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

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

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

Retention— persisting from semester to semester

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Work Ethic Inventory

Commitment Inventory

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