College of Business Administration
Destination Kent State: First Year Experience Syllabus
US 10097 Section [insert section #]
Fall 2013

Required Texts: Taulbert, Clifton. Schoeniger, Gary. Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur. Eli Press, Cleveland, OH 2010 ISBN 978-0-9713059-3-9

Destination Kent State (DKS) Adapted for the College of Business Administration. Kendall Hunt Publishing, IA. 2012 ISBN 978-1-4652-2736-2
Other resources: www.kent.edu/business/Undergrad

Faculty Instructor: Student Success Leader:
Elizabeth A. Sinclair Chelsea Knowles
330-672-1286 or 306 BSA 330-XXX-XXXX easincla@kent.edu cknowles@kent.edu

Office Hours: By appointment

The purpose of this course is to help you make the transition to college life (academic and social) and help you learn how to improve and refine your academic skills. The instructors are prepared to assist in choosing (or confirming) a major; to discuss business career options; and to address the general requirements, policies and services of Kent State University and the College of Business Administration. This class is linked with Exploring Business and Human Communication. Some topics covered in Exploring Business will be explored further in this course. A requirement of Human Communication is the delivery of three speeches (a persuasive speech, an informative speech and a group speech.) This class will give you the opportunity to practice (and learn how to improve) your oral communication skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:
After completing this course you will have the skills, information, knowledge and tools: * to persist at Kent State * to be academically successful * to develop an academic plan * to be able to communicate at an acceptable level

Class Policies: You are required to attend all class periods, outside-of-class activities and to complete all assignments to the satisfaction of the instructors. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade. To pass this class all assignments must be satisfactorily completed. Tardiness will not be tolerated. You are expected to submit your own work on all assignments unless otherwise stipulated. The highest level of academic integrity is expected; cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and appropriate penalties will be invoked. Use of cell phones and laptops is prohibited in class unless otherwise specified. Attendance points will be deducted if violated.

Note regarding attendance and make-up assignments: If you are late turning in assignments or miss class without an excuse or if you are regularly tardy to class, you will be required to do additional or make-up work. If you miss class for a university related excuse (illness, death in the immediate family, religious observance, academic field trips, and participation in an approved concert or athletic event, and direct participation in university disciplinary hearings) you may be required to complete make-up assignments. Make up assignments will consist of a three to five page typed paper on a subject of the faculty instructor's choice or may be related to what was covered during the class you missed. Length of the paper and the nature of the assignment will depend on the circumstances. No more than two unexcused make-up assignments, in total, will be allowed. Students who need more than two unexcused make-up assignments may be asked to withdraw from the class (if before the University deadline for withdrawing from a class) or they will receive a failing grade for this course.

Students with disabilities: University policy 3342-3-18 requires that students with disabilities be provided reasonable accommodations to ensure their equal access to course content. If you have a documented disability and require accommodations, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester to make arrangements for necessary classroom adjustments. Please note, you must first verify your eligibility for these through the Student Accessibility Services. (Contact 330-672-3391 or visit www.kent.edu/sas for more information on registration procedures.)

Class enrollment: You have responsibility to ensure that you are properly enrolled in classes. You are advised to review your official class schedule (using Student Tools in FlashLine) during the first two weeks of the semester to ensure proper enrollment in courses and sections. If errors are found you have until Sunday, September 8, 2013 to correct the error with the College of Business advising office (107 BSA). If you attend a class in which you are not properly registered you will not receive a grade at the conclusion of the semester.

The last day to withdraw from a single class taken during the entire semester is Sunday, November 3, 2013.
The last day to withdraw from a single class taken during the first half of the semester is Friday, September 27, 2013.
The last day to withdraw from a single class which starts at the beginning of the second half of the semester is Monday, November 18, 2013. Course Web Space: This course will be utilizing web space on the Blackboard Learn server. To log in, go into FlashLine and click on the Blackboard Single Sign On link in the box on the top right section of the screen. Our class will be US-10097-080: DKS: First Year Experience. Blackboard LEARN utilizes pop-up windows and is Java based software. You can contact the help desk at (330) 672-HELP if you are experiencing technical difficulties.

Grading
This course is graded on a plus/minus scale. Students must submit all assignments and earn more than 600 points to pass the class. As a reminder students must complete this course with a minimum grade of “D” to fulfill Kent State University graduation requirements.

Assignment | Point Value | | Grade | Percentage | Class Attendance | 150 | | A | 1,000-950 | “Dream Story” paper (75) and presentation (75) | 150 | | A- | 940-900 | Student Organization Attendance | 55 | | B+ | 890-860 | College of Business Survey | 30 | | B | 850-830 | Quizzes over Textbook Readings | 135 | | B- | 820-800 | College of Business Quiz | 50 | | C+ | 790-760 | Midterm Reflection | 175 | | C | 750-730 | May 4th Video Attendance | 55 | | C- | 720-700 | Resume | 200 | | D+ | 690-650 | | | | D | 640-600 | Total | 1000 | | F | < 590 | | | |

Assignment Descriptions
Summer Reading: The Summer Reading book discussion is a great way for you to practice being an active participant in a college classroom. The questions below will help prepare you to participate in the class discussion. Please compose your answers to each question in writing and provide quotes from the book that help to support your answers. Due by Friday, August 23rd at summer reading discussion class meeting. 1. What did you find to be some key themes in this book? (Please list and describe at least 4) 2. What opportunities do you think your experience at Kent State University will provide you? How do you plan to utilize those opportunities to achieve your goals? 3. What challenges do you think you will need to overcome to be successful academically in college? What themes from this book may help you to overcome these challenges? Why? 4. Whose story did you enjoy reading the most? (Uncle Cleve, Clifton, or Gary) What was it about their perspective did you find intriguing? 5. Please write a discussion question that you would pose to your discussion group.
.

Attendance (150 points): Each class meeting is worth 10 points.

“Dream Story” paper (75 pts) and oral presentation (75 pts) (150 points total): The purpose of this assignment is to engage in an exercise of self-examination and to give your faculty a chance to evaluate your written communication skills. Your paper must be written in prose style, not as a list of answers. Papers will be graded as an essay with attention to spelling, grammar and punctuation. Papers should be double spaced. You will need to submit this on Blackboard Learn. Paper is due September 12.

Your “Dream Story” should include answers to the following three questions: 1. When you were approximately 9 years old and someone asked you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” What was your answer? What is your answer to the question now? 2. Reread Chapter 6 “Brand” of Who Owns the Icehouse? What is your brand today? What will it be five years from now? 3. Imagine that you are on the front cover of a magazine 10 years from now. The article details your latest and most impressive list of accomplishments. What is the magazine? Why have you been selected to appear on the cover? What accomplishments are highlighted in the article?

Your second part of this assignment is to present your “Dream Story” to the class. Your presentation should take no more than 2 minutes. You may be asked to present your story more than once during the semester. Your story may change as you get more information during your first semester at Kent State. The 5 best “Dream Stories” will be presented at one of the final classes. The top presentation, as voted on by the class and with approval of the faculty, will receive a prize. Presentations begin October 10.

Student Organization Presentations (55 points): Attend a student organization meeting. All Business student organizations will be represented and each representative will talk about their organization goals, membership requirements, planned activities, etc. Information about days, times and locations will be distributed in class. You can choose one of the following sessions to attend: Monday, September 23 from 5:15 – 6:15pm, Wednesday, September 25 12:30 – 1:30pm, Friday, September 27 10:00 – 11:00am, or Friday, September 27 1:00 – 2:00pm. ALL SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN ROOM 215 BSA! Turn in proof of attendance at October 3 class.

College of Business Survey (30 points): An email will be sent to your kent.edu address with a unique link to access the survey online. The survey will close at 11:59pm on Friday, October 4, 2013. Print the email that you will receive immediately after completing the survey. The printed copy MUST include the email header showing the “TO” and “FROM”. Also, write your name on the copy of the email and turn it in to your FYE faculty no later than October 10.

Quizzes over Textbook Readings (135): There will be a quiz over each chapter. Each quiz will have three questions with each question worth 5 point and total of 15 points for each quiz.

College of Business Quiz (50 points): Take quiz about College of Business requirements, majors and degree name. Taken in class on September 26.

Midterm Reflection (175 points): The purpose of this assignment is for you to examine and report on your current academic situation. In addition to content, papers will be judged on the basis of spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. You will compose a two-page paper describing and outlining your current academic situation. Review your midterm grades that can be found in FlashLine. Topics for your paper should include a reflection of your grades earned to date, a review of the current success tactics (formal and informal) you have utilized, a review of what you could have done more of, and a plan for academic success for the remaining weeks of the semester. Also, reread pages 83-85 of Who Owns the Icehouse? and discuss as part of your midterm reflection how the point made may apply to you or someone you know. You must submit a hard copy in class on October 24.

May 4th Video Student Success Program (55 points): The purpose of this assignment is to connect you with campus by enriching your knowledge about this important day in the history of Kent State University. You will attend a showing of the May 4, 1970 Video called Fire in the Heartland at the Kiva. Register for this program at www.kent.edu/success. Once on the page, select “Sign up for a Student Success Series Presentation” on the right hand side of the page. Turn in proof of attendance by October 31. There is no written assignment unless you do not bring in proof of attendance. If you do not bring in proof, you will be required to complete a one page paper after seeing the May 4 video.

Resume (200 points): The purpose of this assignment is to develop a summary of your high-school, current and potential college activities and present them in a professional format. Your resume describes your accomplishments that can be used when applying for scholarships, seeking summer employment or an internship. Knowing how to develop a resume now will serve you throughout your college experience. Resumes will be judged on the basis spelling, grammar, punctuation, appropriate style and content. You can include high school activities and accomplishments on this resume but the emphasis should be on current and potential college activities and accomplishments. With respect to your college information, you should list activities and work experiences that are currently being pursued as well as those that you hope to pursue as a sophomore, junior or senior during the college experience. This is a chance to imagine what the future holds; whether it entails being a student leader, studying abroad, taking on an internship, working in a field related to a career of interest, working a full or part-time job in order to make money, etc. You will want to research the various opportunities at Kent State to help you prepare this aspect of your resume. You must submit a hard copy in class no later than November 14.

Calendar of Events Week | Date | Topics Covered | Week 0 | August 24 | 1-2pm FYE - Get Acquainted2-3pm Summer Reading - Summer Book Discussion Assignment Due: Summer Reading Assignment | Week 1 | August 29 | Review course syllabusChapter 1 of DKS textbook Navigating the University University Structure College Structure Email Etiquette What Faculty Want | Week 2 | Sept 5 | Chapter 2 of DKS textbook Taking Notes Writing for Success | Week 3 | Sept 12 | Chapter 3 of DKS textbook Time ManagementAssignment Due: Your “Dream Story”Assignment reminder: Attend a student organization meeting next week! Begin to take College of Business Survey. | Week 4 | Sept 19 | Chapter 4 of DKS textbook Policies, BBA Degree Requirements, Majors, Minors and More | Week 5 | Sept 26 | Chapter 5 of DKS textbook Academic, Advising and Important DatesTake College of Business Quiz in class | Week 6 | Oct 3 | Chapter 6 of DKS textbook Putting Yourself on Paper - Resume WritingAssignment Due: Turn in proof of attendance of student organization meeting. | Week 7 | Oct 10 | Continued discussion on Resume Writing“Dream Story” PresentationsAssignment Due: Turn in your proof of completion of College of Business Survey | Week 8 | Oct 17 | Chapter 7 of DKS textbook Diversity “Dream Story” Presentations | Week 9 | Oct 24 | TBD“Dream Story” PresentationsAssignment Due: Midterm Reflection | Week 10 | Oct 31 | May 4th DiscussionAssignment Due: Proof of attendance at May 4 video, Fire in the Heartland | Week 11 | Nov 7 | Chapter 8 of DKS textbook Cheating & Plagiarism | Week 12 | Nov 14 | Chapter 9 of DKS textbook and reread Chapter 5 “Wealth” from Who Owns the Icehouse? Be prepared to discuss it in class. Managing Money & Minimizing Debt Assignment Due: Resume | Week 13 | Nov 21 | “Dream Story” Finalists | Week 14 | Nov 28 | Thanksgiving Break – No Class[This can vary by class as anything after noon on Wednesday should be canceled.]Possible topic: Preparing for Finals | Week 15 | Dec 5 | Wrap Up | NAME _______________________________________ DATE _____________________

“Dream Story” Paper (75 points)

* Point values reflect maximum and minimum values available. To ensure that you accrue the maximum points please ensure that your work is of high quality.

Late submissions will be deducted 10% off for each day.

Category | | | | | | 50 | 49-38 | 37-25 | 24-0 | Content items as suggested in the instructions were addressed and were explained well. (50 pts) | All content items were addressed and explained well. | Most content items were addressed and/or explained somewhat well. | Student minimally covers all required topics and/or minimally explains them adequately. | Student does not cover all required topics and/or explains those covered poorly. | | 25 | 24-17 | 16-12 | 12-0 | Appropriate use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. (25 pts) | No grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. | Minor grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. | Six grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. | Many grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. |

NAME _______________________________________ DATE _____________________

“Dream Story” Presentation (75 points)

* Point values reflect maximum and minimum values available. To ensure that you accrue the maximum points please ensure that your work is of high quality.

Category | | | | | | 38 | 37-29 | 28-19 | 18-0 | DeliveryVoice: pitch volume and speedEye contactPosture and poiseHand gestures and Facial expressionsEnergy and enthusiasm(38 pts) | Excellent in all categories listed. | Average in all categories listed. | Below average in all categories listed. | Did not do well with any categories listed. | | 37 | 36-28 | 27-18 | 17-0 | PresentationCorrect grammar, pronunciation and word selectionFlow of speech, transitions (37 pts) | Excellent in categories listed. | Average in all categories listed. | Below average in all categories listed. | Did not do well with any categories listed. |

Student Peer Evaluation for “Dream Story” presentations

Person doing the evaluating: print your name on back of this form

Person being evaluated: _____________________________________

I like your speech because: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You could improve your speech by: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NAME _______________________________________ DATE _____________________

Midterm Reflection (175 Points)

* Point values reflect maximum and minimum values available. To ensure that you accrue the maximum points please ensure that your work is of high quality.

Late submissions will be deducted 10% off for each a day.

Category | | | | | | 125 | 124-94 | 93-63 | 62-0 | Student covers the following topics and explained them well: * Reflection of grades received this far into the semester * Reflection of current success tactics (formal and informal) utilized * Plan for the remaining weeks of the semester (125 pts) | Student covers the three required topic areas and explained them each very well. | Student somewhat covers all required topics and/or somewhat explains them adequately. | Student minimally covers all required topics and/or minimally explains them adequately. | Student does not cover all required topics and/or explains those covered poorly. | | 50 | 49-38 | 37-25 | 24-0 | Appropriate use of grammar, spelling & punctuation. (50 pts) | No grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. | Some grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. | Six grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. | Many grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. |

NAME _______________________________________ DATE _____________________

Resume (200 Points)

* Point values reflect maximum and minimum values available. To ensure that you accrue the maximum points please ensure that your work is of high quality.

Late submissions will be deducted 10% off for each day.

Category | | | | | | 60 | 59-45 | 44-30 | 29-0 | Covers the following topical areas: * Summary of qualifications * Education (both high school and college) * Work Experience * Organizations/ Leadership Roles * References (60 pts) | Student covers all required topic areas. | Student covers some of the five required topic areas. | Student covers less than three of the five required topic areas. | Student covers few of the required topic areas. | | 60 | 59-45 | 44-30 | 29-0 | Student includes future experiences (that are realistic) he/she is hoping to accomplish during college. (60 pts) | Student fully includes realistic future experiences in all categories. | Student includes some future experiences. | Student minimally includes future experiences or includes future experiences that are not realistic. | Student does not include future experiences. | | 30 | 29-23 | 22-15 | 14-0 | The correct resume formatting is used. (30 pts) | Student uses a correct format. | Student somewhat uses the correct format. | Formatting is not consistent and correct formatting is not used. | Student does not use a correct format. | | 50 | 49-38 | 37-25 | 24-0 | Appropriate use of grammar, spelling and punctuation. (50 pts) | No grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. | There are 1-4 errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. | There are 4-6 errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. | There are more than 6 errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation. |