I. General Information
1. Course Title:
Introduction to College
2. Course Prefix & Number:
CCST 1550
3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:
Credits: 1
Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 0
Internship Hours: 0
4. Course Description:
This course will provide college students with the skills necessary to make a successful transition to college. In this course, students will gain personal insight and identify strategies that will help them reach their educational and personal goals. Course activities will focus on introducing students to the skills that are needed for academic success, such as time management, educational planning, strategies for learning, and use of college resources.
5. Placement Tests Required:
6. Prerequisite Courses:
CCST 1550 - Introduction to College
There are no prerequisites for this course.
9. Co-requisite Courses:
CCST 1550 - Introduction to College
There are no corequisites for this course.
II. Transfer and Articulation
1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:
Inver Hills Community College, INTS 1000 On-Course, 1 credit
III. Course Purpose
1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course fulfills a requirement for the following program(s):
Meets the Student Success Requirement of the Associate in Arts degree.
3. Other - If this course does NOT meet criteria for #1 or #2 above, it may be used for the purpose(s) selected below:
- Liberal Arts Elective
- Non-Transferrable General Education Course
IV. Learning Outcomes
1. College-Wide Outcomes
| College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies |
Students will be able to: |
| Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills |
Develop relationships within the college community (class, staff, support resources, and activities) which will enhance their college experience. |
2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of
the course:
- Increase awareness of resources (staff, services, activities) within the CLC community to support and enrich the college experience and help each student grow personally and academically;
- Demonstrate learning skills required for a successful transition to the college campus;
- Locate and access college information and services electronically, become familiar with electronic course management tools, and use the electronic mail system;
- Identify the necessary steps for sound academic and career planning including the completion of an academic plan; and
- Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that lead to success as a college student (time management, motivation, organization, etc.).
V. Topical Outline
Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.
1. Lecture Sessions
Large Group Sessions (lecture): The intent of the large group sessions is to deliver orientation information on topics that are key to making a successful and smooth transition to college. Ideally the large group sessions would meet 1 time per week for the first 8 weeks of the semester.
Week 1: Overview (What to expect). Icebreaker. Transition to college.
Week 2: Introduction to Electronic Tools
- D2L walk-through
- Email (incl. forwarding to personal account)
- Star ID
- E-services
- Campus computer labs
- Star Alert
Week 3: Financial Literacy
- Financial aid – understanding grants, loans, Higher One, jargon
- Scholarships (CLC Foundation app)
- Managing your money on a tight budget
Week 4: CLC Services and Policies
- Advising, Counseling, Disability, Tutoring, Student Life, Student Senate, Library, Veterans, etc.
- Drop/Add, Withdraw, Academic Warning, Suspension, etc.
Week 5: Educational Planning
- Understanding degree paths (ie. AA, AAS, AS, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate)
- Understanding the AA Degree
- Tips for planning for future semesters
- Transfer basics and online tools
Week 6: Career and Major Planning
- Planning for your major
- Searching for colleges that offer your major
- What if I don’t know what I want to “do”?
- Introduction to career planning tools
Week 7: Success Strategies
- Time management
- Rule of 65
- Procrastination
- Organization
Week 8: Success Strategies continued
- Attendance
- Asking for help
- Success in online courses
Small Group Sessions - The purpose of the small group sessions is to provide a supportive setting that encourages students to interact and connect with other students, get to know the instructor, and get involved and comfortable with the campus. Ideally the small group sessions would meet 1 time per week for the first 8 weeks of the semester, concurrently with the large group sessions.
Week 1: Getting to know each other (icebreaker for small group)
Week 2: Hands-on session in a computer lab logging in to D2L, email, e-services, etc. (trouble-shooting log in issues) and basic hands-on practice with navigation.
Week 3: Why am I here? Group discussion and activities to explore the purpose and value of a college education. Using purpose to understand and increase motivation and set educational goals.
Week 4: Getting comfortable on campus: Scavenger hunt of CLC services and departments. Introduce campus connection assignment.
Week 5: Hands-on in computer lab accessing DARS report. Develop a class schedule for next semester. Developing a multi-term plan for future classes.
Week 6: Being engaged and active on campus: Small group discussion on student engagement and Campus Connection reports (attend a club meeting, theater production, athletic event, and report on it).
Week 7: Self-assessment: Understanding your Personality and your EQ as a springboard for success in school and future. Assessments and small group discussion.
Week 8: Small Group Wrap-up: Setting goals for success (this semester and beyond).
Individual session with small group instructor: The intent of the individual session is to provide an opportunity to connect with the instructor and receive individual help.
Weeks 7-16: During the second half of the semester, each student will have a follow-up appointment (one-on-one) with the small group instructor to check in, receive assistance with long term planning, or provide help/support with adjustment issues, etc.