Internet Resources
- Orientation 100: a tour of Penn State. Designed to help orient new students to the university and its resources, this site has 10 tours. Useful links too.
- Foundations to academic success: Acquaints students with the learning tools and resources available at Penn State. Developed by the University Learning Center specifically for FYS's.
- ITS Web-based Training: A series of on-line tutorials developed by Information Technology Services, these may be integrated into FYS's as appropriate. Topics include Eudora, Netscape, MS Word, MS Access, and introduction to HTML.
- PSU Engineering Ethics: This site was developed for the use of engineering faculty and students in courses that address problems that have ethical components.
Modules/Guest Speakers
Library Skills: Library resources are increasing in number and complexity. The librarians of the Engineering Library will work with you to make these sources more available to your students. Services include:
- Coming to your class to demonstrate our new databases and resources,
- Arranging for a hands-on session with your class in a computer lab,
- Consulting with your class on a library related class assignment, and/or
- Creating a class specific or subject specific Web page.
For more details, Contact Bonnie Osif:
865-3697 or
bao@psulias.psu.edu
Other Resources
Race Relations Project: The Race Relations Project (RRP) explores diversity in an open, out-of-class, students-only, environment by encouraging student dialogue about their feelings on race relations. The focus of the sessions is to see participants deepen their understanding of what THEY think about the many issues surrounding race and race relations. A survey of last year's RRP participants revealed that more than 85 percent of students found their RRP sessions worthwhile. RRP sessions are one-time evening sessions (some day-time meetings are also available) held outside of class, led by trained undergraduates. Attendance is limited to ten students per session to encourage participation. Students can enroll in RRP sessions online, and you will receive an electronic attendance notice after they attend a session. If you are interested in adding an RRP session to your FYS curriculum:
- Include it in your syllabus
- Announce it to students at the appropriate time
- Send an email to andylau@psu.edu. There is a fee for each student which will be covered by the FYS program.
Major Nights: Each year, the Engineering Advising Center works with each engineering program to develop major nights. These nights are developed specifically for first-year students to talk to in-major students, learn about career opportunities, tour facilities, and ask questions about the fields that interest them. Many students enter the College of Engineering unsure of their major choice, and Major Nights are an effective way to learn more to help students make a well-informed decision. As of print time, the dates for engineering major nights have not been released. We will e-mail the engineering FYS faculty when the dates are announced. For more information, contact the Engineering Advising Center at 814-863-1033.
University Learning Centers: Many first-year engineering students, accustomed to cruising through high school, struggle with the more rigorous pace of college courses. The University Learning Centers (ULC) offer eight different tutoring programs to help students with their coursework. Staffed by peer tutors, the ULC provide support for individuals and teams seeking academic assistance. The ULC has developed orientation sessions for First-Year Seminars. Two tours of the ULC are available. The first is a comprehensive 45-minute session that encourages students to seek academic assistance, introduces the services of the ULC, and familiarizes students with the ULC website. The other tour is a 10-minute walk-through of one of three ULC locations. The ULC is an excellent resource that students may not find on their own.
If you are interested in introducing your First-Year Seminar to the ULC, contact Sarah Milito at smilito@psu.edu or 863-8183, or visit www.ulc.psu.edu.
Office of Judicial Affairs In-Class Workshops: The Office of Judicial Affairs can introduce students to important guidelines for a safe and successful academic careers. A representative from Judicial Affairs will deliver an in-class workshop on these and other topics.
- Judicial Affairs 101: An introduction to the Student Code of Conduct, the University Discipline System, and the Penn State Principles. Facilitators demystify the campus discipline process and clarify student rights and responsibilities.
- Academic Integrity: An interactive program addressing academic integrity, ethical decision making, and values clarification. Facilitators incorporate theory to practice through case studies, individual exercises, and group exercises.
- Off-Campus Misconduct: This program provides an overview of the University's Off-Campus Misconduct Policy. The focus of the program is on the University's off campus jurisdiction, referral procedures, and sanctioning guidelines.
- Sexual Misconduct: Judicial Affairs in collaboration with other appropriate university departments and outside agencies will address the University's policies, procedures, and protocols for responding to incidents of alleged sexual misconduct.
If you are interested in any of these workshops, or if you would like to work with Judicial Affairs to create a custom presentation for your seminar, contact Gary M. Miller, Assistant Director of Judicial Affairs, at gmm21@sa.psu.edu or (814) 863-0342.
iStudy for Success: Tailor your seminar to first-year students with iStudy for Success. The iStudy program introduces students to college-level learning, focusing on the areas in which first-year students are often weak. The twenty-one customizable modules range from academic integrity to stress management. iStudy is available through ANGEL for anyone with a Penn State Access account.
For more information, see http://istudy.psu.edu/.
Videos
- Raise the Song: Raise the Song is a 60-minute DVD documentary, produced in 2005 by Penn State Public Broadcasting to commemorate the 150-year anniversary of the founding of Penn State. It shows how a state farmers' high school transformed into a powerhouse that has positively affected our nation's history. A great way to introduce new students to the history and accomplishments of Penn State.
- Engineering Licensure: The decision to seek professional engineering licensure is best made early. Engineers who take the FE exam while still enrolled in school have a 23% higher pass rate than those who wait just two years after graduation. Engineering Licensure: A Path of Opportunity is a 7-minute video with supporting materials on professional licensure.
Students will leave the presentation with a better understanding of the importance of the F.E. and P.E. exams. Available in DVD or VHS formats.
To borrow Raise the Song or Engineering Licensure: A Path of Opportunity, contact Jetta McClenahan at 865-2952 or jym11@psu.edu.