Student Affairs

 

First Year Experience Course: College 101

What is College 101?

Course Description: College 101, a first-year experience class, is a two-credit hour graded course offered in the fall semester designed to enhance the transition and adjustment of first-year students attending Baldwin Wallace University, a four-year private liberal arts institution. Students, a peer mentor (Course Assistant), and the course professor will engage in stimulating discussions and critically examine topics relevant to college life through the chosen novel and/or text, guest speakers and shared classroom experiences.

Four distinct objectives guide course content and student learning:

Objective 1: Be Curious through your Coursework

Students will understand the mission of Baldwin Wallace University and the life-long advantages of a liberal arts education through discussions about higher education, college curriculum and the College's expectations of a successful student.
 

Objective 2: Be Connected through Involvement

Students will engage with the Baldwin Wallace University community by participation in academic, cultural, social, and co-curricular activities and understand that campus engagement contributes to student learning, develops leadership attributes and increases their knowledge of effective organizations.
 

Objective 3: Be Successful by Focusing on the Future

Students will demonstrate self-management skills and be exposed to strategies and campus resources that aid in their academic success, personal development and goal identification & attainment.

 

Objective 4: Be Real through Experiential Learning

Students will be exposed to campus resources that encourage service learning, study abroad, and internships. These are all very important aspects of college life and through these experiences students can identify and strengthen their personal values, explore and clarify their academic interests, develop professional skills, and increase their marketability in preparing for meaningful careers.
Upon successful completion of this course students will:
-          Approach academic problems and educational issues from multiple perspectives
-          Develop effective communication skills
-          Use campus resources & support services in an intentional way
-          Understand the value of student involvement as an extension of the classroom
-          Use important educational technology tools like Blackboard, Grad Plan, and E-Portfolio
-          Involve Advising and Career Services to enhance their decision making     
-          Understand self and others within a diverse community that appreciates difference
 

Where else can you get this sort of rich and diverse educational experience in your first semester as a BW  freshman? 

Here is what students are saying about College 101:

"I would recommend College 101 to freshman. It is a great course to take to help you ease into the crazy, and sometimes overwhelming college life. The resources and contacts you gain while in this class are invaluable. There are so many tools that I would have never known about without taking College 101. Best of all, your class becomes a kind of family, and you gain some great friends along the way."
 -Tori, Class 2014

"I would recommend this course to an incoming freshman because it broadens your perspective of who you are, how others are around you and how you can relate to them, while gaining an understanding of the in's and out's of college life." - Mary, Class of 2011

"What I enjoy most about College 101 is that it gives me a sense of belonging.  While there are still regular assignments like any other class it is much more laid back and allows for meeting new people and forming strong bonds.  Through College 101 I have met some of my closest friends on campus."  - Grant, Class of 2011                                                                                                    

Ask your Academic Advisor about your interest in registering for the course when scheduling classes during your summer orientation. 

Questions regarding the course?  Contact Marc Adkins, COL 101 Coordinator, at (440) 826-2116 or email- madkins@bw.edu.

   

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