NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION SYLLABUS

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This two-week workshop prepares transfer students to navigate the online learning environment successfully. Using the
University’s Blackboard course management system, participants will learn about the mechanics of coming back to
school: exploring methods of time management, developing good study habits and the “reading and writing muscle”
needed for online work, and considering other techniques of successful online learners. Focusing on developing
interpersonal connections in an online environment, students meet and interact with faculty and future classmates in their
programs, practice and receive feedback on college-level reading and writing assignments, begin career planning, and
learn about useful services and resources at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS).

ORIENTATION LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will:

 Understand and be able to use all essential features of the Blackboard online course management system
 Create a time management plan based on current course schedule and life demands
 Read academic texts and demonstrate comprehension through evaluated written assignments
 Demonstrate a practical understanding of academic integrity
 Learn about useful services and resources at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS), including academic
and career advisement, prior learning assessment, using email, ePortfolio, and tutoring
 Consider career goals and learning expectations related to their academic discipline
 Establish social connections (community and small group) to other students through discussions

New Student Orientation Syllabus

REQUIRED TEXTS AND READINGS
Required texts are available in electronic formats either accessible on, or linked to, the class website in Blackboard, the course
management system licensed by CUNY. For example, the Purdue Online Writing Laboratory (OWL) will be referenced for information
on APA Style Citation and the CUNY Information Literacy Tutorials for an introduction to academic research online.
WEEK OBJECTIVES
1  Introduction to SPS and to
Orientation
 Learn about and practice using
Blackboard Course Management
System
 Learn time management strategies
 Meet other students in your
program
 Connect career goals and
expectations to academic
discipline.
2  Practice and receive feedback on
academic reading and writing
 Learn to use online collaboration
tools
 Understand academic integrity
and avoiding plagiarism
 Learn about SPS resources
available to you, including the
Baruch Newman Library
 Reflect on orientation experience
and next steps. Are you ready?
READING/LECTURE
 Watch videos
 Review Blackboard
Tutorials
 Read about Credit for Prior
Learning
 Read about career
opportunities for your
major
 Read information about
academic integrity
 Read articles “Grow Your
Brain” and “Personal Best”
 Watch videos
 Review Info Literacy
Tutorials & video
ACTIVITIES/ASSIGNMENTS
 Participate in the Welcome Webinar on January
12th
 Send an email to your group’s peer mentor via the
Orientation Blackboard site
 Complete Blackboard Basics Quiz
 My Program Activity: Post to and comment on the
“Career Narrative” Discussion Board forum
 Complete Sexual Misconduct Module
 Complete the Time Management Instrument
 Post to and Comment on the “Time Management
Charts and Plan Reflection Discussion” Forum
 Participate in the Closing Webinar on January 25th
 Sign the Academic Honor Code statement
 Submit your “Change” essay as an assignment
 Complete New Student Orientation Feedback
Survey
 Download your New Student Orientation
Completion Certificate!
New Student Orientation Syllabus
ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS
The CUNY School of Professional Studies is firmly committed to making higher education accessible to students with
disabilities by removing architectural barriers and providing programs and support services necessary for them to benefit
from the instruction and resources of the University. Early planning is essential for many of the resources and
accommodations provided. For more information, please see:
Disability Services on the CUNY SPS Website.

ONLINE ETIQUETTE AND ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

The University strictly prohibits the use of University online resources or facilities, including Blackboard, for the purpose of
harassment of any individual or for the posting of any material that is scandalous, libelous, offensive or otherwise against
the University’s policies. Please see: “Netiquette in an Online Academic Setting: A Guide for CUNY School of
Professional Studies Students.”

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic dishonesty is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Cheating, forgery, plagiarism and collusion in dishonest
acts undermine the educational mission of the City University of New York and the students' personal and intellectual
growth. Please see:
Academic Integrity on the CUNY SPS Website.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

If you need any additional help, please visit Student Support Services

New Student Orientation Syllabus