Learning Community Monday/Wednesday Syllabus-Fall 2016

Science and Pre-Health

Fall Semester 2016
Monday/Wednesday, 11:15-12:10

Peer Leader:
Annie Vehr
vehrae@mail.uc.edu
(513) 206-2704
Office Hour: Tuesday, 12:50-1:50

First Year Experience and Learning Communities Learning Outcomes:

1. Integrative Learning
2. Intellectual and Self-Management Skills
3. Professional and Civic Responsibility
4. University Engagement

Our Learning Community goals:

For first-year students to develop the foundational skills necessary to be
successful for the remainder of their collegiate careers.
To engage with the four target learning areas, acquiring knowledge and
networks that enable continual growth and learning in all aspects of the
college experience.
To develop relationships with peers, Peer Leaders, and faculty in order to
build a support network that encourages success both academically and
socially.

Grading: This class is a pass/fail course. Students must abide by the following
guidelines:

Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend EACH scheduled class meeting, TO BE ON TIME,
and to be PREPARED for each class session. No student may miss more than two
classes per semester. Missing more than two class sessions without notification will
result in failure of this course.
If you experience circumstances that may arise, such as an illness or other personal
issues that prevent you from attending class, be sure to alert your Peer Leader as
soon as possible.

Just Community Principles and the Bearcat Bond

In embracing our roles within this learning community, we subscribe to the defining
purposes, traditions and diversity of the University of Cincinnati. Through our
actions, we will strive to make the University a Cincinnati a more caring and just
community.

As members of this community, we will:

Accept responsibility by striving to build a learning community committed to
these common values and principles.
Celebrate the uniqueness of each individual by respecting individual
differences and promoting common interests.
 Learning Community Monday/Wednesday Syllabus-Fall 2016

Embrace freedom and openness by working to create an environment that is

safe and affirming, one that nurtures independent thinking and the free and
open expression of ideas.
Practice civility by extending to those we meet the same respect, cooperation
and caring that expect from others.
Promote justice by working to build a learning environment that offers
everyone an equal opportunity to grow, flourish and contribute.
Pursue learning and scholarship by building on successes, learning from
mistakes and pursuing quality in teaching, research and creative endeavors.
Seek integrity by aspiring to the highest moral and ethical standards.
Strive for excellence by aspiring to achieve our fullest potential in our
educational and personal pursuits.

Bearcat Bond: As a member of the University of Cincinnati, I will uphold the

principles for a Just Community and the values of respect, responsibility, and
inclusiveness. I will promote the highest levels of personal and academic honesty
and aspire continuously to better myself, the Bearcat community, and the world.

Special Needs and Accommodations Policy

If you have any special needs related to your participation in the course, including
identified visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical impairment,
communication disorder, and/or specific learning disability that may influence your
performance in this course, you should meet with your Peer Leader to arrange for
reasonable provisions to ensure an equitable opportunity to meet all the
requirements of this course. For more information, please visit:
http://www.uc.edu/aess/disability.html

Counseling Services
Students have access to counseling and mental health care through the University
Health Services (UHS), which can provide both psychotherapy and psychiatric
services. In addition, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) can provide
professional counseling upon request; students may receive five free counseling
sessions through CAPS without insurance. Students are encouraged to seek
assistance for anxiety, depression, trauma/assault, adjustment to college life,
interpersonal/relational difficulty, sexuality, family conflict, grief and loss, disordered
eating and body image, alcohol and substance abuse, anger management, identity
development and issues related to diversity, concerns associated with sexual
orientation and spirituality concerns, as well as any other issue of concerns. After
hours, students may call UHS at 513-556-2564 or CAPS Cares at 513-556-0648. For
urgent physician consultation after-hours students may call 513-584-7777.

Title IX
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of your
actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual
orientation. Title IX also covers sexual violence, dating or domestic violence, and
stalking. If you disclose a Title IX issue to me, I am required forward that information
to the Title IX Office. They will follow up with you about how the University can take
steps to address the impact on you and the community and make you aware of your
rights and resources. Their priority is to make sure you are safe and successful here.
You are not required to talk with the Title IX Office. If you would like to make a report
 Learning Community Monday/Wednesday Syllabus-Fall 2016

of sex or gender-based discrimination, harassment or violence, or if you would like

to know more about your rights and resources on campus, you can consult the
website www.uc.edu/titleix or contact the office at 556-3349.

Expectations for Classroom Behavior:

1. Respect for one another and the Peer Leader
2. Participation in class discussion and activities
3. Prepare for class
4. Respect your peers and their opinions. This does not mean you must agree
with us or your peers opinions.
5. Be responsible for yourself and kind to others.
6. Check your e-mail account on a regular basis, as well as Blackboard.
Announcements will be posted there and information will be disseminated via
email.
7. Offer suggestions and feedback to your Peer Leader.
8. No computer or cell phone use will be tolerated while another individual is
speaking.
9.
Course Schedule: Plans, dates, and information will be updated as needed by the
Peer Leader.

Date Lesson Topic Notes

Week 1 M: Introduction
Monday, August 22nd W: Scavenger Hunt
Wednesday, August 24th
Week 2 M: Campus Involvement
Monday, August 29th W: Campus Involvement
Wednesday, August 31st Speakers
Week 3
No Class: Labor Day M: NO CLASS
Wednesday, September W: Time Management
7th
Week 4
Monday, September
M: Advisor Speaker
12th
W: Professionalism
Wednesday, September
14th
Week 5
Monday, September
M: PPAC Speaker
19th
W: Student Wellness Center
Wednesday, September
21st
Week 6
Monday, September
M: Stress Relief
26th
W: SMART Goals
Wednesday, September
28th
Week 7
M: Social Media
Monday, October 3rd
W: A Deadly Wandering
Wednesday, October 5th
 Learning Community Monday/Wednesday Syllabus-Fall 2016

Week 8
Monday, October 10th M: Volunteering
Wednesday, October W: Fun Activity (REC)
12th
Week 9
Monday, October 17th M: Scheduling
Wednesday, October W: Career Center Speaker
19th
Week 10
Monday, October 24th M: Professor Visit
Wednesday, October W: Election Activity
26th
Week 11
M: Halloween Activity
Monday, October 31st
W: Housing
Wednesday, November
2nd
Week 12
M: Self-Care
Monday, November 7th
W: Common Read/Bearcat
Wednesday, November
Bond
9th
Week 13
Monday, November 14th M: Study Techniques
Wednesday, November W: Exam Prep
16th
Week 14
M: Fun Activity (REC)
Monday, November 21st
W: Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November
Lunch/Activity
23rd
Week 15
Monday, November 28th M: Exam Prep
Wednesday, November W: End of Semester Party!
30th