1. Your contract for the course
How to Read A Syllabus
Your contract for the course

2. Understanding and using your class syllabus is key to success in a course at UGA. Think of it as a map for navigating the class.
Many syllabi include the course learning objectives and themes that are key to understanding and succeeding in a class.
Syllabi differ by the type of class, but all have common elements such as instructor information, learning objectives, honesty policies and class schedules (including assignment due dates and exam dates).
Learning objectives may be processes, practices, techniques, proficiencies, concepts, insights, terms or facts. Each discipline sets its own standards.
Icons made by Surang from 
1st at the First

3. Highlighted are the skills and abilities you will
A Few Examples: English 1102
Highlighted are the skills and abilities you will
need to demonstrate to succeed in the class.
Read fiction, drama, and poetry and write analytically about them.
Understand literary principles and use basic terms important to critical writing and reading.
Write projects in and out of class using processes that include discovering ideas and evidence, organizing that material, and revising, editing, and polishing the finished project.
Think critically so that they can recognize the difference between opinion and evidence and so that they can support a complex, challenging thesis.
Address projects to a range of audiences.
1st at the First

4. Highlighted are the skills and abilities you will
A Few Examples: English 1102
Highlighted are the skills and abilities you will
need to demonstrate to succeed in the class.
Understand the collaborative and social aspects of the writing process and demonstrate an ability to critique the writing of themselves and others.
Develop a sense of voice appropriate to the subject, the writer’s purpose, the context, and the reader’s expectations.
Follow the conventions of standard edited English and MLA documentation.
Understand and exploit the differences in the rhetorical strategies and in the affordances available for both print and electronic composing processes and texts.
Use electronic environments for drafting, reviewing, revising, editing, and sharing texts.
1st at the First

5. A very different set of expectations…
Spanish 1001
A very different set of expectations…
Course Objectives:
By the end of the semester, you should be able to:
1. Understand spoken Spanish in simple conversations and understand ideas presented in the text.
2. Be able to ask and answer questions, locate places, and narrate recurring events.
3. Be able to read and understand the main ideas in announcements, newspaper articles, advertising, and more.
4. Write a short narrative composition.
5. Have a basic knowledge of cultural facts; some knowledge of cities in Spanish-speaking countries.
Icons made by Icon Pond from 
1st at the First

6. procedural and technical
Physics 1111
Conceptual
but also
procedural and technical
1st at the First

7. History 2111 Facts and Insights Concepts Proficiencies
1st at the First

8. objectives for the course? Why is what I’m studying important?
Learning objectives provide a frame
of reference for your studying.
Ask yourself:
THINK CRITICALLY
How does what I’m
studying fit into the
objectives for the course?
Why is what I’m studying important?
Not: What will be on the test?
1st at the First

9. The syllabus is your contract for the course. Don’t forget to:
Analytically read over it several times
Return to it often
Keep it with your notes and textbooks
1st at the First

10. Key words and phrases that signal the professor’s priorities.
In summary
Stated learning objectives of the course. These may be processes, practices, techniques, proficiencies, concepts, insights, terms or facts. Each discipline sets its own standards.
Pay attention to:
Key words and phrases that signal the professor’s priorities.
Skills the professor wants you to develop, such as critical thinking, writing or oral communication.
1st at the First

11. Keep in mind: In summary Academic Honesty policy
Attendance policy and other policies with respect to cell phones, computers, class participation, lateness etc.
Calendar of assignments and tests
Keep in mind:
1st at the First

12. About 1st at the First 1st at the First
The 1st at the First Leaders’ Institute meets once a month for two hours in the evening.
1st at the First students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills by mentoring the next cohort of leaders.
In the second semester, you have the opportunity to practice leadership by working in a group on a special project pertaining to the experiences of first-generation students.
Each meeting begins with a time for sharing experiences and questions with your fellow students, followed by activities to help you develop your confidence on campus and identify your leadership abilities.
Icon made by Freepik from 
1st at the First

13. More about 1st at the First
The Institute is designed to help you develop:
Confidence in your ability to successfully navigate the campus and life at a research university.
A community of friends who are sharing the unique experiences of first in the family students.
Understanding of majors and graduation, relevance of the curriculum and campus resources for student support.
Comfort with college protocol and customs.
Communication skills and academic relationship building.
Leadership skills, academic goals and success strategies.
1st at the First

14. For more information about
Contact Judy Iakovou
Thank you!
advising.uga.edu