University Foundations

University Foundations

University foundations courses help students make successful transitions to the institution and develop strategies for success. These courses:

• encourage the development of active learning skills,
• promote responsible decision-making,
• facilitate exploration of academic majors and career planning, and
• help students establish rewarding relationships in college with peers, professors, and University staff.

Transitioning to College

The School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development administers four academic courses designed specifically for new students, three for new freshmen and one for new transfers:

• UNV 101 Academic Support I (3 hr.)
  

  Introduction to higher education and a general orientation to the functions and resources of the university. Encourages development of active learning skills and promotes responsible decision-making. Required for students with two or more ACT subscores of 16 or below in reading, English or mathematics.
  
  

• UNV 110 University Studies (3 hr.)

Introduction to higher education and a general orientation to the functions and resources of the university. Encourages development of active learning skills and promotes responsible decision-making. Open to all freshmen.

• UNV 301 Transfer Student Success (3 hr.)
  

  Exploration of transition issues for new transfer students to Southern Miss, including strategies for minimizing “transfer shock” and maximizing academic success at this research university; open to new transfer students.

These courses facilitate students' transition to University life and seek to provide a common experience for first-year students at The University of Southern Mississippi, regardless of major. The University of Southern Mississippi strongly encourages all new students to enroll in the appropriate seminar during their first semester of enrollment.

 

College Success for All Students

In addition to courses for new students, the following courses assist all students to be academically and professionally successful:

• UNV 150 Making Major Decisions (1 hr.)
  

  This course focuses on strategies for decision-making and goal-setting with particular attention to career planning and major selection. Students will clarify their strengths, interests, and values and learn effective strategies for making important decisions.
  
  

• UNV 250 Strategic Learning (3 hr.)
  

  Application of strategic management principles to college learning with emphasis on evaluating academic performance and initiating corrective adjustments.
  
  

• UNV 300 Professionalism and Integrity (1 hr.)

  This course will introduce students to important areas of professional development including conflict management, accountability and professional communication, with strong underpinnings in each area related to the importance of integrity in the professional environment.
  
  

• UNV 310 Introduction to Job-seeking (1 hr.)
  

  Acquaints students with job-seeking techniques including professional resumé development, cover letter writing, interview skills training and networking strategies.