Exploring Majors and Careers

Instuctor: Lynne Von Roeder, M.Ed Office: University Advising Center [email protected] 216 Davis Hall

Office Hours: By Appointment 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Course Goals  Guide students in learning about themselves.  Train students to investigate potentially satisfying career options.  Discuss with students the fact that career exploration is a life-long process.  Facilitate student developed resources for that journey.

Learning Objectives  Identify interests, skills, values and personality; evaluate the impact that these factors have on career and educational decision-making.  Become familiar with the majors and minors offered at UTA.  Learn to locate and utilize academic and career informational resources.  Practice basic search skills and strategies related to finding internships, part-time jobs, volunteer opportunities, or other career relevant experiences.  Develop decision-making skills and the ability to plan for self-determined goals.

Materials: The instructor will provide informational handouts for the course Students should bring writing utensils and highlighters. Students will need a 1/1/2 inch plastic binder for the portfolio.

Requirements For Passing the Class:

Attendance This is a ten-week course. Attendance is required and will be checked at the beginning of each class session. More than three absences, excused or unexcused, will result in a grade of “F” for the course. If you are late to class, sign in your name and time of arrival. If you are late ten minutes or more three times, it will be an unexcused absence.

Assignments Assignments must be typed, completed and turned in on time. Expect to have some homework! You will be required to do two informational interviews. You will compile a portfolio made up of your assignments and research. You will meet with me at least once regarding your progress. If you miss that meeting, you will fail. Assignments are graded on a Pass/Fail basis. You must make up any assignments for missed class days. Any failed assignment may be re-done by the following class for credit. Failing (and not re-doing) or not completing 3 or more homework assignments will result in an “F” for the class. Papers must be typed. Class assignments will be posted online at http://www.uta.edu/uac/uac/major-exploration-assignments-and- handouts Americans With Disabilities Act: The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92- 112 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.

As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide "reasonable accommodations" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty of their need for accommodation and in providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels. Information regarding specific diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining academic accommodations can be found at www.uta.edu/disability. Also, you may visit the Office for Students with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at (817) 272-3364.

Academic Integrity: It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.

"Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Series 50101, Section 2.2)

Student Support Services Available: The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. These programs include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals. August 25th Course overview – For Love or Money, Finding your passion Homework – Major Exploration Scavenger Hunt – Due September 3rd

August 27th Introduction to Career Theory, Career Myths – Discussion of Values, personality styles, interests and abilities – Effects on major and career choice. Homework – Finish Scavenger Hunt - Due September 3rd Take Strengths Quest – Due September 3rd Print two copies of your top five

September 3rd Overview of Strengths Quest Homework – Read chapters 9 and 10 of the online book

September 8th Group Activities for SQ – quiz on chapter 9 Homework – First Informational Interview – Due September 17th Reflection paper on what you learned about yourself from Strengths Quest - Due September 10th September 10th Discover yourself – Take the Discover Assessment Homework - Due by September 15 – Print the inventory summary results and bring to class

September 15th Discover Group Activities Homework – Informational Interview due September 17th Reflection paper on what you learned about yourself from the Discover assessment. What career/majors would you like to explore?

September 17th What’s your type? – Informational Interview due Homework - Take the Myers Briggs Inventory - Due September 22nd

September 22nd What’s your type? Interpretation of the Myers Briggs Results

September 24th Group activities for Myers Briggs Homework - Reflection paper on your Myers Briggs Results

September 29th In Depth Look at UTA majors

October 1st Smart Web Resources Homework – Second Informational Interview due October 13th Web resources worksheet due October 13th October 6th What is of Value to you? Homework - Values exercise due October 13th

October 8th Faculty/Advisor Presentations Homework – Reflection paper on presentations

October 13th Faculty/Advisor Presentations Homework – Reflection paper on presentations

October 15th Faculty/Advisor Presentations Homework – Reflection paper on presentations Puzzle Pieces for final paper October 20th Faculty/Advisor Presentations Homework – Reflection paper on presentations

October 22nd Faculty/Advisor Presentations Homework – Reflection paper on presentations Major and career exploration reflection paper – Due November 3rd October 27th Faculty/Advisor Presentations Homework – Reflection paper on presentations Major and career exploration reflection paper – Due November 3rd October 29th Decision Making and Goal Setting Homework - Major and career exploration reflection paper – Due November 3rd November 3rd Employer Panel for Questions/ Course Wrap Up