LEAD 115: First-Year Posse Scholar Success: Syllabus

COURSE LEARNING GOALS

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Connect with resources and develop a network of support
• Engage in self-reflection to identify barriers and opportunities when it comes to successfully meeting goals
• Utilize a growth mindset and have an increased sense of resiliency
• Develop a sense of identity, pride, and community related to being a Posse Scholar

SUGGESTED MATERIALS

There is no required text for this course; instead, I will post the needed resources on this course page. Be sure to let me know if you have problems viewing them.

Please have the following materials with you for each class: a place where you can take notes, any time management system that you use (such as a planner), and any materials that you find helpful as we practice the strategies that we are discussing in class. Students are encouraged to use all forms of technology that assist them in their optimal learning; however, please limit technology use to what is needed for our class. 

ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS
If you are registered with the Office for Disability and Access (ODA) and wish to discuss academic accommodations, or if you have any questions in this regard, please let me know. Also, I am happy to help you get connected to ODA staff if you suspect you may have a disability, but have not participated in testing before. I encourage you to use your own fidget toys and/or engage in doodling or any other activity that will help you focus during class.

SAFE SPACE
This classroom should be a safe space for all scholars. If you feel uncomfortable about anything that comes up in class, please reach out to me to voice your concerns.

BARRIERS TO SUCCESS
I understand that this is an especially difficult time, and that students are navigating a variety of challenges. I know that it can be especially challenging to learn effectively if you have trouble meeting basic needs like having a safe place to sleep and enough food to eat. If you are finding it difficult to navigate any challenges outside of class, I encourage you to reach out to me so that I can get you connected to resources that may be helpful.
 

COURSE COMPONENTS
This course is graded on a P/NP basis.  You will succeed if you do the following:

• ATTEND CLASS
  In order to maintain a sense of community among our Posse, I strongly encourage you to attend every weekly class session. However, I understand that situations may arise that may prevent you from attending class; if this is ever the case, please email me to let me know that you won’t be able to attend class. For a scholar to be given credit for this course, they must have no more than three class absences.
   
• COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNMENTS
  There are no exams in this class, but there will be two assignments. The due dates for the assignments will be listed below, and the assignments should be completed by 11:59 PM EST on these dates to receive full credit, unless granted an extension. The guidelines for the assignments will be discussed in class. If you anticipate having difficulty submitting an assignment by the deadline, please contact me in advance so we can discuss the possibility of an extension.
  
  Assignment #1 (Time Management) due: October 12
  Assignment #2 due date: TBD
   
• ATTEND ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGS 
  I’m looking forward to getting to know more about you and your goals during our biweekly one-on-one meetings. We’ll have to opportunity to check in about academics, life outside of academics, and Posse. We will also use this time to celebrate your progress throughout the semester. 

If you are having difficulty completing any of the minimum requirements to pass this course, it is essential that you communicate with me -- the sooner, the better.  Remember that reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness!
 

TENTATIVE COURSE CALENDAR
Below you will find a list of topics we will cover in this course. Please note that the dates we will cover each topic are subject to change.