1. Chapter 1 Understanding the New Environment
Welcome to SLS 1103!!!
Chapter 1 Understanding the New Environment

2. Chapter 1 Learning Outcomes
Syllabus --Review
Why take SLS?
The Scissors Game
Chapter 1 Learning Outcomes
Define positive psychology
Describe how High School differs from College
Describe the principles of a “College Culture”
Describe what it takes to be successful in College
Describe support systems available to you at college in the roles of faculty, staff, and administrators.
Explain why it is important to establish relationships with all of these people.
Define work ethic, values, and priorities
Complete and understand the results of a Work Ethic Inventory
Complete and understand the results of a Commitment Inventory
Complete an Academic Contract

3. Why take SLS? Relationship to retention Relationship to success
Effective transition course

4. Retention—
persisting from semester to semester

5. Effect of taking SLS on student success
in College Prep and College credit
classes

6. SLS 1103 and SLS 0001 Scholarship Survey 2006
What FSCJ Students Say
Among students responding to the survey, three-fourths agreed with the SLS requirement policy, and 84% said they would recommend the course to a friend.
SLS 1103 and SLS 0001 Scholarship Survey 2006

7. What FSCJ Students Say
An overwhelming majority (94%) said they planned to continue their studies, and of those planning to continue, 77% had already registered for the summer or fall term.
SLS Survey

8. Positive Psychology
Study of positive emotions, positive character traits, and positive institutions
Does not negate the reality of bad things that occur or bad situations, but assists you in focusing on what is good to help you move forward
Traits that contribute to positive psychology
Subjective well-being
Optimism
Happiness
Self-determination

9. Benefits of Positive Psychology
More success in your work or school
Greater ability to persevere
Less depression and stress
Better overall health
Better relationships with other people

10. How does high school differ from college?
Choice in class selection
Choice in class days and times
Flexible attendance policy
Greater expectations of doing work outside of class
Emphasis on why an answer is correct – can you support your answer?
Responsibility for learning the material is on the student—you need to step up to the plate

11. What are the characteristics of a “college culture”?
“College talk”--clear, ongoing communications with students about what it takes to get to college
Clear expectations
Information and resources
Comprehensive counseling model
Testing and curriculum
Faculty involvement
Family involvement
College partnerships
Articulation or transfer agreements with other colleges

12. What does a student need to be successful in college?
Positive outlook and attitude
Skills—Communication, Critical Thinking, High Level Math
Ability to work in teams
Positive work ethic—responsibility, motivation, people skills
Ability to set Values, Priorities, Goals
Ability to make a commitment with informed rather than influenced choices
Time management skills
Organizational skills
Motivation and ambition
Understanding of the culture of college
Supportive relationships both in and out of college

13. Strong Work Ethic A belief in work as a moral good
Responsibility—acceptance of a duty or action and being accountable for it
Motivation—something or someone that creates an incentive or drive to action
People skills—positive habits, attitudes, behaviors or manners we use around other people

14. Value—a principle or characteristic that is important to someone
Priority—a task, duty, or other action that is more important than others at that moment in time
Goal—the end toward which effort is directed
All are important to success

15. Success—a favorable or desired outcome or the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence
Hope—perception you can reach your goals
Expectation—to consider something reasonable, due or necessary such an obligation
Purpose—something set up as an object or end to attain, or a resolution or determination
Ambition—the effort or drive with which you pursue your dreams and goals
Attitude—should be a “can do” approach which in the case of your College will include being prepared, paying attention, taking part in class activities and completing assignments on time

16. Who will support you?
Faculty—Full-time professors and instructors, Adjunct (part-time) professors, and in large universities Teaching Assistants
Will assist you in class
Will assist you during office hours
May be able to provide other information about your field
Counselors and Advisors
Can help you stay on track with coursework
Can assist when you are having difficulty
Can refer you to a mental health counselor if you are having personal problems
College administrators—especially Deans and Associate Deans
They are there to help you if you have problems
There are Academic Deans and Deans for Student Success
Mentors
Library and Learning Assistance Center Staff
Other College Staff
Your Classmates
Your personal support system

17. What other support is available ?
Library and Learning Assistance Center Resources
College Catalog
Student Planner
Online Resources
Connections homepage
Blackboard

18. Commitments and Choices
Commitment—a promise or pledge to do something for or with someone or something
Formal—often (but not always) involves a legal contract (marriage or something important like completing a college degree)
Informal—less structured (agreeing to get together every week with your friends)
Will enhance your ability to earn your degree
Involves choices about the direction you wish your life to take
Informed choices vs influenced choices—with informed choices, you understand the power other people’s opinions have on your choices, but you ultimately make the final decision. With influenced choices, you let other people’s opinions have the final say, even if they conflict with your own values.

19. Work Ethic Inventory

20. Commitment Inventory

21. Use the results of your commitment and work ethic inventories as you complete your Chapter 1 Reflection Journaling activity