Goals and Objectives

All COR 101: The Cortland Experience courses have a set of learning outcomes that focus our classes toward helping students succeed. These learning outcomes align with our foundational themes that serve as unifying elements of all COR 101 classes.

Learning outcomes for COR 101: The Cortland Experience can be found in the most recent college catalog.

The following foundational themes make up the core content of COR 101. Descriptions of each theme and ways to connect with the themes are listed below. Instructors can use these themes to develop their course syllabi and activities. Sample class activities and readings are listed below, based on theme. Course instructors and student facilitators can also utilize the resources page to find inspiration!

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.
Objectives:

• Learn about Cortland's culture, traditions, community, and events
• Understand the profile of our students
• Demonstrate their ability to navigate technology tools at Cortland; myRedDragon, BlackBoard, the Cortland Website, Degreeworks, and other tools
• Explain the purpose of COR 101
• Understand critical policies and procedures (including the Code of Student Conduct)
• Determine appropriate clubs and organizations to join
• Attend campus sponsored events
• Demonstrate ability to navigate the physical layout of campus, and understand where essential services are located

Classroom Activities for the Theme of Orientation

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 adapting to a new lifestyle.
Objectives:  

• 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 
• Balance curricular and co-curricular experiences
• Balance expectations from home and family and friends with academic expectations
• Explore their own growth from pre Cortland to their role as a student

Classroom Activities for the Theme of Transitions

3. Academic Success: Utilize academic and campus resources

Studying and earning good grades in college can be very different than earning good grades in High School. Understanding effective study habits, as well as what resources are available on campus can help a student to achieve at the highest level.
Objectives:  

• Determine when they need to utilize academic resources such as an academic advisor or tutor.
• Understand academic planning and decision-making (which includes academic requirements, processes and deadlines)
• Prepare a list of potential classes to discuss with academic advisor
• Identifying academic support services such as The Learning Center, Writing Center, or various tutoring services
• Understand how their career paths relate to academics
• Develop effective study habits that help students retain information and apply it critically to course content

Classroom Activities for the Theme of Academic Success

4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 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.
Objectives:

• 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
• Make an effort to attend classes or events which will educate them about new viewpoints

Classroom Activities for the Theme of Diversity Equity Inclusion

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.
Objectives: 

• Assess lifestyle and habits
• Define balance and moderation in one's life
• Develop a plan for staying healthy throughout the semester, managing stress and other difficulties
• Understand Financial Literacy
• Explore interests, articulate values and develop personal goals
• Engage faculty, classmates, and other students on campus in a respectful and beneficial way
• Build relationships while knowing how to define these in positive and negative terms
• Understand choices about health, nutrition, drugs, alcohol, and sexual activity

Classroom activities for the Theme of Personal Wellness