Orientation to College Success Skills

SDV 100 – 44W (18153) Online Format Only

Pamela Manuel M.S, Counselor/Instructor, Woodbridge Campus, WC Building Room 202, Student Services, (703)878-5761, pmanuel@nvcc.edu

REQUIRED TEXTS and WEBSITES:

1. Stepping into the Future, 3rd Edition, Tanya Ludutsky

2. NVCC Catalog – visit College website online or Student Services Room 202

3. NVCC Student Handbook – visit College on line or Student Service Room 202

4. College website: www.nvcc.edu

CLASS SCHEDULE AND IMPORTANT DATES:

First 8 -Week Session
Classes Begin	January 12
Schedule Adjustments (add/drop/swap -- on NovaConnect) without Permission	January 12-14
Schedule Adjustments with Permission (adds -- in person only; drops -- on NovaConnect)	January 15-20
Martin Luther King Day Holiday for Faculty, Staff and Students	January 19
Last Day for Schedule Adjustments with Tuition Refund	January 20
Last Day to Withdraw Without Grade Penalty or Change to Audit	February 13
Last Day to Apply for Graduation	March 2
Classes and Examinations	March 8

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION: SDV 100

This course is designed to give students an introduction to college life and provide tools that allow for a successful transition to college. The course provides students with the academic tools for success and teaches the skills of self-management and self-responsibility that relate to being a successful student.

II. INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD: This is an online course. Students should contact the course instructor by email or phone with questions or concerns. Each student is assigned a college e-mail by the Virginia Community College system (VCCS). This instructor and other College staff will periodically communicate with you via this method. It is expected that you check your college e-mail account regularly. Students may also schedule an appointment by calling 703.878.5761 or at the Counseling Office, Room 202.

III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: To satisfactorily complete this course students complete and submit all assignments on the specified date. Assignments should be college quality.

IV. EVALUATION & GRADING SYSTEM:

Satisfactory completion of all assignments is necessary for completion of the course. All written work is expected to be grammatically correct, neat, typewritten and submitted by the deadlines outline in the syllabus. Grades will be assigned as follows:

GRADES:

Points = Letter Grade

A - 200

B - 190

C - 180

D - 170

F - 160 and below

V. COURSE POLICIES

a. Attendance Policy

This is an online course, therefore no class meetings are required.

b. Withdrawal Policy

It is your responsibility to withdraw from this class. If your name is on the grade roster at the end of the term, a grade of “F” will be recorded for those who have not dropped the course or satisfactorily completed the assignments.

c. Grading

There are No curves. Your grade is reflective of your efforts and quality of your work.

d. Disability Services

Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact a Counselor for Disability Services in the Student Services Center of any campus to discuss possible accommodations. All information is kept confidential and may increase your chances of success in the academic setting.

e. Appointments

Set up an appointment by: 1) Visiting the Student Services Center (Room 202) or 2) Set up an appointment with me via email or phone. I do not always guarantee an immediate response but will return your email or phone message within 48 hours.

VI. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

To ensure the integrity of your work it is important that you maintain the highest standard of honor in your scholastic work. This includes any work associated with the class ranging from journals to reporting attendance to campus events. Students who violate the Honor Code or are found to be dishonest will receive a grade of “F” for the course. See the Student Conduct Code (p.71, 2007-2009 Student Handbook).

VII. ETHICAL AGREEMENT FOR COMPUTER USE

As a student at Northern Virginia Community College you may have access to and use of information technology, services and resources as part of your enrollment. The Virginia Community College System has established a student ethics agreement for the use of college computer information technology. Your use of this technology is limited to your role as a student at the College and there are certain security procedures that you are expected to observe. Copies of the “Information Technology Student/Patron Ethics Agreement” have been posted in computer laboratories.

VIII. Assignments

Assignments are due by the date listed. I will not accept late work. All assignments must be typed, double-spaced 12point font except for where outlined in your syllabus. All assignments should be grammatically correct and neat. All assignments should have your name, date, title of the assignment and class section on EVERY sheet. Assignments with multiple pages should be stapled together.

X. EMAIL

All email contact between the instructor and student should be done using only NVCC/VCCS issued email addresses. Instructors cannot use outside student email addresses to discuss grade related issues. You can set up your college email address so that it is forwarded to an external email if that is your preference.

XII. THE IMPORTANCE OF A COLLEGE SYLLABUS

In any class your college syllabus is a roadmap to success. Your syllabus is a contract between you and your professor. Should you misplace your syllabus please connect with a classmate for a copy.

XIII. CHANGES TO THE SYLLABUS

The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus except for the grading policy and attendance policy. You will be notified of all changes verbally and/or in writing.

XIV. DUE DATE OF ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments are due Friday, March 6, 2009 to Room 202 Student Services, Woodbridge Campus no later than 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted on the assignment and grade sheet form. The assignment and grade sheet form will serve as the cover sheet when assignments are submitted for grading.

Assignment and Grade Sheet

Your Name: EMPLID#:

Assignment Due Date Point Value



Email Assignment Send Email to Professor Manuel Introduce yourself (Please see below)	No later than 5pm on January 23, 2009	0 -10

Time Management Complete Page 203-205	March 6, 2009 4:00 p.m.	0-10

College Expectations Activity 1 pp.27-28	March 6, 2009 4:00 p.m.	0-10

GPA Exercise Activity #3 p. 31 Directions p. 20	March 6, 2009 4:00 p.m.	0-10

Understanding the Way You Learn Chapter 3 Pretest p. 46 and Homework Activity “What’s Your Style” p. 61	March 6, 2009 4:00 p.m.	0-20

Becoming a Better Note Taker Chapter 4 Complete Pretest p. 64 and p. 75 Homework Activity , Part 1	March 6, 2009 4:00 p.m.	0-20

How to Study- Chapter 5 Complete Pretest p. 80 and Homework Activity p. 95	March 6, 2009 4:00 p.m.	0-20

Taking Test with Confidence Chapter 6 Complete p. 98 and 113	March 6, 2009 4:00 p.m.	0-20

Set up meeting with Professor Manuel by email or call 703.878.5761	Complete by January 23, 2009	0-30





Stress Management Chapter 10 - Complete the Stress Index on p. 157	March 6, 2009 4:00 p.m.	0-10

Managing your Finances Chapter 14 – Complete Monthly Budget p. 293	March 6, 2009 4:00 p.m.	0-10
Transfer Planning Worksheet pp. 273-274	March 6, 2009 4:00 p.m.	0-20

Woodbridge Library Tour Assignment. Complete Tour and page 299.	March 6, 2009 4:00 p.m.	0-10

Email Assignment (please include the following):

Standing – Freshmen/Sophomore
What is your major?
Are you transferring? To which university?
How comfortable are you with your study skills?
Contact information – Phone number and alternate email
Are you taking any developmental English or math courses?

Please include SDV 100-44W in any emails you send to the professor.