural activity; 4) completion of a library skills notebook; 5) a review of an off-campus event sent to me and two classmates via e-mail.

Required Texts:
 1) Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, and Sarah Kravits, Keys to Success:  How to Achieve Your Goals, 2nd edition (Prentice Hall, 1998).
 2) Course Planner/ Student Handbook (distributed at Orientation).

UB 101 Web Site:   http://www.student-life.buffalo.edu/orientation/ub101.html

University Support Services:
 ïThe Writing Place, 113 Capen Hall, 645-2394
 ïOffice of Disability Services, 25 Capen Hall, 645-2608
 ïThe Counseling Center, 120 Richmond, Ellicott Complex, 645-2720
 ïComputing and Info Technology Help Desk, 216 Computing Center, 645-3542

Academic Integrity:  Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the appropriate citation of sources, and for respect for others' academic endeavors.  By placing your name on academic work, you certify the originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate citations.

Weekly Schedule:

September 3:  Introduction

September 10:  Transition to College and Learning Styles
 Chapters 1 and 2:  Why are students here?  What are the benefits of education?  We  will also discuss our learning styles inventories.

September 17:  Using Campus Libraries
 UB Handbook:  You will complete your Library Skills Workbook for this class.   This will complete your Library Skills component for graduation.

September 24:  Computing Resources
 UB Handbook:  You will be introduced to e-mail, listserves, workshops, and  information on computing facilities.

October 1:  Goal Setting and Time Management
 Chapter 3:  How to set goals, how to set priorities, and how to deal with  procrastination problems.

October 8:  Critical and Creative Thinking
 Chapter 4:  Critical thinking processes, problem solving, decision making,  constructing an argument, and thinking creatively.

October 15:  Reading and Studying
 Chapter 5:  How to read quickly and with comprehension, vocabulary building, and  reading critically.

October 22:  Note-Taking and Writing
 Chapter 6:  A variety of note-taking systems, taking notes faster and more  accurately, writing effectively, outlining and revising skills.

October 29:  Memory and Test-Taking
 Chapter 7:  Listening, study strategies, memory strategies, mnemonic devices, and  how to do well on tests.

November 5:  Choosing a Major and Academic Advising
 UB Handbook:  A review of the services available for helping you think about and  prepare your college curriculum.

November 12:  Divserity and Communication
 Chapter 8:  Diversity and its effects.  Overcoming barriers to communication,  dealing with differences, communication styles, and conflict resolution.

November 19:  Health and Career Management
 Chapters 9 and 10:  Healthy bodies and minds, stress, and sexual decisions.   Planning careers and learning how to budget.

December 3:  Moving Ahead
 Chapter 11:  Living with change, handling success and failure, giving back to the  community, and lifelong learning.

December 10:  Conclusion and Course Evaluation