The college success seminar course, commonly known as COL 101, is a required course for all freshmen at Cabrini College. This course has been customary to Cabrini’s core curriculum for numerous years.
Dr. Leonard Primiano, an associate professor of religion, said, “The seminar is to encourage the development of students in their first year at Cabrini College. It is especially important for the students to see themselves entering a new phase of their education and with that comes responsibilities.”
Throughout the year, the professors teaching this course set up goals for their students to achieve.
According to the syllabus for Jonnie Guerra’s, vice president for academic affairs, class, students will develop key skills necessary for college success, such as time management, study skills and test taking throughout the course.
Primiano also said, “The success seminar should also build community and be a place where first year students can talk over relevant issues with a professor or a staff member as well as other students.” Though college success is only one credit and a required course, “It does not teach like a traditional content course does, but as a seminar in an environment of openness,” Primiano said.
Jennifer Gold, international student advisor, said, “The more you give, the more you will get out of it.”
“This course is to help students understand the basic college services,” Dr. Seth Frechie, an associate professor of English, said.
Katie McCue, a freshman fine arts major, said that she has “found it helpful by learning about the co-op opportunities and the tutoring center.”
As far as getting students involved, Frechie spoke about his activities. “Each year I plan at least one field trip. This year we went to the Reading market. At Christmas we will also be having a pizza party for the end of the semester.”
Not only is this an opportunity to leave campus, it is also an “opportunity for students to work together to become acclimated,” Gold said.
In regards to what the course actually teaches students, Lisa Rodgers, a freshman undeclared major, said, “I learned how to schedule my time better because I am a bit of a messy person and a bit disorganized.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Chris Poarch, a freshman accounting major, said, “It was only helpful the first two weeks. After that I basically got the hang of the campus.”
It’s hard to say which students will enjoy this course. Some will and some will not. Shannon Reagan, a freshman early education major, said, “I don’t like it, probably because it is at 8:15 in the morning.”
On the other hand, McCue said, “I like it; it’s very informative.”
The faculty and students have given their views of the course, as well as good and bad points. The college success class has many key factors that enhance the learning of the students at Cabrini.
Loquitur welcomes your comments on this story. Please send your comments to: Loquitur@yahoogroups.com. The editors will review your points each week and make corrections if warranted.
Posted to the web by Matt Schill
