I. General Information

1. Course Title:
On Course: 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:

9. Co-requisite Courses:

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

III. Course Purpose

Other - If this course is not required in a program or is not part of the MN Transfer Curriculum, it may be used for the purpose(s) listed below:

• Liberal Arts Elective
• Non-Transferrable General Education Course

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1.         College Connections

• College success strategies: What does it take to make a successful transition to college? 
• Become familiar with campus resources (ACE, Disability Services, Financial Aid, Library, etc.).
• Become familiar with electronic resources (Orientation to D2L, Netmail, E-services, etc.).
• Getting involved (campus activities, clubs and organizations).

2.         Accepting Greater Personal Responsibility

• Mastering the Language of Responsibility.  Changing your inner conversations; replacing damaging negative thoughts and behaviors (“Victim”) into positive, proactive beliefs and behaviors (“Creator”).
• Making sound decisions using the Wise Choice Process.
• Identify barriers to success, both internal and external.

3.         Increasing Academic Self-Confidence through Self-Motivation and Self-Management

• Using affirmations to increase self-confidence
• Increasing motivation
• Balancing school, work, and other outside factors (Rule of 65)
• Identifying and reducing stress

4.         Interdependence

• Creating a support network within the college and outside of school (home, work, etc).
• Active Listening skills.
• Asking for help: know what help is available, how to access it (both within the college and within the community).

5.         Developing Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness

• Defining EQ vs. IQ
• Identify, manage and de-escalate emotions in self, such as feelings over overwhelm, fear, anger, sadness and stress.
• Recognize, empathize with the emotions of other people to cultivate positive relationships.
• Employ effective communication techniques.

6.         Educational Planning

• Understanding and maximizing your Learning Style.
• Goal Setting: Creating short term and long term goals (DAPPS Method).
• Understanding educational paths – different types of Associate degrees, technical programs.  Understanding Degree requirements (AA, AAS).  Understanding your DARS report.
• Bachelors Degree and beyond: Understanding transfer and pre-major planning.
• Introduce career planning resources (Minnesota Career Information System).