1. GSU 1010: New Student Orientation
Fall 2015
Freshman Learning Community: Business 18
Wednesday 4:30-5:45 Location: Aderhold Classroom 224
“Business Ethics, Moral Markets, and Globalization”
“I arise in the morning torn between the desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the
world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” --E.B. White
Instructor Information
Instructor’s Name: Hannah Spadafora
Email: Aspadafora1@gsu.edu
Office Hours: Wednesday 6-7pm. By Appointment
Office Location: Aderhold Classroom 224
Please come and visit me! I believe in your ability to be successful! I would be more than happy
to talk to you about how your semester is going, answer your questions about the course and
college, and discuss your goals and strategies for success.
Textbook and Materials
Huot, Nikolas and Nia Woods Haydel, eds. GSU 1010: New Student Orientation is available for free
in your Brightspace section.
What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets. Michael J. Sandel. [Group 1]
Or
Unbending Gender: Why Family and Work Conflict and What to Do About It. Joan Williams. [Group 2]
Or
The Conquest of Cool: Business Culture, Counterculture, and the Rise of Hip Consumerism. Thomas
Frank. [Group 3]
You will also need your Panther ID card, campus ID and password to access additional course
materials posted in Brightspace and your PAWS account.
Introduction to College
Life is the in-motion art of the person. We are all works in progress. We assemble, are assembled,
ourselves, clumsily, at first. Slowly, with patience, we learn the skills necessary, however, and
make the masterpiece we’d like to see, be represented by. We attempt to form ourselves, if we’re
smart, though if we are also humble, we recognize that our parts in the play are somewhat
influenced by the show we’re in.
Being in college prepares you for life, career, ethical awareness and community involvement. By
learning about the dialogue that has been spoken long before you walked upon the stage, you will
be better prepared to make informed decisions and formulate knowledgeable opinions based on
solid fact and theory. More than that, during college you will be given opportunities to learn and
experience growth—growth of self, growth of skill, growth of ambition, growth of resiliency to
stress, ability to overcome obstacles and of capability to create a tomorrow you want to live in.
Your time at Georgia State University is your chance to explore different possibilities of thought,
practice, idea, and goal--as well as to be trained to enter differentiated spaces dedicated to a
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2. variety of goals as well as different work-spheres constructed in our era. It is up to you to take
advantage of the opportunities given by putting in the work necessary to develop the skills you
will need through the journey of life.
Course Description
The course is designed for you, the student, to begin to think about why you are here, where you
are going, and how to make the best use of your time at Georgia State and beyond. The course will
provide you with information and tools that will facilitate your successful transition to college.
You will be asked to think critically and reflect on your opinions and experiences, and to articulate
those opinions verbally through in-class discussions and through written work.
Course Expectation
College will give you opportunities to learn and experience growth—growth of self, growth of skill,
growth of ambition, growth of resiliency to stress, ability to overcome obstacles and of capability
to create a tomorrow you want to live in. In order to learn, you will need to be actively involved
and engaged with the course content, so you can expect this semester to be filled with discussions,
activities, and assignments. Because we learn best when engaged with others, you will at times
work with a partner or in small group. Remember that your success in this course, and in your
college career, depends largely on your commitment and hard work.
Learning Promises
Upon successful completion of this class, the student will be able to locate helpful resources on
Georgia State University campus, conduct themselves with proper classroom etiquette, make out a
budget with increased financial literacy, create a schedule for time management, find information
relevant to your major and potential career, complete the composition of a basic research paper, as
well as create and deliver a powerpoint presentation.
Academic Life: You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student
code of conduct policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location,
use, and content of official university documents relevant to these issues.
• Students will be able to articulate the purpose of the Student Code of Conduct.
• Students will understand the role of the academic advisor.
• Students will be able to identify resources for academic support on campus.
Community Life: You will have an understanding of the community and environment on and
around the university campus, as well as the general Atlanta community. You will engage in at least
one dimension of the Atlanta-Based Learning Program.
• Students will be able to articulate opportunities for involvement in the campus community.
• Students will identify opportunities for civic engagement.
Personal Life: You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and learning skills and
to enhance your personal growth and development.
• Students will identify personal time management systems that work for them.
• Students will be able to successfully identify stress management techniques.
• Students will be able to identify resources in the community that are available to promote
and enhance their personal growth and development.
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3. Important Policy Information
Accommodation Statement: If you wish to request accommodation for a disability, you may do
so by registering with the Office of Disability Services. You may only be accommodated upon
issuance by the Office of Disability Services of a signed Accommodation Plan and are responsible
for providing a copy of that plan to instructors of all classes in which an accommodation is sought.
Policy on Academic Honesty
Academic integrity benefits everyone in our community. It not only helps you reach the real goal of
this course—learning--, but also allows for the program to be perceived positively by others. When
students are dishonest, they lose out on valuable learning that will help them perform well in their
career. It can also negatively impact all of the students in the program and at the institution by
creating negative mindsets, which may result in fewer outside learning opportunities for students.
Academic dishonesty is any attempt by a student to gain academic advantage through dishonest
means or to assist another student with gaining an unfair advantage. Academic integrity is
important regardless of whether the work is graded or ungraded, group or individual, written or
oral. Dishonest acts can result in a failing grade on an assignment, a failing course grade and/or an
official code of contact charge being filed. Please review the policy at
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfhb/sec409.html
Teachers Note on Academic Honesty
Don’t cheat. You’re cheating yourself out of the chance to be a smarter, more skilled, more
awesome individual. The fact that you’re trained to think that the “A” matters more than the what
the A signifies – that is the knowledge and skill you have gained or displayed in the subject taken—
is not something which will serve you in the long run. Want just the A, and cheat to get it, and, even
if by some miracle you don’t end up caught, flunking the course and kicked out of school, you, as
your self will not have improved at all. Want the skill and knowledge enough to work for it, and the
high grades will follow, however.
Diversity Statement
The Office of Undergraduate Studies and GSU 1010 values diversity and is committed to fostering
and maintain an educational environment which appreciates individual differences in all areas of
operation including classroom instruction, texts, and materials. To this end, any actions, practices,
or processes by any faculty, staff person, or student that discriminates against or is prejudicial
toward any person or group based on race, sex, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability,
sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status will not be tolerated.
Evaluation Statement: Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in
shaping education at Georgia State. Upon completing the course, please take time to fill out the
online course evaluation.
Attendance Policy
The primary reason you should attend class is not to miss out on what ultimately will serve as a
benefit to you as a student. Successful students attend class on a regular basis and actively
participate in the classroom discussions. Students will receive points for attendance and
participation for the course; failure to attend and participate will result in forfeiting points
towards your final grade. In order to get the most from your GSU 1010 experience and thus be
properly prepared for the rest of your college education, your attendance at all class sessions is
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4. appreciated.
Responsibility for Assignments
It is important to stay on track with your assignments—not only will this help you feel less
stresses, but it is also an important skill you will need in your career. Being able to meet deadlines
and juggle many tasks is an important career and life skill. This, you will need to complete all
assignments and activities according to the schedule. If you have a personal situation that prevents
you from doing so, you will need to discuss this with me prior to the due date. Assignments can be
submitted to me prior to a class if you will be absent. Extensions are only given in rare situations
and at my discretion.
Date In-Class Read before class Co
mplete before class
Week 1
08/26/15
Welcome to GSU:
Introduction-Icebreaker,
University Expectations,
Policies, Syllabus, Textbook
Technology in the
classroom : EAB,
Brightspace, E-mail,
Gosolar
Assignment Details
[Study Skills, Career
Presentation, Atlanta Based
Learning, Haven, 3rd
Millennium]
Download Textbook – print or save
[Check E-mail]
Week 2
09/02/15
Exploring Your Purpose at
Georgia State University
Classroom and
Correspondence Etiquette
SMART Goals Activities 1-2
Campus Tour Activity
Details
Chapters 1-2, 9 Online Quiz [Textbook: Chapters 1
and 2; Chapter 9]
Week 3
09/09/15
Study Skills
Effective Writing
Utilizing the Library
Academic Honesty
Chapter 7 and 8 Chapter 7 and 8: Online Quiz
Haven: first module
Third Millennium: first module
Week 4
09/16/15
Time Management Activity
Introduction
Chapter 11
Begin Reading
Book [Group]
Chapter 11: Quiz
SMART Goals Discussion [Plot
Chart]
Week 5
09/23/15
CRM-Consciously Resting
Meditation – Session 1
[Counselling Center will
Chapter 4, 5
Have read 1/3
of your book by
Chapter 4-5 : Online Quiz
Campus Tour Activity
Time Management Activity Part 1
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5. Facilitate] today
09/29 Study Abroad 10:30 am-1:00 pm TBD
Week 6
09/30/15
CRM-Consciously Resting
Meditation – Session 2
[Counselling Center will
Facilitate]
Have read 2/3 of
your book by today
Time Management Activity Part 2
Week 7
10/07/15
Academic Advising
with R. LeBeaux.
Chapter 3
Have finished
reading your book!
Print Academic Progress from PAWS
10/08 Major Fair 10:30 am-1:00 pm Student Center Ballroom
10/13 Last day to withdraw and possibly receive a W
Week 8
10/14/15
Community Connections
[Study Abroad Office will
facilitate part of class]
Finish Study
Skills Book [if not
already!]
Atlanta-Based Learning Experience
Paper Due
Study Skills Discussion Post 1 Due
Week 9
10/21/15
Academic Success
Transitions, Learning
Styles, More Study Skills
Chapter 6 Chapter 6: Read and Online Quiz
Study Skills Discussion Post 1.5
Week 10
10/28/15
Rescheduled : Advisement
Session
Chapter 3 Study Skills Discussion Post 2
Week 11
11/04/15
Study Skills: Writing
Improvement Feedback
Academic Jeopardy : Round
2 [GSU 1010 Textbook
Chapters 3, 10-14]
Textbook Chapters
3, 10-14
Study Skills Discussion Post 3
Week 12
11/11/15
Study Skills Book
Assignment: Group
Presentations
Study Skills Essay [Synthesized and
edited discussion posts];
+ group presentation
Week 13
11/18/15
Possible guest speaker
Prepare Career
Presentation Assignment
Financial Module [maybe]
11/23-
11/28
Thanksgiving Break, no class
12/2/15 Financial module.
Career Exploration
Presentations
[Group Project]
www.mycollegemoneyplan.org Quiz
Haven Module and 3rd
Millennium
Module Proof-s
Career Exploration Project
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6. Available Help and Support
Successful people access support from others as needed. Georgia State University has many
supportive services that can help you as you strive to achieve your goals. I encourage you to reach
out to me or other professionals on campus. Here is some information about the resources
available to you.
Your Professor Email me at ASpadafora1@student.gsu.edu or stop by my office at Library
North-Lobby near Saxbys.
Academic Coach An Academic Coach has been assigned to you to go over academic issues
you may be experiencing or to support you in reaching your goals. Meet
with your coach on a regular basis. Make an appointment at 224 Sparks
Hall or (404)413-2692.
Academic Advisor The University Advisement Center offers drop-in advising services. If you
have any questions about your courses, major, or career, make an
appointment with your advisor at 404/413-2300 or stop by the 14th
floor
of 25 Park Place.
Supplemental
Instruction
A Supplemental Instruction leader has been assigned to your social science
or humanities course. Sharpen your study skills and improve your
understanding of the course material by regularly attending the weekly
sessions.
Writing Studio The Writing Studio is a resource for students of all classifications. Writing
is a craft that takes practice and dedication. Please visit the Writing Studio
to have your papers reviewed and for assistance in strengthening your
ability to effectively communication through written word. It is located on
the 24th floor of 25 Park Place. http://www.writingstudio.gsu.edu/
Coordinator of
Program
Success Academy is a large program, but the coordinator would be happy
to meet with you to discuss any issues you may be experiencing. Contact
Ms. Jolayna Palm at jplam@gsu.edu.
Personal Counselor The Testing and Counseling Center offers confidential individual counseling
and offers several workshops throughout the semester. Stop by the 2nd
floor of 75 Piedmont to make an appointment.
http://counselingcenter.gsu.edu/
Course Assignments
All out-of-class assignments are due on Brightspace by 5:00pm the day before class. Quizzes are
the exception, which are due by 12pm on the day of class. Late assignments will lose 10% of your
grade per day; unless otherwise stated after 5 days no points are given. All assignments completed
in word documents [discussions excluded] should be typed using 12-point font (Times New
Roman, Calibri, or Arial-or other font equal to this size and legible), be double spaced, and have no
more than one-inch margins. Please use the rubric for each individual assignment as a guidepost to
your success! Also, please keep in mind academic grammar and spelling standards while
submitting your work, as these affect your appearance as a future professional and may be taken
into consideration in your final grade.
Attendance and Participation (10%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes:
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7. You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and learning skills and to enhance your
personal growth and development.
The primary reason you should attend class is not to miss out on what ultimately will serve as a
benefit to you as a student, as well as that which may fascinate you as a human being. Successful
students attend class on a regular basis and actively participate in the classroom discussions.
Students will receive 10 points per day for attendance and participation in the course. Not
attending class results in a forfeiture of the full 10 points. Further, other classroom etiquette issues
[as defined in the classroom etiquette handout] may result in a deduction of 1-5 points during the
class that it occurs. In order to get the most from your GSU 1010 experience and thus be properly
prepared for the rest of your college education, your attendance at all class sessions is necessary.
Please contact me if you have a genuine emergency arise.
Academic Skills (25%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes: You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and
learning skills and to enhance your personal growth and development.
It should go without saying that college is very different than high school. In order to be successful
in this new environment, you need to learn and master skills that will contribute to an effective
transition. In this section of the course, you will be asked to further develop necessary academic
tools that will contribute to your success in college.
Chapter Quizzes
So as to introduce a topic or round out class discussions, before every class you will be expected to
read a chapter in GSU 1010 New Student Orientation. For every chapter, you will be expected to
take a multiple choice quiz. This will ensure that you have read the chapter and prepare you for
classroom discussion. Twice this semester, we will also hold academic jeopardy games in-class on
the topics.
Academic Planning Activities:
A. SMART Goals Project : You will be asked to create three (3) SMART goals, identify the steps to
achievement, and set a plan for pursuance.
Why this is important: Every goal achieved was once a plan in someone’s mind. This will teach
you how to be successful in whatever you put your mind to.
B. Time Management Project: You will be expected to complete a time management activity in
which you list out your weekly activities, develop a schedule, and write a discussion about
whether your expectations for the amount of time activities take equals the reality.
Why this is important: Good time management and organization is an important component to
academic success. Most instructors do not accept late work, so you must be on top of your
assignments. This means allocating time to studying and working on larger projects weeks in
advance.
C. Budget/Finance Activities: For this in-class or discussion based assignment, you will prepare
your budget, and to do research related to different financial options for financing your education
(Scholarships, Financial Aid, Etc]. Further, a number of quizzes related to personal finance may be
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8. accessed throughout the semester at www.mycollegemoneyplan.org, and you are highly
encouraged to take advantage of this resource.
Why this is important: The way you manage your finances can negatively or positively impact
your life, especially in college. Therefore, it is important to be knowledgeable of your financial
options and resources, as well as understand how to properly manage your money (whether it be
financial aid, refunds, scholarship, jobs, etc).
Discussion Posts
You will be expected to complete 3 discussion posts that will prepare you for your Study Skills
Essay. These discussion posts will include summary and critical-thinking response to Group Book
Assignments. You will also be expected to complete two to three SMART Goals Activities that may
be posted in the discussion forum. .
Study Skills Essay (10%)
The most important thing you can learn at the beginning of college is how to learn. In order
to teach you methods that will enhance your learning experience, each student will
be expected to discuss studying, test-taking, and note-taking methods in class. Then, each
student will write a two to four page research paper using particular skills we will review
as essential to excelling at the learning process.
Library Resources/Academic Honesty (5%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes:
You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student code of conduct
policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location, use, and content of
official university documents relevant to these issues.
As a college student, you will be asked to do research and present secondary research in your own
work. As such, it is important to you start familiarizing yourself with the library (how to research
relevant material, how to differentiate peer-reviewed journals from popular magazines, and how
to actually locate the books you need), as well as understand the rules to properly use the material
you are summarizing, paraphrasing, and/or quoting. More information will be provided
concerning an assignment which deals with library research and academic honesty.
Career Exploration Project (25%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes: You will engage in activities designed to improve your study and
learning skills and to enhance your personal growth and development.
The capstone project for the GSU 1010 course is the Career Exploration Project. For this
assignment, you will create a fake business. Create a brand logo, identify your product or
service, identify a marketing strategy or create plans for a store, and be prepared to present
information about the professional skill sets, academic preparation and credentialing
required to reach your goal. Further, you will be expected to talk about how consideration
of ethics and work-life balance factor into your business plans [not just your own balance,
but, if you run a business, what benefits will you provide for employees?]. At the end of the
semester, you will give group class presentations detailing all of the above information.
Presentation
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9. For the presentation, you will be expected to create a multimedia presentation that should
not exceed [timed] 5 minutes. Your presentation will be graded following the rubric that
will be provided to you. Please use the prescribed questions to frame the presentation.
Presentation Outline Example:
Slide 1:
a. Create a brand logo, identify your product or service
Slide 2:
b. Identify a marketing strategy – how will you sell the product? If in a store, consider
creating a blueprint or other creative presentation. Motivation(s) for anticipated
career choice (aside from money or prestige).
Slide 3:
c. Beneficial skillsets and credentials [degrees, licenses, etc.).
[Majors/minors/certificate programs that can be earned through the university that
relate to your intended career/business; volunteer opportunity or internship;]
d. One professional and one campus-based organization that you should become
involved with that is associated with your career.
Slide 4:
e. Two potential challenges to success & strategies for overcoming those challenges.
Slide 5:
f. What motivates you to want to start this business [list two reasons besides money!]
g. What will you do with your success? [list two actions which you will use your
resources for, ie- material purchases; charity; investment; philanthropic donations
to schools, hospitals or other organizations; etc.]
Campus Resources (5%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes: You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and
student code of conduct policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the
location, use, and content of official university documents relevant to these issues.
In order to be a successful student at Georgia State University, it is important that you familiarize
yourself with the campus, as well as become knowledgeable of the resources and opportunities
available to you. To help you learn more about valuable offices and services, you will need to
undergo an initiation rite of touring the campus. During this tour, you will learn more about our
recreation center, student center, library, bookstore, cinefest, digital aquarium, career center, and
other great campus locations that make Georgia State an awesome place to be a student at.
Haven: Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, and Stalking online module (5%)
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10. Relevant Learning Outcomes:
You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student code of conduct
policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location, use, and content of
official university documents relevant to these issues.
In compliance with Campus SaVE Act, you are required to complete Haven, an online learning
module. This module will take you approximately 45 minutes to complete and will provide you
with information about sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. In addition, you will gain
a definition of consent, bystander intervention techniques, information about healthy
relationships, and resources available related to these topics. Following the completion of the
module, you will be asked to complete a follow-up survey, which is available 45 days following
completion of the module. In order to receive credit for this module, you need to provide proof of
completion of the follow-up survey.
Haven can be accessed at https://platform.everfi.net/registration/signup.
GSU Registration Code: 95f4d4e1
Make sure that the registration information you enter matches the information on your Panther ID
card.
3rd
Millennium: Alcohol online module (5%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes:
You will become familiar with the academic resources, procedures, and student code of conduct
policies of Georgia State University. You will exhibit familiarity with the location, use, and content of
official university documents relevant to these issues.
Alcohol-Wise is an online alcohol abuse prevention program designed to help college students
clarify their thinking about alcohol and make healthy decisions. As part of Georgia State’s
comprehensive substance use risk reduction program (SURRP), each incoming freshman and
transfer student is required to complete Alcohol-Wise as part of your GSU orientation. Whether
you drink or not, Alcohol-Wise will empower you to make well-informed decisions and will help
you cope with the drinking behavior of peers.
To complete the course, you will need access to an internet-connected computer. The course has
an audio component, so if you are accessing a computer in a public space, you may wish to use a
headset.
Most incoming students have been pre-registered for the course and have already received an
email from info@3rdmilclassrooms.com with a subject line that reads something like – Georgia
State University Required – Online Alcohol Course. The email contains your username, password
and a link to the program site.
The course takes about one hour to complete. After you complete the one-hour portion of the
course, you will receive an email 30 days later reminding you to complete the 15-minute follow-up
portion. Once you complete the course, including the 30-day follow up, the system will send
notification of completion via email.
Make sure to plan ahead because of the 30-day period between the two portions of the course.
In order to receive credit for this module, you need to provide proof of completion of the follow-up
survey.
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11. Atlanta-Based Learning Opportunity (10%)
Relevant Learning Outcomes:
You will have an understanding of the community and environment on and around the university
campus, as well as the general Atlanta community.
Your Atlanta Based Learning Opportunity will be on September 18th
, 2015 from 9:00AM -1:00PM
at SafeHouse Outreach.
Atlanta-Based Learning promotes academic and civic engagement within the greater Atlanta
community. As an urban research institution in Atlanta, Georgia State offers an opportunity for you
to understand the context in which you are developing as learners. Engaging in Atlanta-Based
Learning activities provides you with an opportunity to generate connections between the
academic curriculum and the urban Atlanta environment.
Upon completion of your experience, you are expected to write a two-page paper reflecting on
your experience. Your reflection will be graded following the rubric that will be provided to you.
Please use the prescribed questions to frame the reflection.
1. Introduce your service site, describe the purpose the organization serves in the community,
and provide an overview of what you did during your time with the agency.
2. Thinking big picture, how did your work help the organization meet its purpose and serve
others better?
3. What skills did you use during your service, and how can those skills be used in your
anticipated career?
4. How are you able to use your time as a Georgia State University student to be involved in
meeting the needs of others within the Atlanta community (be specific; name at least one
need that you would be able to work toward addressing and identify how you would be
able to work toward addressing)? How might you engage political leaders to address the
issue(s) addressed?
5. Provide your overall thoughts on the experience.
6. How might this service opportunity be improved?
Extra Credit
Over the semester, I will announce extra credit opportunities.
Grading Policy
Final grades will be calculated based on the total number of points earned during the semester.
Please keep in mind that completion of an assignment does not guarantee receiving maximum
points for the assignments. Points are awarded based on the quality of the work submitted. Grades
will be distributed as follows:
A+ =95-100% A = 92-94% A- = 90-91%
B+ = 85-89% B = 82-84% B- = 80-81%
C+ = 75-79% C = 72-74% C- = 70-71%
D= 60-69% F= 59 and below
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12. Syllabus Statement: The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may
be necessary.
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