Sherfield and Moody Cornerstones Topic: Persist

Persistence You are going to stay; You have found a way to make it work; You have found a way to not give up. What tools will you need?

Universal College Policies Federal Privacy Act of 1974 Placement testing Strict add/drop dates Classroom attendance policies Strict refund policy Academic Dishonesty Policy

The College Professor Wears many hats Has “academic freedom” Teacher, researcher, author, advisor Has “academic freedom” The privilege to teach controversial subject matter without threat of termination

Your Role in Earning Grades If you are unhappy with a grade you earned on an assignment or project, ask yourself: -Did I omit something required? -Did I focus improperly? -Did I turn it in late? -Did I document my sources correctly? -Did I really give it my very best?

Classroom Challenges Do you have a professor that is difficult to understand due to a language barrier? What if you have a disagreement with a professor? What are the written and unwritten rules of civility, classroom etiquette, and personal decorum?

Ethics The accepted moral code or standard by which we live Six questions to ask yourself when making a decision: Is it legal? Is it fair to me and to others? Can I live with my decision? Is my decision in my long-term best interests? Can I tell my loved ones about it and be proud? How would I feel if it was on “page one” tomorrow?

Examples of Academic Misconduct Giving answers or getting answers during testing Using unauthorized “cheat sheets” or aids Sharing exam questions from an un-administered test Copying files from a lab computer Using an instructor’s edition of the textbook Buying or acquiring papers online Assisting others with dishonest acts Lying about why you missed a test or deadline Plagiarism of others’ words or ideas Bribing others or stealing others’ academic work

Plagiarism Using someone else’s ideas or words without proper documentation Serious offense in college Involves fraud, stealing, lying Can usually be avoided by properly citing sources

Student Services Assistance outside of the classroom You pay for them, so use them! Include areas such as: Tutoring and computer labs Library services Services for students with disabilities Health services Student activities and organizations

Academic Advisors/Counselors Assist you with selecting courses to complete your plan of study Can save you time and money See them early and often

Planning to Transfer? Need catalogs from current and future institution Save syllabi from all courses taken Know requirements of future institution Most grades below “C” not transferrable GPA does not transfer to new institution Seek out transfer counselor at your campus

Your Grade Point Average GPA determines enrollment status, financial aid options, transferability, and honors Know the quality points for your college’s system Example: A = 4 points on 4.0 scale Know minimum requirements for academic and financial status

Topic Reflection Know what it takes to persist and succeed in college Practice self-responsibility Guard your ethics and integrity and be civil Know the rules and policies of your college Establish a relationship with campus personnel Get involved on campus Make use of available student services