NSCC 1010 - E-mail:

NSCC 1010: First Year Experience Instructor: Times: Classroom: Office: Phone: Email: Course Description: The First year Experience course is a one credit hour course, designed to meet three hours per week for five weeks. It introduces first‐time freshman students to strategies and techniques for academic success. The course develops and applies practical knowledge and relevant skills for first‐year college students. The course includes an orientation to college resources, policies, processes, utilization of technology, and information literacy. Course Outcomes: Upon Completion of the course, student will be able to  Identify student support resources for achieving academic success  Create academic and career goals  Explain and apply strategies that support academic success  Describe personal barriers to academic success and how you will overcome them. Required Text: See bookstore Assignments: Financial Literacy (Transit) Module – 50 points Everfi, a financial literacy program, will be available to students within D2L. Students will complete modules covering a variety of topics related to money and finances. Haven (Sexual Harassment) Module – 50 points Haven is the premier online program addressing the critical issues of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual harassment. All incoming freshmen are required by TN state law to complete this training. Students for whom completing the assignment is uncomfortable for personal reasons may satisfy the course requirement by meeting with the Dean for Student Services (615‐353‐
3261 / carol.martin‐[email protected]) to discuss why completing the assignment is uncomfortable. For information regarding resources for victims of sexual misconduct, please contact the Dean for Student Services. Final Exam – 50 points A final exam will be given at the end of the course. The exam will be based on required readings, class lecture, and discussion. The exam will consist of 25 multiple choice questions. Other assignments as determined by the instructor – Assessment Everfi Modules – Transit & Haven Instructor Assignments Final Exam Grading Scale A = 90 – 100%, B = 80 – 89%, C = 70 – 79%, D = 60 – 69%, F = 59% and below, Value 50 points 50 points Total Points 100 points 50 points ATTENDANCE POLICY 1. Each student is expected to be on time, attend all scheduled classes, and stay for the entire class session. 2. An absence is defined as non‐attendance for any reason, including illness or emergency. 3. Absences Allowed: Any student with absences exceeding the equivalent of one week’s class time will receive a grade of “FA” for the term. Coming to class late (after the instructor has taken attendance) and/or leaving early (before the instructor dismisses the class) counts as a tardy. Three (3) tardies count as one (1) absence. Any student arriving more than 30 minutes after class has started or leaving more than 30 minutes before class is dismissed will be considered absent for the entire class. 1. Any student who is absent is responsible for the content of the class missed and any assignments given. The student is encouraged to get notes and information missed from another student in the class or to contact the instructor. 2. In‐class assignments cannot be made up unless the course instructor decides work can be made up. Student Communication Channels It is the student's responsibility to check D2L and MyNSCC email on a regular basis. These are the official communication channels between the college and students. Students are responsible for the information communicated through those channels. D2L contains specific course information and MyNSCC contains information important for other purposes. Early Warning System Nashville State Community College has implemented an Early Warning System to notify students via e‐
mail about academic problems such as poor classroom attendance, poor performance on assignments/tests, poor communication skills, late/missing assignments, and/or lack of classroom participation. Please note that Early Warning Alerts do not affect a student's academic standing. ADA Compliance Statement Nashville State complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you wish to request any special accommodations for any courses in which you are enrolled, contact the Access Center at 353‐3721.
Sample Course Schedule* Date Topic Week 1 Introductions, Campus Resources & Services 
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Week 2 
Financial Literacy 
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Week 3 Understand how Financial aid is applied and used, and how to access NSCC and outside resources for more information. Understand the various repayment options for student loans and alternatives to Financial Aid, including scholarships, grants, work‐study, and earned income. Complete the on‐line EverFi “Financial Wellness” module that provides a basic introduction to financial literacy concepts. Understand the top five important long‐term goals for financial literacy, and how these goals impact lifetime financial decisions. Increase awareness of resource information for financial literacy to include budgeting, investing, credit, and insurance. Study Strategies & Learning Style 
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Week 4 Identify and name at least two college resources available to assist them in achieving their academic goals Identify their advisor Demonstrate ability to access information resources via NSCC library Identify student expectations outlined in NSCC Student Handbook Demonstrate ability to use NSCC online learning system Understand how to read the NSCC schedule.
Complete a personal learning styles inventory Discuss personal barriers to achieving academic success and a plan to overcome these challenges Demonstrate effective note‐taking techniques in current classes Apply study strategies in current classes consistent with personal learning styles Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with others as they work on intellectual projects Demonstrate the ability to prepare appropriately to participate effectively in class discussion Time Management & Goal Setting 
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Examine strategies for academic and personal success Identify academic and personal goals Assess current time management skills Develop time management schedule consistent with goals Exhibit effective time management skills by balancing academic work with other activities such as social life, work, and family. Assignments Discussion Question 1: Which campus resources/services (choose at least 3) do you think will be most beneficial to you during your time at NSCC? Explain your answer. Everfi Haven modules Set up your Everfi account. Begin work on the Everfi Financial Literacy modules (Transit). Discussion Question 2: What are some things you can do today to ensure that you are financially stable in the future? Think about what you have learned about budgeting, and saving. Discussion Question 3: Develop two SMART goals that you will need to meet to achieve your academic plans. Think about your major, the GPA you hope to earn, and if you intend to continue to a four year college/university. Career Assessment ‐ http://www.planningyourdreams.org/ Discussion Question 4: Develop two SMART goals that you will need to meet to achieve your career plans. Think about what your plans are after you complete school (here or at your next school). What kind of job will you have? What kind of environment will you work in? How much money do you hope to make? Week 5 Critical Thinking 
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Demonstrate ability to identify and apply academic strategies for analyzing, synthesizing, and critically evaluating information from their courses. Demonstrate the ability to distinguish opinions and beliefs from researched claims and evidence Identify occupations compatible with their personality, ability and interests Select a program of study that supports their academic and career goals Discuss academic and career goals with your advisor Formulate a two‐year college plan consistent with academic and career goals Formulate a class schedule for the next semester Discussion Question 5: What obstacles or challenges might you face in working to achieve your academic and career goals? How will you overcome these obstacles and challenges when you are faced with them? *Subject to Change with notice CLASSROOM CONDUCT POLICY NASHVILLE STATE HAS A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR DISRUPTIVE CONDUCT IN THE CLASSROOM. The instructor has primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and maintenance of academic integrity. He/she can order temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct, or conduct which violates the general rules and regulations of the College. Disruptive behavior in the classroom that obstructs or disrupts the learning environment is defined as: 
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Offensive language Harassment of students or professors Repeated outbursts from a student which disrupt the flow of instruction or prevent concentration on the subject taught Failure to cooperate in maintaining classroom decorum Continued use of any electronic or other noise or light emitting device which disturbs others;  Beepers  Cell phones  Palm pilots  Lap‐top computers  Games Students who are removed from class for disruptive behavior will not be allowed to return until the issue is resolved. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY Any form of academic dishonesty, cheating, plagiarizing, or other academic misconduct is prohibited. “Plagiarism may result from: (1) failing to cite quotations and borrowed ideas, (2) failing to enclose borrowed language in quotation marks, and (3) failing to put summaries and paraphrases in your own words” (A Writer’s Reference 331). Academic dishonesty may be defined as, but is not limited to, intentionally trying to deceive by: claiming credit for the work of another person, using information from a web page or source without citing the reference fraudulently using someone else’s work on an exam, paper, or assignment recycling your own work from another course purchasing papers or materials from another source and presenting them as your own attempting to obtain exams/materials/assignments in advance of the date of administration by the instructor impersonating someone else in a testing situation providing confidential test information to someone else submitting the same assignment in two different classes without requesting both instructor’s permission allowing someone else to copy or use your work using someone else’s work to complete your own altering documents, transcripts or grades forging a faculty/staff member’s signature IN ADDITION TO OTHER POSSIBLE DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS THAT MAY BE IMPOSED THROUGH REGULAR COLLEGE PROCEDURES AS A RESULT OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY, THE INSTRUCTOR HAS THE AUTHORITY TO ASSIGN AN “F” OR A “ZERO” FOR THE EXERCISE, PAPER, OR EXAMINATION, OR TO ASSIGN AN “F” FOR THE COURSE.