First Year Experience Seminar

Faculty Facilitator's Office Hours: M 2-3, T and Th 2:40-3:30, F 1-2, or by appointment. Everett 5525
Faculty Facilitator's Contact Information:
Email: melinda 'dot' koelling 'at' wmich 'dot' edu
Office Phone:387-4509
Student Facilitator's Email: emilee 'dot' frederick 'at' wmich 'dot' edu

Course Description & Objectives: The FYE Seminar is a course designed for a student's first semester at WMU. The seminar is designed to provide an intellectual transition into Western Michigan University under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The FYE Seminar focuses on the habits of learning. In addition, the seminar supplies information on campus resources and generally helps students feel connected to the University and campus.

FYE Seminar students will:

*Learn how to take initiative in the learning process
*Explore an intellectually important topic with faculty and students
*Improve critical reading skills
*Learn how to analyze a problem and develop systematic problem solving skills (individually and, where appropriate, in small groups)
*Develop procedures for investigating a specific topic and how to share conclusions/analysis in a well-argued and well-documented paper
*Learn how to present ideas for discussion and critical reflection
*Attend co-curricular (out-of-class) events with a FYE cohort
*Examine broad concepts of "difference" and the impact of those concepts in a learning environment
*Learn about the purposes of an intentional education that necessarily includes personal, as well as, intellectual development.

Recommended Reading: Gardner and Jewler: Step by Step to College and Career Success (on reserve at Waldo library and possibly online)

Class Environment and Expectations: My hope is that each of us will actively engage in the learning process, as well as challenge and support each other to take risks. Expectations for each of you are: that you complete all work in a timely fashion and with integrity; that you bring your whole self to class each week; that you participate actively and knowledgeably in class discussion; and that you feel free to raise questions, challenge what we read and discuss (respectfully), and listen carefully (even when the perspectives shared are not consistent with your own belief systems).

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Class Attendance and Participation Class participation and engagement are central to the goals of this seminar. Since it is impossible for you to participate in class if you are not in attendance, the FYE Seminar policy for this semester is that more than 2 unexcused, verifiable absences will result in a NCr. If you have questions or concerns about what constitutes an excused absence, please talk to your faculty facilitator early in the semester. It is recommend that you "save" the possible two absences from class for unforeseen problems, such as minor illnesses, car breakdowns, missed rides, snow storms, crises, et cetera.

It is expected that students attend all classes and are prepared to discuss the assigned readings/co-curricular activities and to participate in class activities. Bring questions/comments to class for discussion. You are responsible for obtaining missed information; materials presented in class will not be presented individually. By remaining in this class, you are assuming responsibility for coming to class, arriving on time, staying until the end, and participating in class activities and not engaging in other non-classroom activities (e.g., reading non-class material, painting fingernails, doing job-related work, reading the newspaper, listening to a walkman). If you arrive late or must leave early, please do so quietly and respectfully.

It is expected that undergraduate students demonstrate the following professional behavior: - a balance of verbal input and involved listening. - avoid side conversations when a colleague is speaking because this behavior is distracting & disrespectful. - intellectual involvement with the material. - verbal and nonverbal encouragement to colleagues to develop their ideas. - a willingness to understand & appreciate the material (remember, understanding does not equal agreement). - respect for colleagues' ideas, thoughts, and feelings. - involved participation in individual and group activities. active participation in the small/large group discussions. arriving late/leaving early with minimal disruption to class. Due: Unannounced & Ongoing

2. Attend 4 co-curricular events: 1 theatre production; 1 service learning activity; 1 HPER/Health Fair; 1 Diversity activity. Due: When scheduled

3.Reading and Writing Assignments: In most class meetings, you will assigned a project to be done before the next meeting. You will be asked to write a short (most often one page or less) paper about the project or prepare to present the results of your project to the group. Due: At the beginning of class

4. End of semester project: You will conduct a series of interviews and do some library research to evaluate possible majors and/or career choices. You will write a paper (3-5 pages) and give a short presentation on your findings. Details to be discussed. Due: November 21

SPECIAL NOTES

Academic Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities: Both in compliance with and in the spirit of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), we would like to work with you if you have a disability that is relevant to your work in this course. If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact one of the facilitators as soon as possible. You may also contact the office of Disabled Student Resources and Services at 387-2116 (or at http://www.dsrs.wmich.edu).

Recommended Statement on Academic Integrity from the Professional Concerns Committee of the Faculty Senate: You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and procedures in the Undergraduate (pp. 274-276) [Graduate (pp. 26-28)] Catalog that pertain to Academic Integrity. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.

APPROXIMATE COURSE OUTLINE

Monday Class Meetings

Aug 25nd : time management (bring: student info sheet, fall class schedule, planner or calendar)
Aug 29th: no class - classes begin Monday 4pm
Sept 5th: no class - Labor day
Sept 12th: aims of education, why college makes a difference
Sept 19th: learning styles
Sept 26th: communication in writing and speech
Oct 3rd: critical thinking
Oct 10th: majors and careers, planning next semester
Oct 17th: health and wellness (fair last week)
Oct 24th: proof
Oct 31st: library skills (drop in meetings - Oct 14, 20, 28)
Nov 7th: discuss shared waters
Nov 14th: TBD
Nov 21st: TBD
Nov 28th: presentation of career information

Other Required Meetings

Tues Oct 11: Health Fair, 11am -7pm
Oct 22, 23, or 26: Proof
TBD: Service Learning Activity
TBD: Shared Waters
Tues Dec 6th: 2:45 - 4:45, semester recap