Course Syllabus
GE 101-89 University Seminar – Hybrid Course
Course Syllabus
Fall 2023
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to guide first-year students through their transition into Lincoln University’s community. The course will introduce each student to the collegiate experience in two sections. The first sector will: acquaint each student with the rich history of Lincoln University, introduce each student to general education requirements, academic programs, student handbook, financial aid, registration, policies, and procedures that are applicable. The second sector will explore: college survival skills, resources to facilitate becoming a successful student, advance research abilities, critical thinking skills, improve soft skills (communication skills, time management, interpersonal skills, etc.), hard skills (requirements for jobs, computer literacy, proper usage of Canvas, etc.) and realistic goal setting. Unfortunately, it is impossible for this course alone to provide each student with all the essential information needed to be successful in the academy. However, it will equip each student with the necessary tools to generate a successful start.
CREDIT HOURS 1 hour (theory clock hours)
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon satisfactory completion of this course, each student will have the ability to:
- Demonstrate a working fundamental knowledge of Lincoln University.
- Identify academic support services and advising resources.
- Demonstrate learning strategies for successful academic sustainability.
- Demonstrate the capability to apply college survival skills to their everyday life.
- Develop career readiness skills by exploring career options by creating an effective resume.
- Demonstrate how to set goals to promote college success.
- Analyze various learning styles to enhance academic success.
- Understand the importance of diversity in a college environment.
- Promote and acknowledge multiculturalism.
- Demonstrate an understanding of time management and prioritization.
- Consciously make healthy life choices that directly impact their collegiate transition.
- Develop leadership and critical thinking skills.
FACULTY
Sandy Stone EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Fort Leonard Wood Education Center/St. Robert Campus
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 1:00-4:30
Office Phone: 573-329-5160
Cell 417-531-5360 Texts only, please provide your name and class (GE 101)
E-mail Address: stones@lincolnu.edu
OFFICE HOURS
I am here to assist you in being successful with this course. Office hours will be available in person as well as by appointment via phone, email, and Zoom. Please email me to arrange a time to meet if you need assistance. I do ask that you make an appointment, so that both your time and mine can be spent efficiently.
REQUIRED TEXTS
College Success – Free through Openstax https://openstax.org/subjects/college-success You can download a pdf for free (no time limits)
OPTIONAL WEBSITES
AACN (2022). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. Retrieved from: https://www.aacnnursing.org/Essentials/Domains
APA Writing Style http://www.apastyle.org (Links to an external site.) OR
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html
Lincoln University Student Handbook
Lincoln University School of Nursing Handbook
Lincoln University 2021-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin
https://www.lincolnu.edu/_files/2021-2023-undergraduate-bulletin.pdf
OPTIONAL TEXTS
American Psychological Association (2019). Publication manual of the American psychological association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
TEACHING/LEARNING METHODS
Teaching/learning methodologies in this class may include in-class lecture and discussion, discussion forum, assignments, projects, quizzes, journaling, and a reflective paper. If the course is transitioned to an online platform, then virtual lectures will be provided via voice-over PowerPoint, Screencast-O-Matic, Youtube, Zoom, and possibly other programs.
GRADING CRITERIA
For required pre-requisite nursing courses, a ‘C’ grade or better within 2 attempts is required to meet admission criteria. Because this course is a general education course, the traditional grading scale and passing grade criteria will be applied. See grading scale below. Students can expect timely feedback from submitted work, usually about a 1-week turnaround time.
CLASSROOM EVALUATION METHODS
Attainment of the course objectives will be evaluated relative to the following:
Assignments/Activities 65 points
Quizzes 80 points
Discussion Boards 55 points
Total 200 Points
GRADING SCALE
Grades will be determined as follows: (Points will NOT be rounded up)
90 %- 100% = A (180-200 points)
80%- 89% = B (160-179 points)
70% - 79% = C (140-159 points)
60%-69% = D (120-139 points)
Below 60% = F (119 points and below)
CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS
Students are expected to attend/complete all scheduled synchronous classes, lectures, seminars, laboratories and field work for each registered class and to complete all work assigned by the instructors. In these cases, attendance documentation will continue as before. Note there are course points tied to weekly attendance. Per University protocol, masks/face coverings are required inside all University buildings. Unless students have been granted an accommodation through the Office of Access and Abilities, faculty and staff have the authority to request students wear a mask/face covering. If a student refuses to wear a mask, students can be referred to the Student Conduct System under “Failure to Comply” which is listed in the Student Handbook as “failure/refusal” to comply with a verbal or written request/directions from a University official. The same applies for refusal to practice social distancing whenever possible.
- Synchronous Lecture Delivery: Due to the relationship between class attendance and final course grades, as well as the rapid and significant shift in course delivery transformation, total absences ideally should not exceed twice the number of times a class meets per week. Therefore, this class meets once per week; a maximum of two absences will be acceptable. If a student exceeds the maximum number of acceptable absences for a course, the course instructors may choose to lower the student’s grade by one letter grade. For synchronous lecture, coming to class late or leaving early may be counted as an absence.
- Asynchronous Lecture Delivery: For courses in which lecture will be provided in an asynchronous format, course attendance will be documented once weekly in Canvas, just as other online LU courses are. The Canvas week runs Monday 12:01am through Sunday at 11:59pm; a student must be active within the Canvas course during this time frame in order to receive attendance credit for that week. Due to the relationship between class attendance and final course grades, as well as the rapid and significant shift in course delivery transformation, it is not acceptable for a student to be absent from the course during a week. If a student is absent from a course for an entire week, the course instructors may choose to lower the student's letter grade by one letter grade.
Absences, excused or unexcused, may jeopardize the student’s ability to meet the course objectives. Absences are required to be documented in our Learning Management System.
TARDINESS
No late work will be accepted without prior approval from instructors. What does this mean? If an assignment is received after the due date/time, a grade of zero will be awarded. Students are expected to be to class and participate in synchronous lectures, classes, and experiences on time. If a student demonstrates a pattern of tardiness without a call, he/she may not be allowed to enter the class (or synchronous class activity) until break. This 8-week course will require students to keep pace completing the course in the time allowed and in a quality manner. Please keep in mind that work commitments, personal commitments, or travel commitments do not constitute reasons for late work.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones must be placed on silent and put away during class. They must be turned off for testing and testing review.
COMMUNICATION / EMAIL
Effective verbal communication is essential in the nursing profession. Students are encouraged to use the following communication chain when they seek resolution to question or concerns that may arise during the semester.
Student Course / Clinical Faculty BSN Program Coordinator Department Head
Dean of Professional Studies Vice President of Academic Affairs
Students are expected to check their LU and Canvas e-mail on a frequent and regular basis in order to stay current with University related and course related communications, recognizing that certain communication may be time critical. It is recommended that your email and announcements be checked at least 2-3 times per week. Checking it on a daily basis is preferred. The instructor will only communicate through the Lincoln University e-mail and your Canvas email not your personal e-mail. Please note, as with all computer systems, there may be occasional scheduled downtimes, as well as unanticipated disruptions. Students who do not have internet access at home may use computers in Page Library or at the FLW campus – Check posted hours for computer availability. Technical assistance can be obtained by contacting the Division of Educational Innovation and Extended Studies @ 573-681-5206, Information Technology Services (ITS) at 573-681-5888 or email helpdesk@lincolnu.edu, the Canvas helpdesk which you can access by clicking on the “help” button in Canvas, or calling Canvas at 855-912-8224.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY/CHEATING
The most common forms of academic dishonesty are cheating and plagiarism. Cheating is defined as unauthorized use of any materials, aids or information of assistance in doing any work required as part of a course. Plagiarism is the attempt to pass off another person’s work as one’s own by failing to give credit to the original source of ideas or words. Students who are found to be guilty of academic dishonesty are subject to the policies and procedures as outlined below.
- Any student guilty of cheating will be reported in writing to the department head and the dean of the college or school of the course involved and to the department head and the dean of the college or school in the student’s major
- Any student found guilty of cheating may receive, at the discretion of the instructor, a failing grade in the course
- Disciplinary action for cheating may include suspension for one or more semesters, exclusion from selcted programs of study or permanent expulsion from the University
Procedures for implementing Policies 1 and 3 (when action is recommended) shall be the responsibility of the academic unit in which the violation occurred. All students accused of cheating have the right of appeal through normal channels – the instructor, department head and dean. In the case of the Schools of Business, Education and Nursing, the appeal shall go from the instructor to the dean.
Copyright and Fair Use
These are the Resources for enhancing the understanding of copyright, intellectual property, and patent procedures. The purpose of this guide is to provide current information and resources related to copyright, intellectual property, and patents for our LU community. For more information visit the Copyright and Fair Use website (Links to an external site.).
SUMMARIZING, PARAPHRASING, AND QUOTING
When you are citing sources in your discussion forum and/or your formal written work, you have three choices of how to present someone else’s published information. You can summarize the main idea(s) of the entire text, you can paraphrase a section of the text by putting it into your own words, or you can quote from the text word for word. Each of these techniques require an in-text citation where you indicate the last name(s) of the author(s) and the year of publication; if you quote directly from any source, you also need to include the page or paragraph number where this text can be found.
You need not limit yourself to one of these techniques. In fact, it is encouraged that you use all three when submitting your responses/written papers. Why do you use any of these techniques in your academic writing? It’s not enough that you have experienced a trend or that you are aware of an issue; think of academic writing as investigative reporting and you need someone else’s writing and ideas to build a foundation for your own insights and observations. Some published authors seem to have captured exactly what you wish to have written; that’s when using a direct quotation provides strength and support for your theories. Limit the number of quotations, since the responses/papers are to be your writing, not merely the parroting of published sources on that topic.
ON-LINE DISCUSSION
Please take time to read through the course syllabus, access the online tutorials, if needed, and ask questions early. You are responsible for reading your text and additional sources to complete the assignments. You are to post references to support your responses. Discussion forum points will be based on student responses to weekly assignments and on the student’s preparation, posting of responses, and discussion of other student’s responses. Initial discussion postings should be substantive.
When you respond to what others have written, click on their posting and click, reply. Your responses to the thoughts and ideas of other students should reflect respect and thoughtfulness and should add value to the ongoing discussion. Please make sure to acknowledge something that they have said, and add new or different information to the discussion, from readings, and/or your experience and if appropriate, ask a question to spur on the discussion. Do not post good job, I agree, etc. If you agree, why do you agree, if there is a good posting, why is it a good posting?
Opinions are just that. We all have them and they have no place in a formal discussion unless asked specifically to provide them. The expectation is that learners will use professional experience, the text, articles and other reliable reference material to post the initial assignment and also when responding to what other students write. Critical reasoning and conclusions are appropriate and encouraged. This is not the same thing as an opinion. These conclusions are professionally based on experience and evidence-based practice and is appropriate. Critical conclusion is reached after careful consideration and study. Do not be afraid to disagree with something that the faculty or the other students have written. This practice enriches and informs the direction of the discussion and learning within the online classroom.
SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY
Client confidentiality is an integral part of the role of the nurse and described in the Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements, (ANA, 2015). We believe the student is responsible for maintaining client confidentiality in all aspects of the students’ life. This includes social networking sites (Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, etc.), as well as, personal conversations, and written work.
Social networking sites can often reach further than a student might intend but the consequences are the same, regardless of the intentional or unintentional nature of the breach of confidentiality. Consequences include probation, departmental dismissal and up to university dismissal. Breach of confidentiality agreement will be determined by nursing faculty. The school expects students to adhere to the ANA’s Principles for Social Networking and the Nurse (2011) as described in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.
TITLE IX
Lincoln University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, in education programs and activities. Title IX protects individuals from harassment connected to any of the academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic and other programs, activities, or employment of schools, regardless of the location. Title IX protects all individuals from sexual harassment by any school employee, student, and a non-employee third party. This policy applies equally to all students and employees regardless of the sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression of any of the individuals involved. No officer, employee, or agent of the institution participating in any program under this title shall retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against any individual for exercising their rights or responsibilities under any provision of this policy. Questions, concerns, and/or complaints can be addressed to the Title IX Coordinator, Zakiya Brown, 302 Young Hall, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101; 573-681-5501; titleix@lincolnu.edu.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Lincoln University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, in education programs and activities. Title IX protects individuals from harassment connected to any of the academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic and other programs, activities, or employment of schools, regardless of the location. Title IX protects all individuals from sexual harassment by any school employee, student, and a non-employee third party. This policy applies equally to all students and employees regardless of the sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression of any of the individuals involved. No officer, employee, or agent of the institution participating in any program under this title shall retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against any individual for exercising their rights or responsibilities under any provision of this policy. Questions, concerns, and/or complaints can be addressed to the Title IX Coordinator, Shawnda Hayes-Dunnell, 900 Leslie Blvd., Suite C, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101; 573-681-5495; titleix@lincolnu.edu.
ACCESS & ABILITY SERVICES
Lincoln University is committed to providing equal opportunities to disabled persons in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Individuals are hereby notified that this institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs and activities.
Services for disabled students, including learning, physical, or emotional disabilities, are coordinated through the Office of Access and Ability Services. Students requiring these services should contact the University ADA Coordinator for further information at 681-5167 or go to 822 Lee Drive, Thompkins Student Health Center.
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Disability Services are coordinated through the Office of Access & Ability Services. Lincoln University is committed to providing equal opportunities to persons with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as it relates to the physical infrastructure of all University property.
Upon admittance to the University, any person requiring reasonable accommodations must register with the University before any accommodations will be afforded to them. Documentation of a disability from a qualified medical and/or authorized professional must be submitted before accommodations will be afforded to the individual requesting services. The types of accommodations vary greatly and are provided based on documented and expressed needs, as well as the applicability of accommodations within the individual class. The University also provides on-campus housing accommodations for students with physical disabilities. Requests for accommodations will be reviewed and decided upon in a timely manner.
If a student finds that a classroom is inaccessible, he/she/they should report this to the Coordinator for Access and Ability Services or the academic dean of his/her/their college. Every effort will be made to make programs accessible. Any informal or formal grievance should be filed with the Office of Access & Ability Services. The procedure for doing so is outlined in print and electronically with all materials available through the ‘Student-Life/Disability Services’ page on the University website (https://www.lincolnu.edu/student-life/disability-services/grievance-process.html).
At times, access to the course may be down due to the server problem. The IT Support will make students aware of such “downtime” whether expected or not through email.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
The Information Technology Services (ITS) team provides technical support for Lincoln University in the areas of networking services, telecommunication services, desktop support, and server/applications support. ITS's Help Desk is located on the second floor of Schweich Hall. You can reach the ITS Help Desk by calling 573-681-5888 or email helpdesk@lincolnu.edu. Support hours: Regular Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Summer Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 am - 6:00 pm.
Your instructor has made every effort to aid you in navigating the Canvas course and with using the specific course content. However, if you need assistance, please consider the following options in order:
- Help Tool: Use the “Help” tool located at the bottom section of your “LU Online” course page. This tool allows you to search for instructors or help for all Canvas functions.
- Contact Instructor: If you cannot locate the answer or need additional information, contact your instructor using Canvas inbox or other contact options. You may also contact your instructor when you have questions concerning assignments (accessing, using, submitting, grading etc.).
LU Academic Support
Students can learn strategies that will enhance their written communication skills. Please visit the Academic Support website (Links to an external site.) and “Find a Tutor.”
Late Assignments/Assignments Incorrectly Submitted
Your success will depend on how dedicated you are to your study and completion of all class activities sometimes with quality in your mind. Late assignments are not allowed and usually, CANVAS assignments have a time limitation. Ensure that all submissions have no typographical and grammatical errors or grade(s) may be deducted. Points may also be taken off from your posts/submissions for excessive wrongly spelled words, slang and overall poor usage of the English language.
Class Withdrawal Policy
A student may drop a class prior to the last day to drop courses for the semester. (See The University Calendar (Links to an external site.) or the Schedule of Courses for drop dates for courses.) To drop a class/course, please complete the following steps:
- Obtain a Lincoln University Schedule Change form from the Registrar’s Office or FLW office.
- Have the form signed by your advisor.
- Sign the form yourself.
- Return the form to the Registrar’s Office or FLW office.
- Keep the yellow copy for your records.
*Please note failure to withdraw properly will result in an automatic “F” grade in the courses affected. Also, students may not completely drop all classes or withdraw from the university on Web Advisor. You must complete a Lincoln University Withdrawal form--even if only for one course. For more information, you may contact the Records Office at (573) 681-5011 or 681-5012 or by email at Registrar@lincolnu.edu.
COURSE EVALUATION
Students will be given the opportunity to evaluate the course and faculty at the end of the semester (using standardized forms online) to ensure ongoing quality improvement.
**Refer to the Lincoln University School of Nursing Student Handbook for other information involving this course/program. The student is responsible for all the information contained in that handbook.
Your course faculty will prepare topics each week to align with the GE 101 objectives as related to the Nursing major. Examples of topics that will be covered during this course include: LU history and LU SON history; LU SON policies, procedures, and protocols; Canvas orientation; time management; academic inquiry; SON program of study; academic advisors; study skills; career services; SON admission process; financial aid and financial literacy; scholarship opportunities; LU student services (such as Thompkins Health Center, Student Accounts, etc).
CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY
Research confirms that class attendance is an essential part of the educational experience and a requirement for an adequate evaluation of academic progress. Students are expected to attend all lectures, seminars, laboratories, and field work for each registered class and to complete all work assigned by the instructor.
Due to the relationship between class attendance and final course grades, total absences ideally should not exceed twice the number of times a class meets per week.
Examples:
Courses meeting three times/week: maximum of six absences acceptable.
Courses meeting one time/week: maximum of two absences acceptable.
The maximum acceptable number of absences in other class formats, i.e., eight- week, four-week summer session, and intersession, should be pro-rated according to the formula above.
If a student exceeds the maximum number of acceptable absences for a course, the course instructor may choose to lower the student’s grade by one letter or administratively drop the student from the course. The attendance policy must be clearly stated in the syllabus at the beginning of the course. Attendance policies of individual instructors may vary from the guidelines above provided this policy is clearly stated in the syllabus at the beginning of the course.
Class absences are deemed “excused” or “unexcused” at the judgment of the course instructor of record, who may require documentation. The number of permissible absences is at the sound discretion of the individual course instructor, based upon the circumstances involved, and the policies set at the beginning of the semester. Absence from class for any reason does not exempt the student from responsibility of any assigned work, though it is the course instructor’s prerogative to disallow completion of make-up work in any case.
In addition, course instructors will determine the following and will post it in all syllabi:
Consequences for coming late and leaving class early
Make-up policies for course work, quizzes, and exams
University-Approved Absences
Excused absences for university-related activities may be issued only by the President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, or the Vice President of Student Affairs. Notification for excused absences will specify student names, the event, and the time covered by the excused absence.
Course Schedule
|
Date |
Assignments |
Points |
|
Week 1 Due 8/27/23 Lincoln University History |
Introduction Facts Survey Syllabus Quiz LU History quiz DB LU History DB LU Motto |
5 5 5 10 5 5 |
|
Week 2 Due 9/3/23 Knowing yourself as a learner |
Ch 2 Quiz DB – Learning Styles Activity – VARK
In-class activity/participation |
5 5 5 Synchronous Class Mon 8/28/23 5 pm FLW 5 |
|
Week 3 Due 9/10/23 Managing Time & Priorities Planning Academic Path |
Ch 3 &4 quiz DB Managing Time Activity – weekly schedule Activity – Prep for Success Provide a copy of advisement |
10 (5 pts each) 10 5 5 5 |
|
Week 4 Due 9/17/23 Reading & Note taking Studying & Test Taking |
Ch 5 & 6 quiz DB – Study Finding a research article |
10 (5 pts each) 5 5 |
|
Week 5 Due 9/24/23 Critical Thinking Communicating |
Ch. 7 & 8 quiz DB – Communicating Make a resume DB – Future Plans |
10 5 10 10 |
|
Week 6 Due 10/1/23 Cultural Competence Financial Literacy |
Ch. 9 & 10 quiz DB – Financial Literacy In-class activity/participation |
10 5 5 Synchronous Class Mon 9/25/23 5 pm FLW |
|
Week 7 Due 10/8/23 Healthy Lifestyle |
Ch. 11 quiz Mental Wellness video /Quiz |
5 10 |
|
Week 8 Due Sat. 10/14/23 Planning for your Future |
Ch. 12 Quiz Activity – Why students drop Activity – Dream List DB advice Final Survey |
5 5 5 5 Bonus |
|
|
Total Points |
200 |
Synchronous Class will be held at the Ft Leonard Wood Campus Room 17 at 5 pm. See schedule.