ASPIRE sponsored courses - UW Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Strategies for Academic Success

(2 credits) Tuition waived

2010 Spring Course Offering

TRDIS 120 – 001 TTH 11:15 – 12:10 Snyder

2009 Fall Course Offering

TRDIS 120 – 001 MW 1:25 – 2:20 Krula
TRDIS 120 – 002 MW 11:15 – 12:10 Snyder
TRDIS 120 – 004 TTH 1:25 – 2:20 Bement
TRDIS 120 – 005 TTH 10:10 – 11:05 Krula
TRDIS 120 – 006 MW 10:10 – 11:05 Bement

This course assists students in gaining confidence for academic success.

Strategies for Academic Success (TRDIS-120) is a two-credit seminar designed to enhance our students’ abilities to succeed in college. Whether students graduated on top or somewhere in the middle of their high school class, the course is appropriate for all students who desire to be successful in college. The course will focus on adjustment challenges and explore competencies relevant to college student development and academic achievement. Course objectives include study skills strategies, such as note-taking, test-taking techniques, and textbook reading comprehension, time management and goal setting. Through peer engagement and interaction, focused class discussion and other activities, and reflection on the educational experience, students will strive to apply motivational principles and learning strategies leading to academic success at the university.

Students will be challenged to develop personal confidence and integrate strategies into their academic and student life experiences in order to maximize their college success. Students will be required to:

participate in classroom and small group discussions
fulfill reading assignments of textbook and other selected articles
satisfy course content evaluations as assessed on quizzes and exams
write reflectively on the college experience
participate in individual meetings to discuss college adjustment
demonstrate engagement in the college learning community

Adjustment Challenges Include:

Negotiating the university system: academic requirements, policies, and procedures
Utilizing campus resources
Defining educational goals: clarifying vocational interests; choosing a field of study
Developing awareness regarding the challenges of active learning
Dealing with the demands of time pressures and life stresses
Developing effective interpersonal skills
Developing coping skills such as problem solving and resiliency
Embracing opportunities for community involvement and service

Competencies Include:

The development of learning strategies, classroom efficacies, and study skills applicable to achieving college academic success
The development of attitudinal and behavioral strengths, as well as coping strategies, in order to manage the demands of the college experience
The development of maturity and confidence through establishing fulfilling relationships with peers, staff, and faculty; and through involvement in campus life
The development of awareness regarding the benefits of embracing diversity; and actively participating in leadership and service opportunities in the university community

Tuition Waivers - granted for two-credits
Student Support Services is waiving tuition on two-college credits for eligible students enrolled in Strategies for Academic Success (TRIDIS-120) at UW-Stout for the current term. Eligible students will NOT be charged tuition for the two-credit course if all of the following apply:

Undergraduate UW-STOUT Student is full-time (taking at least 12 credits not including Strategies for Academic Success Course).

Student is coming from a limited income family (usually means you are getting a PELL grant through Financial Aid) and first generation-college student or has a documented disability. Waivers will also be granted to students who are first-generation only.

Student will remain active in the ASPIRE-Student Support Services Retention Program and activities.

Career Exploration Learning Community

2009 Fall Course Offering

Career Exploration Seminar

TRDIS 101-003 TTH 10:10-11:05 (1 credit, 1st quarter) Bement Tuition waived

Fundamentals of Speech

SPCOM 100-027 (2 credits, 2nd quarter online) Teuber Tuition rates apply

Career Exploration Seminar (non-learning community)

2010 Spring Course Offering

TRDIS 101-003 TTH 10:10-11:04 (1 credit, 4th quarter) Bement Tuition waived

For students without a declared major and those who want to confirm their major decision.

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Education Major Learning Community

2009 Fall Course Offering

Strategies for Academic Success, (2 credits) TRDIS 120 – 003 TF 12:20 – 1:15 Snyder Tuition waived
Fundamentals of Speech, (2 credits) SPCOM 100 – 009 MW 12:20 – 1:15 Collie Tuition rates apply

2010 Spring Course Offering

Foundations of Education, (2 credits) EDUC 326-005 MW 1:25-2:20 Haltinner Tuition rates apply
American Government (3 credits) POLS 201-006 MWF 11:15-12:10 Zagorski Tuition rates apply

For Education majors and those planning on majoring in education.

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Learning Community for Education Majors (New Freshmen 2009 Fall)

ASPIRE is accepting new freshmen to join in a Learning Community for Education Majors. Students must be accepted as a Pre-Education Major in one of the following majors for Fall 2009. In addition students must be a first-generation college student (neither of your parents have a four-year college degree) and receiving a PELL Grant through federal financial aid. Students must also show a commitment to making a difference inside and outside the classroom.

Art Education (Early Childhood - Adolescence)
Early Childhood Education (PK - 3)
Family and Consumer Sciences Education (Early Childhood - Adolescence)
Marketing and Business Education (Early Childhood - Adolescence)
Science Education (Applied Science)
Special Education
Technology Education (Early Childhood - Adolescence)

Your Time to Start off on the Right Foot

New freshmen often have doubts and are overwhelmed by starting college ... the learning Community for Education Majors offers the following opportunities to ensure your success. Whether you come from the top of your graduating class or somewhere in the middle, all students need to be connected with one another to create the best chance for college and career success.

Structured linked course (Blocked Classroom Community)
2009 Fall: TRDIS-120-003 Strategies for Academic Success (2 credits tuition waived)
2009 Fall: SPCOM-100 Fundamentals of Speech (2 credits)

2010 Spring: POLS 210 American Government (3 credits)
2010 Spring: EDUC 326 Foundation of Education (3 credits)
Learning Community that works to ensure everyone's success
Meet and work together (group touring sessions, group projects, network of students) to enhance your success and the success of the community
Preparation for the Pre-Professional Skills Test for Educators (PPST)
Enhancement of basic skills in Math, English, Writing through classroom instruction, workshops, seminars, tutorial computer practice exams to create the best preparation for the required PPST standard examination for educators
Professional Educational Opportunities
Opportunities to participate in service learning projects - centered around the education of children. Planned school visits to large city, small rural and magnet schools across the country. Attend professional training and conferences for future teachers
Connections with other students and faculty
Develop easy connections with quality faculty and staff, other students in education, and first-year mentors to ensure that your are well connected and progressing toward your educational goals.

Learning Community Students

This will be the third year of offering ASPIRE's Learning Community for Education Majors. Students come from a variety of academic backgrounds with the common emphasis on making a commitment to college success and becoming a quality teacher. Retention rates and PPST pass rates have increased dramatically; because students build a sense of community, desire for the group to succeed as a whole, and the wonderful support you receive inside and outside the classroom. COME JOIN US!