The following foundational themes make up the core content of COR 101. Instructors use these themes to develop their course syllabi and activities. Class activities and readings are listed below based on theme or on the COR Topic Resource List.
1. Orientation to Cortland: Learning about our community, policies and procedures
COR 101 should extend the goals of summer orientation by continuing to familiarize students with SUNY Cortland. This includes getting to know the physical campus, but also learning about the culture of our campus.
- Learn about Cortland's culture, traditions, community, and events
- Understand critical policies and procedures (including the Code of Student Conduct)
- Explain the purpose of COR 101
- Demonstrate ability to navigate the Cortland website and myRedDragon
- Determine appropriate clubs and organizations to join
- Attend campus sponsored events
- Demonstrate ability to navigate the physical layout of campus
2. Transitions: Understand and negotiate the transition to college
There are many differences between being a high school student and being a college student. Some of these differences are academic, some have to do with living and social adjustment, and some are related to personal growth and development. In whatever way students are impacted by their adjustment, it is important that they continually reflect on their experience, and become aware of the challenges they face while changing to a new lifestyle.
- Explain the purpose of a college education
- Analyze the difference between high school and college
- Communicate goals on why student chose to attend SUNY Cortland
- Discuss (orally or in writing) student experiences, hopes, and concerns about their transition into college (including how they are handling homesickness, responsibility, locus of control in handling problems, ability to seek out and receive help)
- Balance curricular and co-curricular experiences
- Balance expectations from home and family and friends with academic expectations
3. Academic Success: Utilize academic and campus resources (including understanding academic planning and the registration process, identifying different ways students learn and relating career paths to academics)
- Understanding academic planning and decision-making (which includes academic requirements, processes and deadlines)
- Utilizing academic resources such as an academic advisor
- Determine student's learning preference and explain why it is important for student to understand their learning preference
- Learning about learning: Developing through student's learning preference.
- Understand where to go to receive assistance for study skills, note taking, time management, test-taking, etc.
- Help students understand how their career paths relate to academics
Classroom Activities for the Theme of Academic Success
4. Diversity: Understand and appreciate multiple perspectives
Diversity can be discussed in many ways. Instructors are encouraged to promote discussion of diversity in classes, as well as utilize current events and campus issues to address diversity.
- Explore definitions and dimensions of diversity and difference in our society and on our campus
- Reflect on our own backgrounds and individuality
- Develop an understanding of multiculturalism as a personal and intellectual issue
- Reflect on individuality and differences that we have experienced on campus
- Develop an awareness and appreciation of many viewpoints
Classroom Activities for the Theme of Diversity
5. Personal Wellness: Develop critical thinking and responsible decisions-making skills (keeping a balanced, healthy and resourceful way of living)
College is a great time to explore freedom and independence. One of the biggest challenges for first time students is in taking accountability for their well-being. Evidence of well-being is shown in personal life, balance of work and play, emotional stability, resourcefulness, and physical health.
- Assess lifestyle and habits
- Define balance and moderation in one's life
- Develop a plan for staying healthy throughout the semester
- Manage stress
- Understand Financial Literacy
- Explore interests and develop personal goals
- Articulate values
- Engage faculty, classmates, and teaching assistant
- Build relationships while knowing how to define both positive and negative relationships
- Understand choices about health, nutrition, drugs, alcohol, and sexual activity