Hello Students,

You have registered in Counseling 120 online which begins August 22. Welcome to class!  You can find information about the course including the syllabus and course calendar at www.collegesuccess1.com/online.htm  

So what is this course all about?  It is a personal development course that helps you to discover your personal strengths and match them to the world of work so that you can choose the major and career that is best for you.  To accomplish this most important task you will have the opportunity to explore your personality type, interests, values and personal strengths.  Whether you have already chosen a major or not, this is an interesting journey of personal discovery.  As a result of this class, some of you will select a major, choose a better major or at least learn more about yourself.

This course will help you be become a lifelong learner by understanding study strategies that will work best for you.  Improve your time management, reading comprehension, memory, writing and test taking techniques.  Lastly, lifelong success topics include communication, health, appreciation of diversity and thinking positively about the future. 

This course meets requirements for graduation and transfers to both the California State Universities and the University of California.  For the California State Universities, it meets a general education requirement for Area E, Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development.  Students who take this course increase their chances of staying in college and completing their educational goals. 

My past students have said that they enjoyed the course and some even said that it was one of the best courses they have ever taken.  However, it is important that this course matches your needs, interests and time available.  My course is now full and I have many students on the waiting list.  It is sad that many students sign up for this course and then never log in or drop in the first 2 weeks.  Below are the most  common reasons students drop this course.  Think about these requirements and if this course is the best match for you. 

Time Available

Students often think that an online course is less work than a face to face course.  This is not true.  If you were taking a face to face course, you would be in class for 3 hours a week plus your travel and class preparation.  You will spend at least 4 hours a week on this online course, and possibly more for class preparation and assignments.  Instead of participating in a face to face course, you will be doing a great deal of writing.   In this course you will be doing some journal entries which allow you to think about the material and how you can apply it to your personal success.   The advantage is that you do not have to come on campus, spend your gas money or meet at a scheduled time.  Sound good?  Many students do not spend any time on their online course because there are no scheduled times.   Many students do not even log into the online course at all.  Think about your schedule and when you would work on this online course.  If you cannot find at least 4 hours a week for this course, you should drop this course now while there is still time to enroll in another course.  Maybe a face-to-face course would be better for you if you have difficulty in managing your time.  

Materials Required

Students sometimes think that if a course is online, there are no materials required.  This is not true.  By the second week of this course, you must purchase access to the College and Career Success Online. The cost is $50 if you pay online or $65 if you purchase the access code in the Bookstore.  This interactive online textbook contains the course content and your student portfolio with career assessments, quizzes and journal entries.  This portfolio can be viewed by you and by the instructor.  If you cannot or do not want to purchase this program, it is best to drop this course now.  Detailed information on purchasing your online textbook is in my syllabus at the website listed above. 

Ability to Work Independently Online

Some students can work independently online and others need an instructor in a class to motivate them to do the course work.  If you need help with motivation, a face to face class might be better for you.  It is not too late to enroll in a face to face course if needed. If you do not begin working on this class during the first week, I will drop you from the course to allow students on the waiting list to add.   If you fall 2 chapters behind without contacting me, I will also drop you from this course.  If you are dropped, this may cause problems with your financial aid, insurance, or sports eligibility. 

There are lots of benefits to studying online.  For those of you with busy family and work schedules or other barriers to attending college, this may be the perfect way to attend college.  My course is well-organized and it is easy to complete your online assignments. The textbook is engaging and interactive.  I interact with students online and answer any of your questions within 24 hours in most cases. 

If you would like to get started, you can meet me and introduce yourself online on our course blog at:

http://couns120fa16.blogspot.com/ 

For more detailed information, please see the course syllabus and calendar at my website listed above.  Please let me know if you have any questions along the way.  My goal is your success! 

Dr. Marsha Fralick
Professor Emeritus, Cuyamaca College
marsha.fralick@gcccd.edu