Effective: 2025-08-01

Course Description

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to assist first-time students to familiarize themselves with the college and its support services, and to develop skills necessary for success at college and in their transitions to learning and work after college. In addition, the orientation course provides students with a variety of opportunities for learning about the dimensions of being successful in achieving their personal and career goals, while exploring the possibilities and potentialities of a particular discipline or profession.

Course Objectives

• Student Learning Outcome 1: Career Exploration and Development
• 1.1 Career Exploration
• use a variety of career tools to identify multiple potential careers based on their interests, values, and abilities (i.e., students will utilize the Virginia Education Wizard to complete this task; other tools may include TransferVA, Navigate, Career Coach, and the Occupational Outlook Handbook).
• 1.2 Career Planning
• use career exploration tools to identify preferred program(s) of study and educational requirements for these programs.
• explain the steps they need to take to achieve their career goal(s) by developing an educational and career plan.
• Student Learning Outcome 2: College Resources
• 2.1 Academic Technology
• demonstrate competence in using the web portal, student email, student information system, and learning management system.
• 2.2 College Catalog and Student Handbook
• identify where they can access the College Catalog and Student Handbook.
• 2.3 Library Resources
• identify resources/services available through the college library.
• 2.4 Student Services
• identify key offices/services available to students (e.g., tutoring, disability services, financial aid) and how to access these offices/services).
• Student Learning Outcome 3: College Policies
• 3.1 Student Rights and Responsibilities
• identify their responsibilities as members of the college community.
• describe ways to foster trust, understanding, and empathy to create a positive and accepting environment.
• describe their rights and responsibilities as members of the college community (e.g., Title IX, Academic Grievance Policy, Academic Integrity, Student Code of Conduct).
• 3.2 Academic Standing
• explain the College's criteria for good academic standing, progress towards a degree, and graduation, as well as criteria resulting in academic probation and suspension.
• Student Learning Outcome 4: Academic Planning
• 4.1 Curricular Offerings
• describe the difference between university parallel/transfer and applied programs.
• identify the program of study and courses within that program that align with their career goal(s).
• 4.2 Academic Planning
• develop an academic plan and demonstrate an understanding of prerequisites, general education courses, other required program courses, and electives required for completion of their program.
• Student Learning Outcome 5: Academic Skills
• 5.1 Learning Modalities
• review different learning modalities and identify their preferred modalities.
• 5.2 Classroom Skills
• identify and apply effective note-taking and test-taking strategies to enhance their academic performance in various contexts.
• 5.3 Academic Preparation
• identify strategies for reading and retention of learning (e.g., memory techniques, study pacing).
• Student Learning Outcome 6: Life Management
• 6.1 Priority Management
• review strategies and tools for managing time and priorities and describe factors that support and inhibit the achievement of their academic goals.
• identify the steps in developing and implementing short-term and long-term personal, academic, and career goals.
• 6.2 Financial Literacy
• describe the benefits and challenges of money management (e.g., credit, savings, budgeting).
• identify the financial resources available to college students.
• Student Learning Outcome 7: Social/Interpersonal
• 7.1 Communication Skills
• demonstrate the role of effective verbal and nonverbal communication in developing personal, academic, and professional relationships.
• recognize and appropriately use common college terms (e.g., GPA, FAFSA, credit hours, syllabus, academic advisor, office hours) to navigate the community college system and advocate for their academic and financial success.
• Student Learning Outcome 8: Wellness
• 8.1 Holistic Wellness
• investigate the areas that contribute to holistic wellness, identify resources to support wellness, and develop strategies for a healthier lifestyle, including stress management.