University 101 classes follow a common syllabus designed for all sections of the courses that are offered. Syllabus is an outline of the material and assignments to be covered in the course. Additionally, the syllabus will contain important information such as due dates of the assignments, the grading standard for each assignment, attendance policy, class procedures and policies. A copy of the syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class. The information it includes becomes a binding, enforceable contract between the student and instructor. Read the syllabus carefully to make sure that you understand what will be required of you in the course.
University 101 students are expected to have achieved certain learning outcomes upon completion of the course. Those expectations are enumerated here.
Each section of University 101 includes a Course Project. This is a group project that will be completed by individually named teams. Teams will research a given topic--either assigned by the instructor or chosen by the group--and apply critical thinking skills to answer a significant question about the topic. Each team will present its Course Project to the rest of the class. A typical Course Project presentation includes visual and graphic material such as Power Point, slides, and charts as well as course handouts, lecture, and question/answer opportunity. The Course Project will count as 20% of the course grade.
The Advising Assignments are a two-part project required of all students enrolled in University 101. The goal is to have the student think critically about his or her academic goals and how to best achieve them. Part I of the Advising Assignments includes an appointment with an assigned advisor to determine short-term and long-term educational goals and to devise a plan of action to meet these goals. At the first advisor's meeting, each student will select three seminars to attend that will help achieve these goals. A written analysis of the meeting and seminars will be turned in to the course instructor to be graded. Part II of the Advising Assignments requires a second meeting with the advisor to determine the success of the academic plan of action in meeting the student's goals. A written analysis of this meeting will also be turned in to the course instructor to be graded. The entirety of the Advising Assignments counts as 20% of the course grade.
As part of the Advising Assignments, each student is required to complete seminars designed to support academic and personal success in the university. All students will be required to participate in an in-class Time Management seminar. At least two online seminars mutually determined by the student and advisor must also be completed during the term.
UAB has two libraries on campus: Mervyn H. Sterne and Lister Hill. Sterne Library primarily serves the needs of the Academic Colleges while Lister Hill serves the needs of the Medical School. Many of the University 101 assignments--as well as those from other courses--will include library research. Sterne Library offers regularly scheduled tours to help students become familiar with its holdings; this material can also be accessed
online.