Sherfield and Moody Cornerstones

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 • 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