ORIN 1541 Foundations for Student Success Syllabus 110 Fall 2026

Credit Hours 1.00 Lecture Hours 1 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
24.0199
Course Meeting Time

T/Th - 11am - 11:50am

L150

Course Description
This course focuses on a learner's role and responsibility in the learning process. Students will develop active learning strategies and effective study skills to become broadly educated individuals who are creative, critical thinkers able to solve problems and competently communicate. Upon completion, students will understand the purpose of higher education and the value of a college degree in lifelong learning.
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Critical Thinking
  2. Responsibility
Explanation of Course Alignment

This course focuses on a learner's role and responsibility in the learning process. Students will develop active learning strategies and effective study skills to become broadly educated individuals who are creative, critical thinkers able to solve problems and competently communicate. Upon completion, students will understand the purpose of higher education and the value of a college degree in lifelong learning.

 

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses as college students.
  • Identify strategies for managing their time, money, and stress.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills appropriate to the situation.
  • Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills in a variety of contexts.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of study skills.
  • Develop effective and ethical strategies for locating, evaluating, and using information to inform their ideas.
  • Articulate what it means to become a learner.

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Wesley Davenport
Faculty Email
Faculty Phone
#: 815.802.8769
Faculty Office Number
D329
Faculty Student Support Hours

Office Hours: T/Th – 12:30 – 3:30 PM

Faculty Information

Outside of these office hours, you can always reach me through email. I will be happy to schedule virtual meetings with you outside of these hours.

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses as college students.
  2. Identify strategies for managing their time, money, and stress.
  3. Demonstrate effective communication skills appropriate to the situation.
  4. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills in a variety of contexts.
  5. Demonstrate proficiency in a variety of study skills.
  6. Develop effective and ethical strategies for locating, evaluating, and using information to inform their ideas.
  7. Articulate what it means to become a learner.
Topical Outline
TOPICS:EXAMPLES:
College Foundations: Suggested Week 1Understanding the value of higher education
 Campus resources
 Using Canvas
Growth Mindset and BelongingSkills, values, and interests inventories
 Community building
 Equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging
 Social interactions and relationships
 Campus events and involvement
Self-AdvocacySetting goals and identifying priorities
 Time management
 Communication strategies
 Managing stress
Career ExplorationCareer Coach
 Career exploration
 Money
Preparing for SuccessCritical thinking and problem solving
 Information literacy
 Active reading
Common Course Materials/Textbooks

Bhargava, Rohit and Jennifer Brown. Beyond Diversity. Ideapress Publishing. (2021).

Textbook/s and Course Materials

No textbook is required. Please have access to a laptop computer capable of utilizing Canvas and the internet.

Methods of Evaluation

Grading in this course will be based on participation, attendance, and completion of the required assignments.

 

ItemPoints
Class Participation33
Assignments33
Attendance33

 

Grading ScaleGrade
90%-100%A
80%-89%B
70%-79%C
60%-69%D
Below 60%F
Common Course Assignments

1. Student Passport to Online Learning

2. LASSI Inventory

3. Information Literacy

4. Career Exploration and Academic Mapping

5. Campus Event Participation (2)

6. Financial Literacy

7. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging writing assignment

Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Policies

Late work will not be accepted.

If you have a legitimate reason, please contact me in advance of the assignment due date so that we may discover an alternative arrangement.

Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior

Come to class with questions, ideas, and items to discuss. If you are willing and open in conversation, respectful to yourself and your peers, and honest in your efforts, there is no reason you will not earn the grade you desire.

Course Calendar

August 18th: First day of class

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.