Chapman Hall 226; x2409; robert-donaldson@utulsa.edu;
http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~robert-donaldson
Course format: The format of the course will be primarily discussion and participation exercises during a brown bag lunch. Professor Donaldson will have preparatory material to stimulate discussion, but expects that students will include their issues in the discussion.
Course Texts:
Grading Criteria: Pass/D/F
grading.
Students are expected to attend and participate in all sessions and
satisfactorily
complete the assignments in order to receive a P. (Excused
absences
are determined on a case by case basis.) Those students identified by
the
mid-term unsatisfactory grade reports as having academic difficulties
will be directed to the Center for Student Academic Support Services
(CSASS).
Week 1 August 23 The Nominating Process;
Ballot Access
Week 2 August 30 Conventions:
"Packaging" the Candidate
College Experience Handbook (CEH), read chapters on "Academic Expectations" and "Professors." Discussion: Who are college professors and what do they expect?
Week 3 September 6-Labor Day No Class
Week 4 September 13 Presentation by Center for
Student Academic Support
CEH, read chapter on "Study Skills."
Succeeding at the University: how to improve and support academic
efforts.
Assignment: Meet
with one professor outside the classroom and report to Dr. Donaldson by
e-mail:
DUE by Friday, September 17
Week 5 Sept 20 Vice Presidential
Nominees
CEH, read chapter on Time Management. Make a plan to improve your time usage. Part I: list
all your time usage
for Sunday through Saturday of this week (page A-5) Part II: make a
time
plan for next week. Due in class, September 27.
Week 6 Sept 27 Campaign Strategies:
Red States and Blue States
CEH, read chapter on College Life.
Find 2 upcoming university events to bring to the attention of your
peers;
e-mail info to Dr. Donaldson by October 10.
Week 7 October 4 Issues: Domestic
CEH, Complete
self-monitoring exercise.
Keep a week-long journal of your use of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol,
chocolate,
or food abuse, if any. Think over the relationship between the use and
your
academic life.
Week 8 October 11 Issues: Foreign Policy
CEH, read chapter on Stress. How
to more effectively manage stress for optimal performance and personal
satisfaction.
Stress management exercises, Test anxiety reduction techniques, Support
services.
Discussion: Handling finals, papers, holidays, academic pressure
at
the end of the first semester.
Week 9 October 18 Congressional Elections
Rights, responsibilities and
college life: The Student Handbook. Discussion of plagiarism.
Week 10 October 25
Understanding the Electorate: Polling and Participation
Week 11 November 1 (Election Day minus 1) The Election Process: Voting, Counting, Deciding
CEH, read chapter on Advising. How can I get my money's worth out of TU? The Tulsa Curriculum and my major. Read the Bulletin copy on your anticipated major, and the College of A&S requirements. Sample schedule choices. We will discuss the process of enrolling over the web. Pick a tentative schedule to bring to your meeting with your advisor. Sign up for your advising appointment in class.
Week 12 November 8 Post-Mortem on the
2004 Election
Attendance and participation are a major part
of this course. If you are forced to miss class you must phone my
office prior to your absence if you hope to have the absence
excused.
If you are in a situation beyond your control (like a car wreck) and
miss
class, notify me as soon as you are physically able. If
you are participating in a University event which will necessitate
absence,
tell me in advance, even though you believe the coach or director will
send
a list. It is up to you to turn in work on time, or if you miss
work,
to arrange to make it up as soon as possible. Check your e-mail
on
a daily basis.
The University of Tulsa policy on Academic
Misconduct is explained in the
Undergraduate Bulletin, become familiar with it, understand it, and
honor
it. Plagiarism, cheating and collusion are not acceptable or
tolerated.
Students with disabilities should contact the Center for Student Academic Support Service in Holmes to self-identify in order to facilitate your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with and take advantage of
student
services such as the writing center, math lab, Alexander Health Center,
Career
Placement, Center for Student Academic Support Services (tutoring, test
taking,
time management, etc.)
Personal Note:
I am your first year advisor; I am available to answer academic questions throughout your time at TU, but especially to help with any support you may need during the first year as you acclimate. We are here to make your educational experience the best it can possibly be. If you have a problem or question call, ask, make an appointment, e-mail at the time of the problem or concern. If I don't know about it, how can I possibly be of help? I want you to succeed, to excel, to enjoy and to care. Help me make that happen by participating actively in your academic career.