This document outlines the details of a first-year interest group program for business students at the University of Texas in Fall 2015. It provides the meeting time, location, peer mentor and facilitator contact information. The objectives of the seminar are to explore university issues and those relevant to the student's discipline, understand learning models, and develop collaboration skills. Course goals are to examine strengths for success, learn skills like note-taking, and enhance discussion and presentation abilities. Policies around attendance, religious observance, disabilities, academic dishonesty and email communication are also stated.

1. First-year Interest Group Program
Business 3
Tuesdays, 2-3 PM
CLA 0.120
Fall 2015
Peer Mentor: Zeeshan Parpia
Phone: (972) 693-4717
E-mail: Zeeshan.Parpia@utexas.edu
FIG Facilitator: Tommy Darwin
Office: SSB 4.400
Phone: (512) 468-7246
E-mail: tjdarwin@gmail.com
Office Hours: by appointment
Seminar Objectives
This seminar will give you an opportunity to explore issues relevant to new students in a
university environment, while learning more about issues relevant to students in your
discipline. When you complete this seminar you should have a better understanding of the
University and issues important to the UT community. You will become familiar with
models of learning while focusing on your own academic goals. Most importantly, you will
have experience working collaboratively with other students and develop important skills
to ensure your academic success.
Course Goals
You should be able to demonstrate the following abilities during and upon completion of
this seminar:
• Examine your strengths and abilities to be successful in an academic environment
leading to educational and professional success;
• Learn and develop skills necessary to succeed in a college environment including
note-taking and test-taking skills, stress management, and wellness;
• Understand college and university rules, resources, and services;
• Enhance your observation, critical thinking, group discussion, reading, writing,
speaking, and visual presentation skills.
Mentor Goals (Generated by students)
• Earn a GPA of a 3.8 or above by the end of the fall semester.
• Earn at least 15 hours of community service in the fall semester.
• Build trust within the FIG so that we are able to openly and comfortably
communicate with each other.

2. Course Policy
No academic credit will be given for the course, but attendance is expected.
Attendance
Active participation will reflect as much upon your commitment to the group's success as it
will upon your personal dedication to success at UT. Attendance will be taken at each
seminar. As a courtesy, please notify your peer mentor prior to any absence.
Religious Holy Days Observance Policy
A student who misses classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the
observance of a religious holy day should inform the peer mentor and FIG Facilitator as far
in advance of the absence as possible.
Students with Disabilities
Please notify your mentor and facilitator of any modification/adaptation you may require
to accommodate a disability-related need. You will be requested to provide documentation
to the Dean of Student's Office in order that the most appropriate accommodations can be
determined. Specialized services are available on campus through Services for Students
with Disabilities (SSB 4.104, 471-6529).
Policy on Scholastic Dishonesty
Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary
penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the
University. Since such dishonesty harms the individual, all students and the integrity of the
University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced. For further
information, please visit the Student Judicial Services web site at
http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs/
University Electronic Mail Notification Policy
(Use of E-mail for Official Correspondence to Students)
All students should become familiar with the University's official e-mail student
notification policy. It is the student's responsibility to keep the University informed as to
changes in his or her e-mail address. Students are expected to check e-mail on a frequent
and regular basis in order to stay current with University-related communications,
recognizing that certain communications may be time-critical. It is recommended that e-
mail be checked daily, but at a minimum, twice per week. The complete text of this policy
and instructions for updating your e-mail address are available at
http://www.utexas.edu/its/policies/emailnotify.html
In this course e-mail will be used as a means of communication with students. You
will be responsible for checking and reading your e-mail regularly for updates and
announcements.