Academic Success Class

SLS 3140: Academic Success Strategies for Transfer Students
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SLS 3140 - Academic Success Strategies for Transfer Students
Spring 2021
January 6 – April 23, 2021
1 credit hour
Section 12:
Wednesdays | 3:05 – 4:20 PM EST
Synchronous/remote via Zoom
Course Instructor and Office Hours
Name Ms. Dawn Adolfson, MS
Title Instructor
Email dadolfson@fsu.edu
Phone (850) 404-9864 call & text
Office Zoom Personal Room: https://fsu.zoom.us/my/dawnadolfson
Office Hours Tuesdays 4:00 – 5:00 PM EST or by appointment
Course Description
This course is especially designed for transfer students who seek to improve their academic outcomes.
It focuses on the development and application of classroom, life, and engagement practices necessary
for successfully navigating the increased scholastic expectations of a research university. Students will
reflect on and adjust formerly unsuccessful strategies and choices.
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Reflect critically on past assumptions, prior learning, prior thinking, and prior behavior.
2. Set realistic academic and career goals and establish benchmarks to measure progress toward
those goals.
3. Apply appropriate learning strategies according to their own learning styles and course content.
4. Monitor their own progress toward learning, identify areas of need, and utilize appropriate
campus resources to support and reach desired outcomes.
5. Develop a comprehensive calendar and strategy to prepare for the requirements of any course,
including exams, papers, projects, or presentations.
6. Select appropriate learning and networking experiences to address identified areas of need,
enhance the transfer experience, and prepare for future professional and academic
opportunities.
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students should be undergraduate students who have transferred into Florida State University from
another institution with 45 or more earned credit hours.

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Required Texts, Readings, and/or other Resources
There is no assigned textbook for this course. Any assigned readings or videos will be distributed by
the instructor or will be available via Canvas.
Students should have a separate spiral notebook or 3-ring binder for each course on his/her schedule.
Students may be asked to purchase index cards, post-it notes, highlighters, or other study, time
management, and organization aids during the semester.
Each student is expected to have access to a calendar or planner to record and keep track of important
deadlines, assignments, and personal appointments. Students may select any form of planner
including a physical calendar, notebook, smartphone, Google Calendar, or any other approved
example.
Teaching Strategies
The methods of instruction for this course include lecture, large and small group discussion, audio-
visual instruction and materials, on-campus or virtual experiences, and guest speakers.
Field/Clinical Activities
Students will be required to utilize assigned campus resources and reflect on those experiences, for
example, visiting the academic advisor, utilizing office hours, attending support workshops, or
engaging in tutoring/supplemental instruction sessions. These activities are available virtually.
Learning at a Distance
Learning at a distance is a different experience than traditional classroom learning. Some courses at
FSU are exclusively online, meaning that you work at your own pace according to established
deadlines. This asynchronous type of learning usually includes discussion boards and video tutorials
and lectures. Other classes are remote or synchronous, meaning that they still meet using Zoom at
specific class days and times. This section of SLS 3140 is a remote/synchronous class, this means your
attendance at scheduled Zoom class sessions is required.
FSU uses Canvas as its online classroom and Zoom as its official meeting software. Utilize the
resources at Distance FSU and Virtual FSU to get help with accessing your Canvas classrooms,
downloading and using Zoom, and connecting with virtual campus resources.

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Developing Our Learning Community
• We will endeavor to create a democratic and inclusive learning climate and community that
allows for freedom of expression, critical reflection, and enhanced listening, constructive
dialogue, meaningful participation, and understanding.
• It is expected that everyone will provide constructive feedback on the quality of the course
content, methods of instruction and learning processes. Efforts will be made to accommodate
suggestions and resolve concerns.
• You are expected to be prepared for class weekly and complete the assigned activities in a
timely manner and submit assignments on time.
Netiquette in Online Activities
Students will be required to submit all assignments through Canvas and may be asked to engage in
online discussions or complete online assessments throughout the semester. In doing so, they should
keep in mind these points for successful participation in the online environment:
• Check the assigned discussion board frequently and respond appropriately and on topic.
• Focus on one subject per post and use meaningful subject lines when beginning new posts.
• Use appropriate sentence case and capitalize additional words only to highlight a point.
Capitalizing otherwise is known as SHOUTING.
• Be professional and respectful in online interaction.
• Cite all quotes, references, and sources – this way everyone can have access to good
information.
• Use humor carefully. Sarcasm and dry humor are difficult to interpret in this format, and can be
misinterpreted as anger, antagonism, or criticism.
• Refrain from forwarding ads, chain emails, or other un-related e-mail.
• Always use correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization and use an academic tone in
your writing.

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Attendance
In registering for classes at Florida State University, students accept responsibility for attending
scheduled classes, completing assignments on time, and for contributing to class discussion and
exploration of ideas. This class is designed for students who wish to improve their academic
performance. Participating in the class every week, on time, in its entirety, is required as a classroom
success skill and is absolutely essential to success this semester. Students should evaluate now
whether they can meet these expectations.
Attendance is demonstrated by attending and participating in the scheduled Zoom meetings. Students
that miss a class meeting for reasons other than those listed in the University Attendance Policy,
without making prior arrangements with the instructor or notifying the instructor (via email or phone)
within seven days after its occurrence, will lose participation points (5 points are allocated to each class
period) with no opportunity for make-up. This loss of points is separate from required course
assignments. Students are still expected and encouraged despite an unexcused absence to submit all
assignments.
University Attendance Policy
Excused absences include documented illness, deaths in the immediate family and other documented
crises, call to active military duty or jury duty, religious holy days, and official University activities.
These absences will be accommodated in a way that does not arbitrarily penalize students who have a
valid excuse. Consideration will also be given to students whose dependent children experience serious
illness.
Please note: Modifications to this policy have been made to accommodate the unique circumstances
of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, see this memo that has been distributed to all
faculty and instructional staff regarding the 2020-2021 academic year.
Even in these instances, however, communication with the instructor is critical. Students are
expected to notify the instructor (via email or phone), whenever possible, of scheduled excused
absences ahead of the event to make prior arrangements, and within a reasonable amount of time
after the event to schedule any makeup work. Instructors are not obligated to make arrangements
either before or after a university defined excused absence without proper documentation from the
student.

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Title IX Statement
As a recipient of Federal financial assistance for education activities, FSU is required by Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972 to ensure that all of its education programs and activities are free
from discrimination on the basis of sex. Sexual discrimination includes sexual misconduct (sexual
violence, stalking, intimate partner violence, gender based animosity and gender based
stereotyping). If you have questions about Title IX or wish to file a Title IX complaint, please visit the
FSU Title IX website: www.titleix.fsu.edu or call the Title IX Director 850-644-6271. Please note that
as Responsible Employees, all faculty are required to report any incidents of sexual misconduct to
the Title IX Office.
The Victim Advocate Program at FSU has a confidential advocate on call twenty-four hours a day to
respond to FSU students, faculty, and staff who are victimized, or any other person who is victimized
on our campus, or by an FSU student. Daytime Phone: 850.644.7161, 850.644.2277, or 850.645.0086.
Nights, Weekends & Holidays 850.644.1234 (FSUPD) Ask to speak to the on-call advocate.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on a person's gender. Sexual harassment is
contrary to the University's values and moral standards which recognize the dignity and worth of
each person as well as a violation of federal and state laws and University rules and policies. Sexual
harassment cannot and will not be tolerated by the Florida State University whether by faculty,
students or staff; or by others while on property owned by or under the control of the University.
Course Expectations
Communication
The instructor will communicate with students frequently using e-mail, Canvas messages, and course
announcements. Students should regularly check their student email, course announcements via
Canvas, and any assigned discussion forums should be checked frequently (daily is recommended). The
student is solely responsible for checking updates related to the course.
Students may contact the instructor by email or Canvas messages as often as necessary for individual
concerns and the instructor will respond within two business days. Students should ensure that email
inboxes remain free and clear and can accept messages from @fsu.edu. Messages not received
because of full inboxes or spam filters are the student’s responsibility. Students should use the course
number (SLS 3140) in the subject line and include their full names in the signature line. Additionally,
students should NOT email the instructor’s student email account (@my.fsu.edu). Failure to do so
may delay response.

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Participation
Students are expected to participate in activities that may include watching assigned videos,
completing participation activities, participating in a discussion forum, submitting assignments, and
communicating with the instructor. A course announcement will be posted at the beginning of each
week (Monday) that details that week’s learning objectives, assigned activities, and deadlines. Some
participation activities may be due during the week (before Sunday), therefore, it is the student’s
responsibility to read this course announcement when it is posted on Monday to be aware of these
deadlines and plan their time accordingly. At the beginning of the semester, students are required to
attend the first week meeting to complete the initial introductory activity required in the course.
Standards of Quality and Integrity for Academic Work
Assignments that are sloppy or do not represent the basic standards for college-level writing may be
returned without grading and may incur late penalties. Students should keep backup copies of all
work.
The Florida State University Academic Honor Policy outlines the University’s expectations for the
integrity of students’ academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those
expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty members throughout the
process. Students are responsible for reading the Academic Honor Policy and for living up to their
pledge to “. . . be honest and truthful and . . . [to] strive for personal and institutional integrity at
Florida State University.” Florida State University Academic Honor Policy
The awarding of a university degree attests that an individual has demonstrated mastery of a
significant body of knowledge and skills of substantive value to society. Any type of dishonesty in
securing those credentials therefore invites serious sanctions, including, but not limited to, a failing
grade for the course, suspension, and expulsion. Please be aware that using social media to
collaborate on and share course exams or assignments with other students that are not identified by
the course instructor as group work is a violation of the FSU Academic Honor Policy.
Examples of violations include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized group work or
collaboration (in person or on social media, GroupMe), fabrication, falsification and misrepresentation,
multiple submissions, abuse of academic materials, complicity in academic dishonesty, and/or
attempting to commit any act of academic dishonesty.
The instructor employs plagiarism-detection software, through which all written student assignments
are processed for comparison with material published in traditional sources (books, periodicals,
journals), on the Internet (including essays for sale), and papers turned in by students in the same and
other classes in this and all previous semesters.
In this class, no term paper, business plan, term project, case analysis, or assignment should have any
more than 20% of its content quoted from another source. Students who need assistance in learning
to paraphrase should ask the instructor for guidance and/or consult a writing tutor in the
Reading/Writing Center (Williams and William Johnston Buildings).

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Course Assignments
Unless otherwise specified in task directions, all work completed outside of the classroom that is to be
submitted as evidence of learning are to be completed independently. All assignment directions will
be provided within the Canvas site with a rubric for each assignment. Submissions not following basic
criteria for college-level work (neatness, mechanics, e.g.) may be returned without grading for re-
submission and will incur late penalties.
Classroom Participation (5 points per class session x 11 sessions = 55 points)
Students will participate in a variety of classroom activities throughout the semester, which can include
in-class group work, pre-class discussion questions, online surveys, pop quizzes, and other activities.
They will be evaluated on active participation, contributions to class discussions, and constructive
feedback. Five (5) points are earned each class session (11 total) and can be deducted for various
reasons, including, but not limited to: 1) lack of participation in group activities; 2) unresponsiveness
to instructor questions or open refusal to actively engage in classroom discussions; or 3) evidence of
lackluster or unprofessional attitude during group activities.
Personal Academic Consultations (PACs) (10 points per meeting x 3 = 30 points)
Students are required to schedule three (3) appointments this term with the instructor of this course
to discuss individual experiences with their academics, review course progress up to that point, and
develop a corrective plan (if necessary). Meetings will be scheduled via an appointment campaign link
in an email and hosted via Zoom video conferencing. Students will need to come to meetings with
additional materials as requested.
Group Presentation (15 points)
Students will work together in groups of 2-3 students to synthesize their collective transfer experience,
critically analyze a transfer student problem or challenge, and present a solution in the final class
session. Students will be expected to collaborate in developing the presentation and presenting it in
class. Students will be graded on their critical thinking skills, presentation, and group effort.
Self-Assessment and Reflection (10 points)
Students will write a reflective essay analyzing their previous educational experiences and expectations
for success.
Semester Calendar (10 points)
Students will create a calendar of all class dates, work schedule, assignments, exams, deadlines, and
other important dates planned using monthly templates for the entire semester.
Analysis of Course Demands (10 points)
Students will complete a worksheet analyzing all of the courses they are enrolled in to predict
challenges and clarify expectations of their professors.

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Task Management Plan (10 points):
Students will submit a detailed two-week plan to detail their daily obligations, routines, and time(s)
allocated to class, homework, and studying to prepare for mid-terms and finals.
Making Notes (20 points):
Students will submit well-developed notes and a creative and functional graphic organizer based on a
course they are currently enrolled in.
Academic Progress Report (10 points)
Students will reflect on their academic progress at mid-term of the semester and demonstrate campus
engagement through a faculty office hours visit and a meeting with their academic advisor.
Self-Care Experience (10 points)
Students will document and reflect on their engagement in a self-care experience on campus or
virtually that addresses non-academic needs.
Five Day Study Plan (10 points)
Students will complete a five-day study plan to prepare for a final exam in another course.
Resume Critique (10 points)
Students will submit a professional resume that has been reviewed by a Career Center professional in
their college or at the Career Center.
Final Reflection Paper (10 points)
Students will demonstrate their ability to reflect on their learning, growth, and development as an
academic scholar in a final reflective essay. They will assess their progress toward their desired goals,
skills, and behaviors that they identify as priorities for change.

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Grading/Evaluation
Assignments Points
Classroom Participation (11 activities) 55
Personal Academic Consultations (3 meetings) 30
Group Presentation 15
Self-Assessment & Reflection Paper 10
Semester Calendar 10
Analysis of Course Demands 10
Task Management Plan 10
Making Notes 10
Academic Progress Report 10
Self-Care Experience 10
Five Day Study Plan 10
Resume Critique 10
Final Reflection Paper 10
TOTAL 200
Extra credit will be offered continuously throughout the course to encourage campus engagement and will be
added to participation points for the day or (when indicated) as additional points on the final grade. This can
include academic support/enrichment workshops, additional academic advising, career advising, or self-care
visits, additional office hour visits, wearing professional dress/uniform to class, attending Seminole Futures or
other campus-wide events, participating in campus-wide service initiatives, completing Project Resilience
(online), completing voter registration, and any other instructor-approved experiences. Extra credit cannot
substitute for missed assignments; therefore, it will only be applied if all assignments in a semester are
submitted.
Final Grades
Final grades will be determined based on the student’s accumulated points according to the following
table.
Percentage Accumulated Points Letter Grade
93 – 100% 186-200 A
90 – 92% 180-185 A-
87 – 89% 174-179 B+
83 – 86% 166-173 B
80 – 82% 160-165 B-
77 – 79% 154-159 C+
73 – 76% 146-153 C
70 – 72% 140-145 C-
67 – 69% 134-139 D+
63 – 66% 126-133 D
60 – 62% 120-125 D-
59% and below 0-119 F

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Calendar
Class Date Module Topic Assignment Due Assignment Due
Date
January 6 NO CLASS None
January 13 1
Introduction & Self-
Regulated Learning
None
January 20 2 Goal Setting & Motivation
Self-Assessment &
Reflection Paper
January 24
January 27 3 Time & Task Management Semester Calendar January 31
February 3 4 Academic Resources
Analysis of Course
Demands
February 7
February 10 NO CLASS – PAC #1 None
February 17 5
Active Reading & Active
Listening
Task Management Plan February 21
February 24 6
Developing Notes &
Graphic Organizers
Making Notes February 28
March 3 7 Critical Thinking Academic Progress Report March 7
March 10 NO CLASS – PAC #2 None
March 17 8 Procrastination Self-Care Experience March 21
March 24 9 Preparing for Exams Five-Day Study Plan March 28
March 31 10
Career & Graduate School
Planning
Resume Critique April 4
April 7 Group Presentations Group Presentation
April 14 NO CLASS – PAC #3 Final Reflection Paper April 16

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Late Assignments
Assignments are due by the dates indicated on the course schedule. Requests for extensions must be
made in advance and may not always be granted. Technical or scheduling problems do not constitute
an acceptable reason for late assignments. All assignments not received by the deadline will
automatically be deducted 5% and can be refused altogether. It is the student’s responsibility to make
sure the instructor receives assignments.
Incompletes
The Florida State University Incomplete Policy, as printed in the 2020-21 Undergraduate Bulletin, states
that “incomplete (“I”) grades should be recorded only in exceptional cases when a student, who has
completed a substantial portion of the course and who is otherwise passing, is unable to complete a
well-defined portion of a course for reasons beyond the student’s control…even under these
circumstances, the authority for determining whether to grant an incompletion rests solely with the
instructor” (p. 76).
Productivity and communication with the instructor during the term, the reason for the request, and
the plan for completion are all taken into consideration. An incomplete is not a substitute for an
earned “F.”
Process for Resolving Academic Problems or Grievances
Please use this step-by-step guide to resolving academic problems to begin the process of
communicating with your instructor to resolve any confusion or difficulty you may be having in the
course. Detailed information on FSU's grievance procedure, including special instructions for students
enrolled in an FSU branch campus, is maintained on the General Bulletin's Academic Integrity &
Grievances webpage. Out-of-state distance learning students should review the Office of Distance
Learning Complaint Resolution page for additional procedures.

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Technology Requirements
Course content is accessible through Canvas. Students will need to be able to view videos (on
YouTube), write and upload assignments, post to discussion boards (Canvas), and participate in video
conferencing (with Zoom with or without webcam video). Students should have access to high-speed
internet and updated software (Microsoft Suite). Mobile devices may be used to view course content,
upload assignments, and take assessments as determined by the instructor. To view the most current
technology requirements, visit the FSU Canvas support site.
Need help with Canvas? Contact FSU Canvas Support:
• Email: canvas@fsu.edu
• Phone: (850) 644-8004
• Website: support.canvas.fsu.edu
• Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday - Friday
Tutoring, Research, and Writing Assistance
On-campus, high-quality tutoring in computer science, economics, engineering, humanities,
mathematics, modern languages, nutrition, science, social science, and statistics is available by
appointment and on a walk-in basis at various locations across campus. These services are offered by
tutors trained to encourage the highest level of individual academic success while upholding personal
academic integrity. Please review each website for subject area availability and operating hours. Many
services are also offered virtually at a distance.
• The Learning/Math Studio at the Academic Center for Excellence – William Johnston Building,
ground floor
• Center for Academic Retention and Excellence (CARE) – Thagard CARE Lab
• The Learning District (Libraries) – Strozier and Dirac Libraries
• The Reading/Writing Center (located in the Williams and William Johnston Buildings) offers
individual instruction in composition and reading through one-on-one tutoring and small group
workshops.
• The Research Consultation Service (Strozier Library) provides students with the opportunity to
schedule one or more in-depth meetings with a reference librarian to identify the resources
and services needed to thoroughly investigate a topic for a paper or presentation.

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Virtual Assistance
Many resources are available virtually for all students needing quick tutorials on various research,
business, software, and creative skills:
• Florida State Anywhere connects you with a formal community at FSU in which you will build
meaningful peer relationships and engagement activities that align with your academic and
personal goals
• Virtual FSU Resources lists all online and distance resources such as campus engagement,
health, campus recreation, and other campus services.
• Student Guide to Learning Online by Distance@FSU details tips and tools for successful online
learning.
• LinkedinLearning by Information Technology Services (ITS) provides online tutorials for software
and other skills.
• Videos and Tutorials by FSU Libraries provides instruction on how to use library resources,
citing your sources, and other library services.
Campus Workshops and Student Development
Students are encouraged to seek out additional learning opportunities across campus to build skills in
areas outside of SLS 3140. Please review the following programs for an array of workshops designed
for students.
• Academic Center for Excellence (ACE)
• Career Center
• Center for Intensive English Studies (CIES)
• The Graduate School
• University Counseling Center
PRE Program @ ACE: Free Academic Assistance
This class will be participating in the Proactive Referral and Engagement (PRE) program, a new initiative
at FSU. The purpose of this program is to give students early academic assistance and advice so that
they succeed in this class. Therefore, information may be shared with others concerning class
performance with the coordinator of this program who may reach out via email and phone. Resources
may include one-on-one assistance with time management, developing a study plan, finding tutoring
opportunities, and/or connecting with appropriate offices to address common barriers to success.

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Florida State University (FSU) values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to a climate of mutual
respect and full participation. Our goal is to create learning environments that are usable, equitable,
inclusive, and welcoming. FSU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons
with disabilities in a manner that is consistent with academic standards of the course while
empowering the student to meet integral requirements of the course.
To receive academic accommodations, a student:
• (1) must register with and provide documentation to the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS);
• (2) must provide a letter from OAS to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and
what type; and,
• (3) should communicate with the instructor, as needed, to discuss recommended
accommodations. A request for a meeting may be initiated by the student or the instructor.
Please note that instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until
appropriate verification from the Office of Accessibility Services has been provided.
This syllabus and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request.
For more information about services available to FSU students with disabilities, contact the
Office of Accessibility Services (Tallahassee Campus)
874 Traditions Way
108 Student Services Building
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167
(850) 644-9566 (voice)
(850) 644-8504 (TDD)
oas@fsu.edu
https://dsst.fsu.edu/oas
Student Disability Services (Panama City Campus)
Office of Student Affairs
4750 Collegiate Drive
2nd Floor Barron Building (Room 215)
Florida State University Panama City
Panama City, FL 32405
(850) 770-2172 (office)
(866) 693-7872 (toll free)
Email: sds@pc.fsu.edu
https://pc.fsu.edu/students/student-disability-services

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Course Evaluations
In the final weeks of each semester, students will be notified via email of a request to fill out a course
evaluation form in Canvas. These evaluations are completely anonymous and are online. Feedback is
critical to ongoing improvement efforts in this class, in the Academic Center for Excellence, in the
Division of Undergraduate Studies, and Florida State University. Positive comments and constructive
criticism are taken very seriously and are appreciated.
Syllabus Change Policy
“Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading) statement,
this syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advance notice.”

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