FIRST YEAR SEMINAR

High Impact Educational Practice based Curriculum

Patrick Bell, M.A., M.S.Ed.

LIU Promise Office

Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus

2018-2019 Academic Year

Updated: 12/19/2017
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First Year Seminar Objective

The First Year Seminar (FYS) is designed to assist students in the transitional process that occurs
when entering the first year of college. Through the First Year Seminar, students will be exposed to a
variety of topics designed to foster a sense of growth, understanding, and overall ownership in their
experiences through their 4 years at LIU Brooklyn. By the end of the semester, students will have been
exposed to major exploration, campus engagement opportunities, and mentorship through the help of
their Instructors and Peer Mentors in order to foster a sense of success throughout their academic
career and beyond.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to successfully navigate the university setting

2. Students will be able to understand necessary aspects of the college student experience such as
Financial Aid and Class Registration
3. Students will be able to develop a basic understanding of the importance of financial literacy
4. Students will feel prepared to pursue the academic rigors of college and successfully complete
their academic plan of study
5. Students will understand the importance of identity, multiculturalism, cross-culturalism and
pluralism as it pertains to their experience in a higher education academic setting

Foundational Bibliography

Delgador, R. & Stefancic, J. (2012) Critical race theory, 2nd ed. New York University Press: New York.

McIntosh, P. (1989) Unpacking the invisible knapsack. National SEED Project on Inclusive Curriculum:
Wellesley, MA.

Quaye, J. & Harper, S.R. (2015) Student engagement in higher education: Theoretical perspectives and
practical approaches for diverse populations. Routledge: New York.

Watson, L. W., Terrell, M. C., Wright, D. J., & Associates (2002). How minority students experience
college: Implications for planning and policy. Stylus Publishing, LLC: Sterling, VA.

Theories and Models

1. High Impact Educational Practices (HIPs) Model (Kuh, 2008)

2. Theory of Transition (Schlossberg, 1984)
3. Model of Experiential Learning (Kolb, 1981)
4. Theory of Self-Authorship (Baxter-Magolda, 2001)
5. Seven Vectors of Identity Development (Chickering & Reisser, 1993)
6. Cultural Wealth Model (Yosso, 2005)
7. Cross Cultural (Model Hofstede, 1973)

First Year Common Read

TBD

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Themes

1. FAFSA & Financial Literacy/Planning

2. Diversity
3. Campus Engagement (Professionalism and Involvement)
4. Campus Resources

Core Requirements

1. FASFA Completion and Start Renewal process

a. The mission of LIU Brooklyn is to provide a private education to those who would not
otherwise be able to afford it. Part of that is the student’s access to Financial Aid and
Merit-based scholarships. There’s a trend at LIU (Post and Brooklyn) of students not
being able to afford the cost of tuition or having a lack of financial literacy when it
comes FAFSA. Many students that have visited Promise have not completed or even
started financial aid which puts them at a disadvantage from the very beginning of their
academic careers. Starting immediately after the first class and leading up to October
1st, 2018 (When FAFSA opens for the following year), Instructors need to cover the
importance of Financial Aid, find out if students who are eligible submitted financial aid,
2. Goals / Meet Your Success Coach
a. To be completed within the first three weeks of class – and due the latest during the
third week of September 18th -22nd. Students will meet with their Success Coach or
Advisor to discuss their short-term and long-term goals. The Meet Your Success Coach
assignment is attached.
3. NYS Compliance (Haven and Immunizations)
a. Haven Course: All students must complete the Haven online 2-part course to be in
compliance with NYS Department of Education Laws. Please give the Haven course as a
homework assignment. Students will receive a link in their email with directions on how
to complete the course. It takes approximately 30 minutes. Students should complete
part One of the course by September 29, 2018 and part Two by October 31, 2018.
b. Immunizations: All new students attending school in New York State are required to
submit some sort of proof of vaccination or a waiver that states they elected not to be
vaccinated. Students are required to submit this information by October 31st or they
can be suspended from campus for not complying with state regulations.
4. Spring Registration
a. Registration Session: Instructors will be assigned a computer lab date and timeslot in
which the instructor will guide students through registering for Spring Classes. Promise
coaches can be available to aid in the registration and advising process. This is a great
time for instructors to discuss academic planning with students, how to register for
classes, and planning their major and career future at LIU. The lab date will be assigned
around the end of October or Beginning of November.

Other Topics

1. Campus Resources

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a. Librarians
b. Tutoring/Learning Support Center
c. Campus Life
d. Student Life
e. Promise & Student Support Services
2. Resumes & Handshake
a. Instructors have the option to present on resumes and Handshake or take their class to
a Resume Workshop being held by the Promise Office. Once the student has developed
their resume the instructor can either approve them or have it sent to the Promise
Coach for
3. Professionalism
a. We are asking FYS instructors to incorporate the concept of professionalism into their
classes to establish a culture that students should know when entering the professional
world. LIU Promise has adopted a push towards to professionalism by instilling the
ideas like the importance of email subject lines and appointment schedules.

Important Dates

September 19th Add/Drops Ends

September 19th Convocation Day
October 1st FAFSA for 2019-2020 Academic Year opens
October 8th Registration for Spring 2019 begins
November 10th Last Day to Withdrawal
November 21st Wednesday follows Friday Schedule
November 22nd – 25th Thanksgiving Holiday (Offices closed)
December 14th Classes End
December 15th – December 21st Finals Week
December 22nd Winter Recess Begins

Attendance Policy

You cannot pass this course if you miss more than three (3) classes (including welcome week). Please
note: Two (2) lateness equal one (1) absence, and if you arrive to class more than 15 minutes late, you
will be marked absent.

If you are sick or have a family emergency and need to miss class, you are required to email or call your
instructor in advance of your class time to obtain an excused absence. If you fail to notify your instructor
this absence will not be excused.

Grading Policy

FYS is a PASS/FAIL course. In order to pass this course, you must meet the following criteria:

 Attend all classes (see Attendance Policy)

 Actively participate in class discussion and group activities.
 Complete all readings, writings, and other classroom activities.
 No Extra Credit will be available

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Classroom Expectations

The following are considered unacceptable in the classroom:

1. Cheating or plagiarizing the work of others.

2. Excessive tardiness (see Attendance Policy).
3. Disrespect or rudeness towards instructor or classmates.
4. Speaking out of turn. You will have plenty of opportunity to speak during class time.
Please do not hold private conversations during lecture, presentations, or group
activities.
5. Unless otherwise specified, using an electronic device such as a laptop, smart phone,
MP3 Player, or tablet is not allowed.

University Plagiarism Policy

Long Island University has policies in place regarding Academic Dishonesty including the act of
plagiarism. Plagiarism is defined as using someone else’s words or work as your own, without any kind
of acknowledgement or attribution. Students who are caught plagiarizing will receive failing grade on
the assignment and for the course. Students found responsible for academic dishonesty also risk
suspension or dismissal from the university.

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Sample Class Outline

Week One September 5th – September 11th

 Course Introduction – Instructors should be discussing the purpose of the class, going over the
resume, and performing some ice breakers with their students in order to get to know each
other.
 Highlight important aspects of the class: Common Read, Assignment Deadlines, Course Topics
 Introduce Financial Aid
Week Two *Mandatory Topic* September 12th – September 18th
 Financial Aid – What is FAFSA? What does FAFSA do? Why should students have FAFSA? What is
Verification? What documents need to be submitted for aid to be disbursed?
 Due: Proof that Student submitted FAFSA (if eligible) or Scholarship Application (if student is
international/not eligible for aid) or proof of school based aid
Week Three September 19th – September 25th
 Scholarships – How to apply for Scholarships and where to go
 Workshop Opportunity – You can choose to bring your class to a scholarship workshop being
offered by the Promise Office
Week Four September 26th – October 2nd
 Remind students that FAFSA is opening for the next Academic Year
 Privilege Walk or related activity
 Discuss idea of privilege in relation to college and the common read
Week Five October 3rd – October 9th
 Due: Meet Your Coach/Goal Sheet & Copy of Intended Major Sheet
 Due: Students should have turned in missing Immunization Papers to Campus Life (if not
already)
Week Six October 10th – October 16th
 Common Read
Week Seven October 17th – October 23rd

Week Eight October 24th – October 30th
 Lab Registration Sessions Start
 Promise will assist Instructors in getting lab reservations and provide assistance to instructors
when students register for spring semester classes
 Due: Copy of Major Curriculum Sheet from Promise Office & Class suggestions from coach
Week Nine October 31st – November 6th
 Lab Registration Continues

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Week Ten November 7th – November 13th

 Handshake Tutorial/Resume Workshops
Week Eleven November 14th – November 20th
 Handshake Tutorial/Resume Workshops
Week Twelve November 21st – November 27th
 Week of Thanksgiving
 Students should turn in their Resumes via Email/Handshake
Week Thirteen November 28th – December 4th
 Asset Walk Activity
o This activity is designed to show students of traditionally marginalized identities that
what is typically considered a “weakness” is actually an asset/strength.
Week Fourteen December 5th – December 11th **Last Class**
 Wrap Up: Instructors should conduct a wrap up session with students.
 Possible Topics
o How was the first semester at LIU-Brooklyn?
o How do you feel about classes moving entering Finals Week?
o What did you like about the course?
o What could be improve for future FYS classes?
Week Fifteen December 12th – December 19th
 Finals Week – No Classes

2018-2019 Academic Year Updated December 2018