Academic and Career Skills (ACS)

In this course, students will analyze and evaluate the beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and skills that lead to academic, career and personal success. Through self-assessment, readings, activities and journal writing, students will synthesize data in order to improve self-management, increase self-esteem and maximize learning. Other topics include money management, effective use of college resources, critical thinking and decision-making and effective writing and communication. Academic, career and personal goal setting will be explored. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading Level 3 and concurrently enrolled in ENG 111 and ENG 111S; or Academic Reading Level 5

In this course, students will complete exercises and vocational inventories to assess their interests, work values, skills, abilities, and personality preferences. They will also conduct informational interviews with professionals in their fields of interest. This course is designed for students who are undecided about a program of study or career goal or are contemplating a career change. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading Level 5; Academic Writing Level 6 or ENG 111 and ENG 111S, may enroll concurrently

In this course, students receive an introduction to techniques of information retrieval and information evaluation. Students completing this course will have the skills needed to locate and evaluate information, to think critically about research strategies and to apply these concepts to research using library resources and the Internet. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6

In this course students will build connections between academic skills, career development practices, and personal success. Using self-assessment tools and journaling, students will develop an awareness of personal strengths, interests, motivations, learning preferences, and skills. Students will apply the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time bound) goal setting technique to establish short- and long-term goals, utilize a cognitive model for decision-making to narrow down career and educational choices, conduct career research, and engage in career preparation activities. Students will practice self-management techniques and academic skills as well as identify support networks and relevant college resources. Finally, students will reflect on and articulate strategies to achieve personal, academic, and career success. Specific sections designed for military veterans. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading Level 3 or higher; Academic Writing Level 2 or higher