Student Development Skills

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Introduces techniques, strategies and information fundamental for students to navigate and to succeed in the college environment.

Program Learning Outcomes

Apply and implement study skills and success strategies and techniques that promote and improve their learning in college level courses and beyond.

Identify and demonstrate practical life skills such as goal setting, decision-making, problem solving, time management and stress management techniques in college related situations and recognize how to apply them in broader life scenarios.

Assess career options that align with their personalities, interests, values, skills and abilities.

Exhibit an increased awareness, utilization and value of resources and support services so that they can successfully navigate the college environment.  

Demonstrate the ability to express their academic and career goals with clarity and purpose and develop a dynamic educational plan.

Develop personal life skills that lead to an integrated sense of self, well-being, and resilience.

Articulate their personal strengths and describe how they can use these strengths to achieve their personal, academic and career/professional goals

Classes

SDS 101: Study Skills

Credits

Course covers college-level study skills, including time management, goal setting, classroom etiquette, math study skills, note-taking, textbook reading and comprehension, exam preparation and test taking, basic research skills, and basic presentation skills.

SDS 102: Online Readiness

Credits

Introductory online course with emphasis on technical preparation, navigation, communication in online environment, and how online learning differs from face-to face instruction. Students learn how online courses work, acquire personal preparation for successful learning online, and identify when and how online learning is best incorporated into their educational activities.

SDS 103: Study Skills for Mathematics

Credits

An intensive course in basic math principles and math-specific study skills to improve student performance in developmental math.

SDS 104: Stress Management

Credits

Understanding of the nature of stress, principles of stress management and strategies for 'creating, rejuvenating, and sustaining' a healthy, balanced life style. Through lecture and experiential learning, learn to reduce anxiety around tests, homework, relationships and more.

SDS 105: Effective Leadership

Credits

This course is designed to provide emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore, develop and improve the concept of leadership. Integrates diversity and equity concepts, reading from the humanities, experiential exercises, films and contemporary readings on inclusive leadership to develop holistic leaders ready to embrace a diverse world.

SDS 106: Career and Life Planning

Credits

An opportunity to explore career options that best fit with student's personality, interests, abilities and values. Emphasis is on personal assessment.

SDS 107: College Navigation Skills I

Credits

Introduces techniques, strategies and information fundamental for students to navigate in the college environment. Includes content in goal setting, critical thinking, decision making and problem solving, time management and stress management, resume writing, interview tips and career exploration. Course is designed for students enrolled in the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP).

SDS 108: College Navigation Skills II

Credits

Introduces student development techniques, strategies and information fundamental for students to navigate in the college environment. Includes content in financial decision-making strategies, creating a financial plan for higher education, college paper writing requirements, understanding self awareness and motivation as tools for college success .

SDS 111: Study Skills for Science

Credits

Covers learning strategies and techniques that lead to successful completion of sciences course. Emphasizes effective textbook reading, lecture note taking, time management, test preparation, and memory improvement.

SDS 112: WVC Readiness Summer Bootcamp

Credits

An intensive course in basic college readiness skills including college navigation, study skills, and reading, writing, and math fundamentals. Students will have the opportunity to strengthen their English and math foundation and receive assistance with correct placement in writing and math. Course includes presentations from guest speakers from across campus.

SDS 114: Accelerated English Support Class

Credits

A support course in writing and reading, relevant study skills, and college-navigation skills to improve student performance in English 97 and ultimately ENGL& 101. Uses a workshop approach to give assistance with writing assignments from other courses. This course is designed to be taken with ENGL 97. This course can also be taken with instructor referral for writing support.