Welcome to UHC 110, and to Missouri State University (MSU), where the over-riding mission is to produce educated citizens with an interest and academic background in public affairs.  Since you are Honors students, it is the MSU philosophy that there should be more “substance” to your freshman orientation class: hence this class is required for Honors students rather than IDS 110.  Each section of UHS 110 has a theme around which it is focused, and since all citizens ought to be aware of our responsibilities to the environment, the theme for this section is: 

Humans & the Environment.

GOALS: 1) Familiarize you with the facilities and services on campus;

    2) Familiarize you with the MSU organization, rules, procedures, and degree requirements;

    3) Assist in your adjustment to the stresses and responsibilities of university life;

    4) [Theme] Give you an appreciation of the intimacy with which we are connected to our planet.

FORMAT: Most Monday will be devoted to activities which will help familiarize you with the facilities and services on campus (see detailed schedule on back).  The Wednesday class times are generally devoted to our theme; many will involve guest speakers.  For most class meetings, the format will be that of an informal discussion (you’ll get enough “lectures” in your other classes).  For this to be successful, everyone must come prepared and willing to participate.  Class participation includes preparedness, promptness, cooperation with others, etc. There will be no text, but during the semester, be alert for news articles that fit within our theme.  You will need to make an informal presentation to the class on one of these (5 minutes). 

GRADING: Most weeks, there will be some small assignment, which will be due at the beginning of class on the following Monday.  More details will be provided for these assignments as the semester progresses.  In addition, you will select one topic within the scope of our theme for in-depth study.  At the end of the semester, you will turn in a written report on this topic (5-10 pages) and make an oral presentation (10-15 min.) to the class.  The point breakdown for the grading in this class is as follows:

Class Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Written assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . 60      

            E-mail message (5);  3 Speaker evaluations (15);  List of classes (5); Complete class schedules (5);  List of theme references (5);  2 Student Organization reports (5);   Rough draft (5);   Final draft (15)

Oral reports . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . 20

News article (5);   Student organization (5);  Theme paper (10)

Grades will be calculated on the basis of overall percentage of points:  90%=A, 80%=B, 70%=C, 60%=D. In addition, your final score can be adjusted by up to +5 percentage points based on extenuating circumstances or extra‑ordinary conduct.  However, for most students, no adjustment is made!  Any student participating in academic dishonesty may be subject to sanctions as described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures (http://www.missouristate.edu/acadaff/AcademicIntegrity.html), including an XF for the course.  It is your responsibility to know what constitutes “academic dishonesty”.

SCHEDULE OF CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS

This class is taught with the affirmative action/equal opportunity philosophy. The MSU non-discrimination policy can be found at:http://www.missouristate.edu/human.eoaa.htm.  Inquires or concerns should be directed to Jana Long, Affirmative Action officer (836-4252), the instructor, or the instructor’s department head.

Anyone with a handicap which might affect their performance or participation in this class should contact the instructor and/or Kathy Staeger-Wilson at Disability Services (836-4129 or http://www.missouristate.edu/disability).