CEOP College Prep Programs

Academics 101: College Readiness Program

Course Syllabus
Class Time: Saturdays 9:00am 1:00pm
Class Dates: See class schedule Pg. 5
Instructor:
Stacy M. Collier, M.A. Professional Intern: CEOP
Email: stacyd@unm.edu
Phone: 277-0401
Course Credits: Upon completion of ACAD 101 College Readiness Program students will
receive 6 elective college credits (3cr per semester) 2 high school elective
credit (1cr per semester)
Course Description:
Provide skills and tools necessary to effectively navigate through an establishment of higher
education. Discuss college majors, careers, and degrees, financing your degrees as well as
financial literacy, successful communication skills, time management, study skills, and test
taking strategies.
Course Objectives:
At the end of the course each student will have:
Better understanding of their personal major and career interests
Improved time management skills
Improved written and oral communication
Have applied to and been accepted to a post-secondary institution
Obtained one or more scholarships or other financial assistance
Improved test taking and study skills
Become more aware of diversity
Obtained skills to seek out and utilize various resources available
Obtained interviewing skills
Improved life management skills
Improved financial literacy

Classroom Atmosphere:
Class participation is important. Your experience and viewpoints are critical in the learning
process. Some of the topics we will be discussing are sensitive and value-laden. In addition,
sharing may involve personal exposure and the taking of risks. Therefore, engaging in dialogues
in this class will require that you demonstrate a respect for your colleagues; that you demonstrate
openness to perspectives different from your own; and you should expect the same from all
others in the class. This class will consist of lecture, discussion, small group activities, videos,
speakers and student presentations. Qualified students with disabilities needing appropriate
academic adjustments should contact the instructor as soon as possible to ensure your needs are
met in a timely manner.
Academic Integrity:
Each student is expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity in academic matters. The
University reserves the right to take disciplinary action, including dismissal, against any student
who is found guilty of academic dishonesty. This includes dishonesty on tests or assignments, or
claiming credit or work done by others.
Course Expectations:
Attendance: (20pts) Attendance of the summer session, all Saturday classes, eight 30 minute
meetings with assigned mentor per semester, and other scheduled events are mandatory.
Absences and tardiness will result in a reduction in points and a decrease in grade. More than
two unexcused absences will result in the student being dropped from the program. Attendance
will be taken at each class, activity and mentor meeting.
Class Participation: (20pts) The students participation in class activities and discussions is
essential to make the class more interesting and engaging. All students are expected to actively
participate. Their opinions are very valuable and beneficial to the discussions to make the class
varied and dynamic. Students are expected to treat all guest speakers with the utmost respect.

FALL Assignments:

College Research Project (20pts) Each student will research and put together a
creative presentation on a college of their choice and present to the entire class.
Guidelines will be provided by instructors.
Personal Statement (15pts) - A personal statement is an important piece of the college
admission and scholarships process. Each student will write their own personal statement.
This paper will be a maximum of 2 pages, double spaced, one inch margins, and Times
New Roman, 12 point font.
Volunteer (15pts) - Students will be required to complete 15 community service hours of
their interest per semester, 30 hours total for the year. A volunteer time log will be
provided for students to track hours and the students must write a journal response (500
words minimum) communicating how the volunteering has impacted the student and
community for every 5 volunteer hours (3 per semester). Various volunteer opportunities
exist with Roadrunner Food bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House
Charities, and Joy Junction. Students are welcome to find other volunteer establishments,
but must be approved by instructors. Volunteer hours and responses will be due in
November and April. (Specific dates will be given in class at the beginning of each
semester)
Scholarships (10pts) - Students will identify what scholarships they are eligible for and
complete a minimum of 3 scholarship applications per semester. Students will be required
to show that they have completed and submitted the 3 scholarships.
*Must turn in a photocopy or print out of the scholarship app submitted to receive credit

Fall Grading Scale:

Attendance
Participation
College Research Project
Personal Statement
Volunteer
Scholarships
Total

20 pts
20 pts
20 pts
15 pts
15 pts
10 pts
100 pts

SPRING Assignments

FAFSA (15pts) Due by Feb. 1, 2015 Students must print out and turn in the
confirmation page after filing their FAFSA.

Mock Interview (10pts) Students will be participating in an interview and will be

expected to dress and act as if they were in a real interview.
Resume (10pts) - Each student will create a complete and professional resume that will
assist with potential scholarship and job applications.
Volunteer (15pts) - Students will be required to complete 15 community service hours of
their interest per semester, 30 hours total for the year. A volunteer time log will be
provided for students to track hours and the students must write a journal response (500
words minimum) communicating how the volunteering has impacted the student and
community for every 5 volunteer hours (3 per semester). Various volunteer opportunities
exist with Roadrunner Food bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House
Charities, and Joy Junction. Students are welcome to find other volunteer establishments,
but must be approved by instructors. Volunteer hours and responses will be due in
November and April. (Specific dates will be given in class at the beginning of each
semester)
Scholarships (10pts) - Students will identify what scholarships they are eligible for and
complete a minimum of 5 scholarship applications per semester. Students will be required
to show that they have completed and submitted the 5 scholarships.

Fall Grading Scale:

Attendance
Participation
FAFSA
Mock Interview
Resume
Volunteer
Scholarships
Total

Dates

20 pts
20 pts
15 pts
10 pts
10 pts
15 pts
10 pts
100 pts

Fall Semester 2015 Schedule

Topic

August 15

Intro/Communication Skills

August 29

Personal Statements/Scholarships

Assignments Due

September 12

ACT Prep/Test Taking Skills

September 26

Admissions

October 17

Time Management

October 24

College Research Projects

November 14

TBA

November 21

College Research Presentations

December 12

Santa Fe Cultural Trip

Dates

Personal Statements Due

Scholarships/Volunteer Forms Due Today

Suggested Events (Extra Credit)

Event

Place/Times

October TBA

NMSU Aggie Experience

Las Cruces, NM (NMSU) 5am-5pm

October TBA

College Fair

The Pit 12pm-3pm

October TBA

UNM Senior Day

UNM 8:30am-2pm

November TBA

ENMU Green & Silver Day

Portales, NM (ENMU) 5am-6pm

Dates

Topic

Assignments Due

January 9

FAFSA/Parent Day

January 23

ROTC/SUVA/El
Centro/SSS/Dorms

February 20

Interview Skills/Resume Writing

FAFSA Must be submitted

February 27
March 12

Mock Interviews

Resumes Due

March 19
April 16

Financial Literacy

April 23

Close-Out/Surveys

May 7

Closing Ceremonies

Scholarships/Volunteer Forms Due Today

Spring Semester 2016 Tentative Schedule*

*Classes subject to change