1. Sherfield and Moody Cornerstones
Topic: Persist

2. 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?

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

4. 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

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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