Faculty FrontDoor

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SLS 1122 New Student Experience ONLINE

CRN 17935

Please view the Course Calendar here.

 

I. Instructor Information

• Instructor Name: Rachel Acosta
• E-mail: racosta12@valenciacollege.edu
• Office Location: Downtown Campus - Virtual Office Hours
• Virtual Office Hours:  Office hours will be hosted by appointment online during the following days/times:
  • Monday 10am-2pm
  • Tuesday 10am-2pm
  • Wednesday 10am-1pm
  • Thursday 10am-1pm
  • Friday 10am-2pm
    
    *Please send me a message using Canvas messages to schedule a virtual appointment. We will use Zoom or Skype to virtually meet. If the hours above conflict with your availability, please feel free to message me via Canvas messages to set up an alternative time that works better for you. I am very flexible and will try to accommodate special circumstances within reason.

Instructor Bio

My Name is Rachel Acosta and I am excited to be your professor this semester. SLS1122 is a unique course that is about your personal development. This is the only course that you will take in college that is literally focused on YOU. I will provide you with tips, tools, and resources needed to be successful at Valencia College and beyond. SLS 1122 is a course that will help you learn more about the necessary support services that are available to you at Valencia.
Studies show that students who take and successfully complete SLS 1122 actually have higher levels of academic success in college, compared to students who do not take the SLS 1122 course. The key to being successful in this class is to open your minds and hearts, participate in classroom discussions and activities and really try using the information provided to you in this course.

 

II. Course Information

Course Description

The New Student Experience is designed to assist students in formulating their purpose in life. Through self-discovery, students will investigate their interests, strengths, and personal values that align with their educational and career goals. Emphasis is on orientation to college, integrated student success skills, and the development of an individualized education plan. Students will learn and integrate practical applications to communicate across diverse populations.

Text Book - Required

CliftonStrengths for STUDENTS,  Publisher:  Gallup (ISBN978-1-59562-215-2)

DO NOT buy used. 

(Optional:Purchase one-time-use access code and receive the CliftonStrengths ebook free.  Note:  Students will not only have access to CliftonStrengths but will also have access to the StrengthsQuest ebook.)

Length of Course/Course Structure & Modality of Instruction

This is a fully online 16 week class. All content will be available in Canvas for the duration of the semester.

In this course, weeks begin on Mondays at 12:01 AM and end on Sundays at 11:59 PM.  

Prerequisite

None

Required Course Technology/Material

• *See textbook information listed above
• Microsoft Office
• Internet

Learning Outcomes

• create a personal purpose statement that outlines and articulates their values, goals, interests, and strengths in relation to their educational and career aspirations.
• choose an academic program aligned with their educational/career goals, interests, strengths, and values.
• design an education plan that includes goals for learning and a financial plan.
• apply college success skills.
• demonstrate effective communication skills with diverse groups.
• demonstrate awareness of college support systems.

 

III. Grading Procedures

Grading Categories or Points

#	Assignment	Point Value
1	1-on-1 Advising & Check-In Meeting	50
2	Syllabus Quiz	25
3	Introduce Yourself Discussion	25
4	Janeen's Schedule Discussion	25
5	FSP Class Discussion	25
6	Strengths Quest Results	50
7	Strengths Quest Presentation	100
8	MyPlan Assessments Results	50
9	Purpose Paper	100
10	Academic BluePrint	100
11	Job Postings	50
12	Scavenger Hunt	50
13	Final Story Planning Document	50
14	Final Story Project Presentation	100
	Total Points:	800

 

See the Course Summary at the bottom of the page for a list of assignments and due dates. 

Grading Scale

A - 90%-100%  (720 - 800)

B - 80%-89%     (640-719)

C - 70%-79%     (560-639)

D - 60%-69%     (480-559)

F - 0%-59%         (0-479)

IV. Policies

Course Communication

Canvas Messages

Netiquette

The term "netiquette" refers to the awareness of the need for a certain code of behavior (etiquette) in electronic environments (the net) ... Net + Etiquette = netiquette. Netiquette, while a general term, is complex at specific levels because there are so many different kinds of electronic environments, and so many different situations in which we may find ourselves in those environments.  In order to maintain a positive online environment for our class, we all need to follow the netiquette guidelines summarized below.

All students are expected to:

• • show respect for the instructor and for other students in the class
  • respect the privacy of other students
  • express differences of opinion in a polite and rational way
  • maintain an environment of constructive criticism when commenting on the work of other students
  • avoid bringing up irrelevant topics when involved in group discussions or other collaborative activities

The following list summarizes the kind of behavior that is not acceptable. Each item listed below is grounds for removal from the class.

Students should not:

• • Show disrespect for the instructor or for other students in the class
  • Send messages or comments that are threatening, harassing, or offensive
  • Use inappropriate or offensive language
  • Convey a hostile or confrontational tone when communicating or working collaboratively with other students
  • USE ALL UPPERCASE IN THEIR MESSAGES -- THIS IS THE EQUIVALENT OF SHOUTING!!!

No Show Policy

Class attendance is required for face-to-face classes beginning with the first class meeting. In an online class, your attendance will be recorded with the completion of an academically-related activity during the first week of class. The assignments given within the first week are crucial. Students who do not submit the academically-related activity or assignment by Sunday, August 29th will be classified as a "no-show" by the instructor at the end of the first week. If you are classified as a “no show,” you will risk being removed from the course and still be financially responsible for the class and end with a final grade of “WN” which will appear on your transcript for the course. If you need to remove yourself from this course, please do so within the first week. The last day to remove yourself without penalty is Monday, August 30th, 2021.

Attendance Policy

Although there is no physical attendance that is required, it is your responsibility to login to Canvas frequently to be "present" in this class. I am able to keep track of your activity within the Canvas course. The activity tracker displays how frequent you login and how long you are active inside the Canvas course. By logging in and turning in your assignment for the week, you are showing that you are actively participating in the course. Most students who login throughout the week are more successful. Please do not expect to login once a month and be successful in this course. If you are falling behind due to outside factors, please reach out to me to figure out what the best option is for you at that time.

There may also be opportunities to attend optional Zoom sessions to connect with myself and your peers. Please take advantage of these Zoom sessions to connect with others as well as partake in discussions and ask questions that you may have.

Inactivity in this course will result in a further discussion regarding Course Withdrawal.

 

Please refer to Valencia College's Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawal (Link)

Make Up/Late Work Policy

Each Assignment has a Two Day Grace Period from the original due date. You'll have 48 hours from the original due date to submit your late work for partial credit.

Points will be deducted if an assignment is turned in late. Each day after the due date, 10% will be deducted from your total score. After the end of the Two-Day grace period, the assignment will no longer be accepted for credit.

For example, if an assignment is due on Sunday at 11:59pm, and it is not turned in until Monday, 10 percent will be deducted. On Tuesday, 20 percent will be deducted. However, the absolute last day that the assignment can be turned in is Tuesday by 11:59PM (2 days after the original due date) for partial credit. 20% will be deducted from the total score for the assignment being late. This does not include additional point deductions for other potential areas that you may lose points.

Please plan accordingly. It is better to turn in work even if you do not feel it is your "best" work than to turn in nothing at all and receive a "0". Zero's significantly bring down your grade.

Participation Policy

Participation will truly make this class more meaningful. Participation in online course activities and discussions is expected. This includes completing the assignments, posting in discussion forums, reading your textbook, asking clarifying questions when needed, making thoughtful comments and participating in optional Zoom sessions throughout the semester.

 

V. Valencia Drop/Withdraw Policy

Administrative Withdrawal

If you owe the college any money after the end of the Drop/Add period, the college has the option to withdraw you from all registered classes. You will still owe the balance plus any other fees if they are charged. You are not eligible for a refund.

Student Initiated Drop

You can drop a class or all of your classes before the end of the Drop/Add period August 30, 2021, and are entitled to a 100% refund of the refundable fees. Your Valencia account will be credited, and after all fees have been paid, a check or charge card credit will be issued. Refer to the college catalog for further information.

Student-Initiated Withdrawal

You may withdraw from a class or all of your classes after the end of the official Drop/Add period (see above) but before the withdrawal deadline November 3, 2021. However, you are not eligible for a refund. If you owe the college any money, you will still have to pay that balance. A student is not permitted to withdraw from a class after the withdrawal deadline. According to Valencia policy, a student who withdraws from class before the established deadline for a particular term will receive a grade of “W". A student is not permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline. Refer to the college catalog for further information.

Faculty Initiated Withdrawal

A faculty member is NOT permitted to withdraw a student under any circumstance at Downtown Campus. I do not withdraw students. If you're planning to withdraw, please do so before the deadline, November 3, 2021. 

Please refer to Valencia College's Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawal. However, please keep in mind that Valencia College Downtown Campus operates differently in regards to Withdrawal. Downtown Campus does NOT withdraw students. This class is listed as a Downtown Campus section.

 

Please refer to Valencia College's Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawal 

Class Deletion

You are responsible for payment for all classes not dropped from your schedule by the Drop/Refund Deadline listed in the Important College Calendar Dates section of the catalog and in the Credit Class Schedule. Non-attendance in any course(s) will not qualify you for a waiver of your financial responsibility for the course(s).  If you do not pay by the specified date and time, you may lose all of your classes and will have to attempt to re-register. It is your responsibility to review your account with the college.

If you have further questions please contact the Business Office.

VI. Student Support Services

Office for Students with Disabilities

Valencia is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and services are accessible to students with disabilities. The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) determines reasonable and appropriate accommodations for qualified students with documented disabilities based upon the need and impact of the specific disability. To obtain a letter of accommodation, contact OSD at 407-582-2229.

For more information refer to the Office for Students with Disabilities.

BayCare Student Assistance Services

For more information refer to BayCare.

VII. College Links

Below are helpful links to Valencia College's resources or information. Click each on to learn more: 

• Valencia Academic Calendar
• Valencia Catalog
• Valencia Policies
• Valencia Student Handbook
• Learning/Course Support
• Learning Support by Campus
• Learning Technology Support/Services
• Canvas Student Guide
• Obtain Microsoft Office for Free
• Student Services

 

VIII. Academic Integrity

Plagiarism

Software is used to detect and prevent plagiarism. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means

• • • to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own
    • to use (another's production) without crediting the source
    • to commit literary theft
    • to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward. 

Academic Dishonesty Policy

All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, acts or attempted acts of plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, facilitating academic dishonesty, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive.

All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the students' individual thoughts, research, and self-expression. Whenever a student uses ideas, wording, or organization from another source, the source shall be appropriately acknowledged.

Students shall take special notice that the assignment of course grades is the responsibility of the students' individual professor.

Please refer to Valencia College's Academic Dishonesty policy.

 

IX. Title IX - DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND RELATED MISCONDUCT

Notice of Non-Discrimination Based on Protected Status

• It is the policy of the District Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the College, without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, sex/gender, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and any other factor protected under applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws, rules and regulations (collectively referred to as “Protected Status”).
• In addition, Valencia College (“Valencia” or “College”) strives to be a community in which all members can learn and work in an atmosphere free from all forms of Harassment, including Sexual Harassment, discrimination, intimidation and/or retaliation. This Policy prohibits all forms of Discrimination and Harassment based on Protected Status. It expressly, therefore, also prohibits Sexual Assault and Sexual Exploitation, which by definition involve the conduct of a sexual nature and are prohibited forms of Sexual or Gender-Based Harassment. This Policy further prohibits Stalking and Interpersonal Violence, which need not be based on an individual’s Protected Status. Finally, this Policy prohibits Complicity for knowingly assisting in an act that violates this Policy and Retaliation against an individual because of his or her good faith participation in the reporting, investigation, and/or adjudication of violations of this Policy. These behaviors are collectively referred to in this Policy as Prohibited Conduct.
• All members of the College community are responsible for conducting themselves in accordance with this Policy and other College policies and procedures. Valencia students and employees who violate this policy may face discipline up to and including expulsion or termination.
• The College’s protection of these statuses is grounded in federal, state, and local laws. The College encourages all community members to take reasonable and prudent actions to prevent or stop Prohibited Conduct. Taking action may include direct intervention when safe to do so, seeking assistance from a person in authority at the College, enlisting the assistance of friends, contacting law enforcement, or contacting Campus Safety and Security. Members of the College community who exercise this positive responsibility will be supported by the College and protected from Retaliation.
• The College has an obligation to make reasonable efforts to investigate and address known or suspected instances of Prohibited Conduct. To foster a climate that encourages prevention and reporting of Prohibited Conduct, the College will actively promote prevention efforts, educate the College community, respond to all reports promptly, provide Interim Protective Measures to address safety and emotional well-being, and act in a manner that recognizes the inherent dignity of the individuals involved.

Sexual or Gender-Based Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Interpersonal Violence, and Stalking

• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states that: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
• Sexual or Gender-Based Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, and Retaliation, as defined in this Policy, are prohibited forms of discrimination under Title IX, which covers all of the College’s programs and activities. Like racial, religious, and national origin Harassment, Sexual or Gender-Based Harassment, and Sexual Violence are also prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 760 et al, F.S., and other applicable laws.
• The College’s prohibition against Interpersonal Violence (including domestic and dating violence) and Stalking is also governed by federal law because these forms of behavior are prohibited by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C.§ 1092(f) (the Clery Act) and Section 304 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. Such acts violate the essential dignity of our community member(s) and are contrary to our institutional values.
• The College, as an educational community, will promptly and equitably respond to reports of Sexual Assault, Interpersonal Violence, and Stalking in order to eliminate the Harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects on any individual or the community. The College recognizes that Sexual Assault, Interpersonal Violence, and Stalking encompass a broad spectrum of conduct and will respond according to both the severity of the offense and the threat it poses to the campus community.

For more information on Title IX and Valencia refer to the College's website (Link).

X. FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law regarding the privacy of student records. These rights are transferred to students when he or she reaches the age of eighteen or attends a school beyond the high school level at any age. Due to confidentiality and this law, grades and course progress can only be discussed with the student.

XI. Disclaimer

Changes to the course (including the syllabus) may be made at the discretion of the professor, and students will be notified of any changes via Announcements or Canvas Messaging.