Activity Themes

The following foundational themes make up the core content of COR 101. Instructors use these themes to develop their course syllabi and activities.

1. Orientation to Cortland: Learning about our community, structures and policies

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.

Objectives:

• Understand the purpose of COR and get to know your COR students
• Learn the physical layout, structure, and technology of the campus
• Review campus offices
• Explore SUNY Cortland's website
• Use SUNY Cortland email account
• Review critical policies and procedures, including the Code of Student Conduct, and where to obtain information on these policies
• Learn about Cortland's culture, traditions, the city community, and upcoming events throughout the semester.
  
  Classroom Activities for the Theme of Orientation
  
  

2. Transitions: the academic, social and personal development of students

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.

Objectives:

• Reflection on what it is like to be at college for the first time
• Discussion of how college is different from high school
• Discussion of the purpose of college in general
• Discussion of students' own purposes in coming to college - What are their goals? Why are they here?
• Discussion of students' hopes, fears and concerns
• Reflection on how students are handling their transition - homesickness, responsibility, locus of control in handling problems, ability to seek out and receive help
  
  Classroom Activities for the Theme of Transitions
  

3. Academic Success: utilizing campus resources, understanding academic planning and the registration process, identifying different ways we learn, and relating career paths to academics

Objectives:

• Understanding academic planning and decision-making (which includes academic requirements, processes and deadlines)
• Utilizing academic resources such as an academic advisor
• Learning about learning: Developing through their preferred learning style
• Study skills
• Note taking
• Time management
• Test-taking
• Help students understand how their career paths relate to academics
  
  Classroom Activities for the Theme of Academic Success
  

4. Diversity: understanding and appreciating multiple perspectives

Diversity can be discussed from many levels and 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.

Objectives:

• Explore definitions and dimensions of diversity and difference in our society and on our campus
• Reflect on our own backgrounds
• Develop an understanding of multiculturalism as a personal and intellectual issue
• Reflect on individuality and differences that we have experienced on campus
  
  Classroom Activities for the Theme of Diversity
  

5. Personal Wellness: 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.

Objectives:

• Assessment of lifestyle and habits
• Defining balance and moderation in one's life
• Developing a plan for staying healthy throughout the semester
• Managing stress
• Relationship building: Exploring positive and negative relationships
• Health: Nutrition, drug and alcohol choices, and sexual activity
  
  Classroom Activities for the Theme of Personal Wellness