This document provides information about a freshman experience course at the University of Florida called SLS 1102. The course is designed to help first-year students transition successfully to university life by developing practical, social, emotional, and intellectual skills. It aims to connect students to campus resources and promote engagement. The course is one credit and meets on Wednesdays. It covers topics like time management, career exploration, community service, and campus traditions. Assignments include individual meetings with instructors, activating a career profile, reaction papers, and attending workshops. The final exam consists of a case study and in-class multiple choice questions.

1. University of Florida
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
SLS 1102: Enhancing the Freshman Experience
Fall 2016 ♦ 1 credit ♦ Wednesdays 9th
Period ♦ Section 0866
Instructors
Dan Lepper
Area Coordinator – Beaty & Jennings
DanL@housing.ufl.edu
352-392-2171 X 10705
Office Hours: By Appointment; M-F 9 AM – 5 PM
Course Description:
First Year Florida is a course designed to aid students in a successful transition to the University of
Florida. This course aims to help students develop the practical, social, emotional, and intellectual skills
that are essential to a fulfilling four years at UF, provide a foundation for a well-rounded college
experience, connect students to the University of Florida, promote engagement within and outside the
classroom, and communicate university expectations.
Learning Outcomes:
First Year Florida educates new students to maximize their learning and development. As a result of
take this course, students will:
• Connect with faculty, staff, and peers at the University of Florida.
• Identify university resources and services that contribute to their personal and educational
goals.
• Recognize the purpose of reflection, critical thinking, and enriching educational
opportunities within and outside the classroom.
• Evaluate the effects of personal well-being on student success and engagement.
• Recognize the academic, conduct, and citizenship expectations of the University of Florida.
• Develop an awareness and respect for being a part of a diverse global community.
Course Texts
Rath, T. (2007). Strengths Finder 2.0, 1st
Ed. New York, NY: Gallup Press. (<$15 from Amazon, do
not buy a used copy unless you have already taken StrengthsFinder!)
Common Reading Program Book: A Higher Standard by Ann Dunwoody
College Success Strategies, 2016-2017 Edition; Author: Nist, available at University of Florida
Bookstore
GatorLink Email
Students are required to have and use their GatorLink account for all UF related e-mail functions.
Official university communications are sent to students at this email address. You are responsible for
staying informed and current with all correspondence sent over the listserv.
Civility
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Brandon Tapasak
FYF Peer Leader
btapasak@ufl.edu
321-505-5802

2. Mature and respectful behavior is expected from all members of our learning community in all
interactions with instructors, guest presenters, and other students. Side conversations, sleeping, and
reading other course material (or the Alligator, etc.) are not appropriate and may result in the student
losing attendance credit for that day. Students will also be graded according to their attitude and
participation in class discussions, group activities, and projects. Students are expected to be alert,
respectful, and attentive while in class. Cell phones, i-Pods, MP3 players and any other electronic
devices are not to be used in this classroom, unless as a part of course instruction; please turn them off
(or at least silence them) and put them away prior to the start of class.
Technology:
This class will utilize Canvas for assignment submissions in conjunction with in paper assignments. For
every assignment submitted in this class, you will need to submit it via Canvas. You may be instructed
to bring a printed copy to class depending on assignment.
Basic Course Expectations:
1. Attend and be attentive at all class sessions.
2. Arrive on time to class.
3. Be prepared in each class with assignments, paper, writing utensil, etc.
4. Participate in class discussions and activities.
5. Silence all electronic equipment, cell phones, laptops/tablets, etc. in class.
6. Information shared in class about others should remain in the classroom. Respecting privacy is
important – even with information shared by other students in the class!
7. If you choose to eat or drink in the classroom, please clean up after yourself.
ACADEMIC HONOR CODE AND ACADEMIC HONESTY
The Honor Pledge: “We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold
ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honor and integrity by abiding by the Honor Code.
On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either
required or implied: “On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this
assignment.” The Honor Code (http://www.dso.ufl.edu/sccr/process/student-conduct-honor-code/)
specifies a number of behaviors that are in violation of this code and the possible sanctions.
Furthermore, you are obligated to report any condition that facilitates academic misconduct to
appropriate personnel. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with the instructor or TAs
in this class.
ADA STATEMENT
Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The
Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this
documentation to the Instructor when requesting accommodation. Please do this as soon as possible,
preferably within the first week of class.
ASSIGNMENTS/EVALUATION
Grading
A letter grade will be given for this course.
Attendance/Participation 5 pts x 14 classes (1 unexcused allowed) 70 pts
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3. Resume 5 pts
Time Budgeting 5 pts
Individual Meeting with Peer Leader 5 pts
Individual Meeting with Instructor 5 pts
Gator Career Link 20 pts
Reaction Papers 3x10 30 pts
Workshop Success Series 10 pts
Resource Presentation 20 pts
Case Study/In Class Material (final exam) 30 pts
Total = 200 pts
A = 200-194 A-= 193-188 B+= 187-181 B = 180-174 B-= 173-168
C+= 167-161 C = 160-154 C-= 153-148 D+= 147-141 D = 140-154
D- = 153-148 E =Below 147
https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/grades.aspx
Attendance/participation -- Everyone is a teacher and everyone is a learner.
Discussion and participation is not only critical to the learning that takes place in the classroom -- it will
help you make the most of your SLS and enhance your freshman experience. In order for staff to benefit
from this class, it is an expectation that students attend all class sessions and be responsible for turning
in all assignments on time.
Students will be allowed one (1) unexcused absence—though you will not receive points for attendance
that day. Two (2) late arrivals to class (after class has already begun) or leaving before the class has
ended will result in one unexcused absence. If a student arrives to class over 15 minutes late, the student
will be considered absent for that class session. At least 2 points will be deducted from the
attendance/participation grade each time you are late to class.
If you must be absent, it is your responsibility to notify your primary instructor prior to your absence,
and to update yourself on information missed by obtaining photocopies of handouts and so forth from
fellow classmates. You are also responsible for all of the material that you missed that day, this may
require you to go to another class, or meet 1:1 with instructor or guest speaker in order to learn the
material.
Excused absences include:
Required student participation in a University sponsored event: These events will be excused
with official documentation from the appropriate faculty or staff member. Documentation should
be received PRIOR to the event.
Religious Holidays: Religious holidays are always excused; however, please notify the instructors,
in writing, within the first two weeks of class so that appropriate accommodations may be made.
Medical Emergencies: Medical emergencies are excused with appropriate documentation from a
health care provider.
Family Emergencies: These emergencies are only excused with written documentation.
Participation includes, but is not limited to, completing reading and homework/projects before the
sessions for which they are assigned, sharing your work on homework in class discussions, raising
questions when you do not understand, contributing to class discussions, encouraging others to
contribute, assisting in facilitating group processes, participating effectively as both a group leader and
group member in group exercises, open and appropriate self-disclosure in class and respectful listening
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4. and responding to the needs of other group members. Two (2) "no participation" marks (i.e., sleeping,
doing homework, studying for another class, reading, not actively listening, choosing not to participate
in a section of class, etc.) will result in one (1) unexcused absence.
Individual Meeting with Peer Leader
Students will be required to schedule and meet with Brandon Tapasak for a 20 minute individual
conversation. Students should be prepared to discuss questions that they may have and provided
feedback on class. Individual meetings should be scheduled by October 12, 2016 and completed by
October 26, 2016.
Individual Meeting with Instructor
Students will be required to schedule and meet with Dan Lepper for a 20 minute individual
conversation. Students should be prepared to discuss questions that they may have and provided
feedback on class. Individual meetings should be scheduled by October 12, 2016 and completed by
October 26, 2016.
Gator CareerLink Profile Activation Assignment
Gator CareerLink is the portal to UF resources that can help you explore career paths, find ways to gain
experience and begin preparing for your career now! By activating your account, you will have access to
all the Career Resource Center’s services including job and internship postings, Career Planning
appointments, an online mock interview module, and a calendar of all upcoming events and workshops.
Activating your profile as a first-year student allows you to become familiar with the Gator CareerLink
system and connects you to the CRC right away.
To activate your profile and receive credit for your, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to www.crc.ufl.edu
2. Click on Gator CareerLink Student Login.
3. You will be directed to a UF Authentication page. Type in your GatorLink username and password.
4. Next, click on “My Profile.”
5. Fill out both the Personal and Academic profile as much as possible. You must complete all fields with a
red asterisk in order to have an active profile. Make sure to save your information.
6. Once your profile is complete, click on “My Jobs.”
7. Find and print an internship, part-time, full-time or volunteer experience you would be interested in
applying for now or in the future. To receive credit for this assignment, turn in the printed job description
to your FYF instructor. You do not actually have to apply for the position- this is just for practice.
If you have problems activating your account, please email GCLHelp@crc.ufl.edu with your name,
UFID # and description of technical problem
Reaction Papers
This component requires written reactions to topics proposed by the instructors at the end of some class
sessions. A reaction paper must be submitted as a professional and/or personal response to this topic.
This paper should demonstrate a thoughtful reflection on the material or topic assigned. Reaction paper
entries will be assigned throughout the semester. In order to obtain full credit for the reaction papers,
reaction papers must:
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5. • Meet reaction papers deadlines (late reaction papers will receive partial credit)
• Be 2-3 pages typed, double spaced, 10-12 point Times New Roman font, and have margins no
larger than 1 top and bottom and 1.25" left and right
• Focus on the topic assigned
• Exhibit correct and appropriate spelling, grammar, and syntax
Reaction papers are:
• Service Project: All students will be required to attend the Field & Fork Pantry Event on TBA.
Students will need to sign up for event by September 2, 2016. Students should answer the
following questions: What is something you learned from this experience? How do you feel you
were able to effect the community? In which ways could this project be improved? How does
community service relate to being a Gator?
• Common Reading Program: The book A Higher Standard by Ann Dunwoody is required for
this course. You will be required to read the book, attend a Common Reading Program and
answer the following questions. What are the key points of the book? What parts of the book
were you able to identify with? Are there any parts of the book that you do not relate to and
why? What is your reaction to the Common Reading Program speaker/event? Share 1 example
of how you can may be able to relate the speaker or author’s message to your college career?
Event Opportunities (Must attend one)
TBA
• Strengths: You have taken the Strengths Finder tool, now it is time to examine your own
strengths more closely. What was your reaction to seeing your Top 5? Were there any
strengths that surprised you? Did you feel like anything was missing? Share 1 example of how
you have seen each of your top 5 strengths in action.
Rubric for Grading for Reaction Papers
Total Points: 10
Answered questions in description above clearly: 6 points
Used appropriate grammar, spelling, syntax and font/margins: 1 point
It was well written/interesting: 3 points
Workshop Success Series
You will have the opportunity to engage with other new students and also UF faculty & staff members
about a variety of topics. How to register: students will visit https://www.dso.ufl.edu/nsfp/first-year-
experience/wss/ to sign up for a workshop that fits their individual needs and interest. When done, they
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6. will complete a survey online. Co-instructors will receive confirmation email as to which students have
completed the requirement.
Canvas
This is an online component that will assist in becoming more familiar with academics at UF. You can
access the content here: https://lss.at.ufl.edu/ and click on e-Learning in Canvas. Students will need to
log-in and comment on the group discussions page. There comment should be which Workshop Success
Series that they are signing up to attend. The canvas assignment is due by class on Wednesday,
September 2.
Final Exam (part in class, part out of class)
You will be given this on December 2 and need to work on it individually and turn it in December 9
electronically to your instructors. There will be questions that will be distributed with the actual case
that you will answer in 2-3 pages. It should be typed, double spaced, 10-12 point Times New Roman
font, and have margins no larger than 1 top and bottom and 1.25" left and right. This assignment should
exhibit correct and appropriate spelling, grammar, and syntax.
On the last day of class, you will also be given an additional part of the final exam. This will be a
true/false, short answer and multiple choice exam that will include specific information from the
readings, class material, and assignments that you have completed.
Rubric for Grading Final Exam
Total Points: 30
Well thought out answers to questions on the Case Study: 15 points
Spelling/Grammar/Syntax on the Case Study: 5 points
Correct Answers on the In Class part of the exam: 10 points
U Matter, We Care Initiative
Your well-being is important to the University of Florida. The U Matter, We Care Initiative is
committed to creating a culture of care on our campus by encouraging members of our community to
look out for one another, and to reach out for help if a member of our community is in need. If you or a
friend is in distress, please contact umatter@ufl.edu so that the U Matter, We Care Team can reach out
to the student in distress. A nighttime and weekend crisis counselor is available by phone at 352-392-
1575. The U Matter, We Care Team can help connect students to the many other helping resources
available including, but not limited to, Victim Advocates, Housing Staff, and the Counseling and
Wellness Center. Please remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. In case of emergency, call
9-1-1.
Evaluation
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7. • Students are expected to provide feedback on the quality of instruction in this course based on 10
criteria. These evaluations are conducted online at https://evaluations.ufl.edu. Evaluations are
typically open during the last two or three weeks of the semester, but students will be given
specific times when they are open. Summary results of these assessments are available to
students at https://evaluations.ufl.edu/results/.
COURSE TOPIC OUTLINE FOR FYF*
8/24/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
WELCOME - group discussion & get to know you
SYLLABUS
CANVAS INTRODUCTION
OUTLOOK WEBMAIL
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: READ NIST: CHAPTER 1
*REMINDER: MEET AT BULL GATOR NEAR THE STADIUM FOR CLASS ON
AUGUST 31
8/31/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
UF TRADITIONS
*MEET AT BULL GATOR – TRADITIONS/TOURS* STADIUM
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: SIGN UP FOR WORKSHOP SUCCESS SERIES;
POST ON CANVAS WHICH WORKSHOP SUCCESS SERIES YOU WILL BE
ATTENDING IN DISCUSSION BOARD
9/7/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
*MEET AT FRESH FOOD COMPANY – CAMPUS RESOURCE TOURS* BROWARD
TEACHING CENTER, RAWLINGS BUS STOP, FIELD & FORK, MARSTON LIBRARY,
CENTURY TOWER, PLAZA OF AMERICAS, LIBRARY WEST, DSO/CWC/CLS
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: TIME BUDGETING WORKSHEET; READ NIST:
CHAPTER 5
9/14/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
TIME BUDGETING
GATOR CONNECT & INVOLVEMENT ON CAMPUS
CAMPUS LEADERSHIP PANEL – STUDENT LEADERS FROM VARIOUS CAMPUS
AREAS
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: CAREERLINK; SERVICE PROJECT – FIELD &
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8. FORK PANTRY; BRING RESUME TO CLASS
*REMINDER: MEET AT CAREER RESOURCE CENTER ON SECOND FLOOR OF
REITZ UNION FOR CLASS ON SEPTEMBER 21
9/21/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
*MEET AT CAREER RESOURCE CENTER*
RESUMES & SUMMER INTERNSHIP
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: ATTEND CAREER SHOWCASE!
9/28/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
COPING/WELLNESS/MANAGING STRESS PRESENTATION (COUNSELING &
WELLNESS CENTER)
*REMINDER: MEET AT FIELD & FORK PANTRY FOR CLASS ON OCTOBER 5
10/5/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS
*MEET AT FIELD & FORK PANTRY – SERVICE PROJECT*
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: REFLECTION PAPER ON SERVICE PROJECT
DUE BY 10/12 ON CANVAS
10/12/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
ON-CAMPUS OR LEASE FOR FALL 2017
ROOMMATE CONFLICTS
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: READ NIST: CHAPTER 6; SCHEDULE
INDIVIDUAL MEETING WITH PEER LEADER & INSTRUCTOR
10/19/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
HONOR CODE
ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT MEETINGS PREP
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: COMPLETE THE STRENGTHS FINDER
ASSESSMENT AND SEND TOP 5 (IN ORDER) TO INSTRUCTORS; READ ABOUT
YOUR TOP 5 IN STRENGTHS FINDER 2.0; INDIVIDUAL MEETING WITH PEER
LEADER & INSTRUCTOR SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY 10/26
10/26/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
STRENGTHS – GUEST SPEAKER: CHRISTINE WINGET
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: REFLECTION PAPER ON STRENGTHS DUE BY
11/2 ON CANVAS
11/2/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
STUDY ABROAD PRESENTATION
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: READ NIST: CHAPTER 7 & 8
11/9/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
WHAT IS SOCIAL JUSTICE & DIVERSITY?
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: COMMON READING PROGRAM REACTION
PAPER DUE 11/16/15
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9. 11/16/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
SUPPORT SYSTEMS
FINANCES
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS ON 12/2: CASE STUDY (TAKE HOME FINAL);
READ NIST: APPENDIX B 220-226
11/23/2016 UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY: THANKSGIVING – NO CLASSES
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
11/30/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
STUDENTS’ CHOICE
IN CLASS FINAL COLLABORATION
BROWARD REC
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: CASE STUDY (TAKE HOME FINAL); READ
NIST: CHAPTER 9
12/7/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
IN CLASS FINAL
*Please note that class topics are subject to change*
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10. 11/16/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
SUPPORT SYSTEMS
FINANCES
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS ON 12/2: CASE STUDY (TAKE HOME FINAL);
READ NIST: APPENDIX B 220-226
11/23/2016 UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY: THANKSGIVING – NO CLASSES
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
11/30/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
STUDENTS’ CHOICE
IN CLASS FINAL COLLABORATION
BROWARD REC
ASSIGNMENT DUE NEXT CLASS: CASE STUDY (TAKE HOME FINAL); READ
NIST: CHAPTER 9
12/7/2016 TOPICS TO COVER IN CLASS:
IN CLASS FINAL
*Please note that class topics are subject to change*
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