LAS I 101, Introduction to the University

Required Texts:  Beierlein, James G. and Wade, Barbara K., Navigating Your Future: The Principles of Student Success (2002) Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA.
        2003-2004 Wichita State University Undergraduate Catalog
        2003-2004 Student Planner (Provided for you)
        Additional Readings may be provided for you or placed on reserve in Ablah Library.

Instructor's Philosophy: Congratulations on deciding to further your education. I want to you to be successful and believe it's important that you understand the challenges you'll face in continuing as a college student. The hard work ahead requires commitment and focus. You will be evaluated on the quality of your work, your ability to follow directions, your attendance and promptness, your willingness to learn, and your ability to problem solve and think critically.
           You should also have a life outside of the classroom. one that allows for socializing, hobbies and reflection (and in many cases some employment). This means that you must take care of yourself and be responsible for the consequences of your actions. College allows you to prepare for future career opportunities, develop a personal philosophy of life, cultivate meaningful friendships and relationships, and learn emotionally and physically healthy habits. The university is fertile ground for establishing life changing views and habits.

Course Objective: The purpose of this course is to improve your chances of academic success through the application of learned study and transition skills. Specific attention will be given to time management, goal setting, personal financial management, learning styles, test taking, note taking, memory reading, critical thinking, writing and public speaking skills. You will also participate in discussions on career exploration, academic advising, campus involvement, health, diversity, values clarification and campus safety. This course is a 3-credit hour, college level, letter-graded class. We will help you become a good student, but the responsibility for success lies with you!

Attendance/Classroom Behavior: Promptness and attendance become the primary way of communicating your commitment to achieving educational goals. Learning involves mastery of new material, re-evaluating already familiar information, and also extensive processing of content in a variety of contexts: class involvement and participation, successful completion of assignments and performing well on exams. Your education is highly subsidized (around 50% of the cost!), so many persons have a stake in your success. Thus, the foundational expectation for this class is that you will be present each class period and that you will be on time and prepared for each day's activities. Timeliness shows maturity, responsibility, respect and preparation on your part. Attendance will be taken through a variety of means and may happen at any point in a specific class.
            Since "being present" ( in the full sense of then word-intellectually, emotionally and physically) is the primary expectation, attendance will count heavily in course evaluation. Should an absence be absolutely necessary, contacting the teacher BEFORE the class period is crucial. Documentation is necessary. No make-up work will be considered for unexcused absences. More than three unexcused absences may result in administrative withdrawal from the course. Excused absences are at the discretion of the teacher.
              For some members of this class, ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION IN THIS CLASS IS A REQUIREMENT FOR MAINTAINING ENROLLMENT IN YOUR OTHER CLASSES THIS SEMESTER. Thus, three monthly Progress Reports covering activities in all your classes will be assigned (and for which you'll receive the designated points). Details concerning this process will be provided. Progress Reports not completed on time may lead to dismissal from the university.
                  A second basic expectation involves respect for everyone in the class environment. This class will offer extensive opportunities for interaction and will be fulfilling for you if you are willing to become an active and consistent participant. Attending college should be considered as a full time job for many students, and the behaviors you develop in classes have significant transfer to other aspects of your life. Cell phones and pagers interrupt others in class and must be turned off during class time.

Academic Honesty: Wichita State University considers academic honesty a core value to be practiced by every member of the university community. Please read, understand and practice the academic honesty policies as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog and in the Student Planner. All work submitted for this and other course must be your own. Cheating, plagiarism, lying, thievery and/or bribery have no place in this environment. 

Disability Services: Your instructor works with Disabilities Support Services to provide appropriate academic opportunity for all students. You may reach DSS at 978-3309 or in #150 Grace Wilkie Annex. Their website is http://www.geocities.com/trio_dss/resources.html