This course will serve as preparation for students to make a successful journey into the University’s online learning environment. It will introduce students to the University of the People’s resources available to them, to the academic methods, and to the policies and expectations for student performance. Further, it will provide an overview of strategies for student success including time and stress management, effective study skills, and personal ownership of the learning process.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Discover career options based on resources and programs at UoPeople
2. Discover how to make peer connections in an online community
3. Explain what academic integrity means, including how to avoid plagiarism
4. Identify reliable sources for writing and research purposes.
5. Apply proper techniques in note-taking, reading, and study strategies for improvement of academic performance.
6. Examine the benefits of and methods for conducting peer assessments.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).
Week 1: Unit 1 – Welcome and Introduction to the University of the People
Week 2: Unit 2 – Resources and Communities
Week 3: Unit 3 – Time Management, Graduation, and Career Planning
Week 4: Unit 4 – Writing Basics and Academic Integrity
Week 5: Unit 5 – Self-Directed Learning and Growth Mindset
Week 6: Unit 6 – Studying and Note-Taking Tips
Week 7: Unit 7 – Stress Management and Holistic Wellness
Week 8: Unit 8 – Test-Taking Strategies
Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Welcome and Introduction to the University of the People

• Read through the Course Syllabus
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete the Scavenger Hunt Activity
• Complete an entry to the Learning Journal

Unit 2: Resources and Communities

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate on Yammer/Viva Engage, an online community (contribute to group conversation)
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal

Unit 3: Time Management, Graduation, and Career Planning

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: Writing Basics and Academic Integrity

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post and comment in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal

Unit 5: Self-Directed Learning and Growth Mindset

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal

Unit 6: Studying and Note-Taking Tips

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 7: Stress Management and Holistic Wellness

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal

Unit 8: Test-Taking Strategies

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam
• Take the Practice Final Exam

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

• Say goodbye to your classmates in the Course Forum and share one significant learning point that you will apply to your ongoing studies with University of the People and beyond
• Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so.
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor.