First-Year Experience Seminar
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First-Year Experience Seminar |
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Section 1: Faculty Contact Information
Section 2: Attendance Policies
Section 3: Weekly Schedule
Section 4: Semester Schedule
First Feature Entrance Form / Student Information Form
You have enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Imagine that you have been selected for a feature article in a UMass Lowell publication highlighting incoming students. The following form has been provided to help you respond to possible interview questions such as: Who are you? Why are you here? What are the reasons you chose to study here? What did you find particularly appealing about UMass Lowell? What might you find especially challenging here? How might UMass Lowell be different from your high school? Now that you are here, what are your expectations? How far do you want to reach? What are your strengths? What is one of your passions, and how can it be fulfilled here?
Today’s Date ____________________
Full Name _____________________________________________________________
Any Preferred Nickname ________________________________________________
Student ID Number ____________________ Course Section/ Time _____________
E-mail Address – School _________________________________________________
E-mail Address – Personal _______________________________________________
Birth Month & Day _____________________________________________________
What is your first (native) language? _______________________________________
What are your hobbies?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
What do you do like to do for fun? What do you do in your spare time?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
What books or magazines do you read?
_______________________________________________________________________
What three stores do you visit most often?
1. ____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________
What three Web sites do you visit most often?
1. ____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________
Have you ever volunteered anywhere? ___ yes ___ no
If you have volunteered, where did you volunteer, and what did you do? ________________________________________________________________________
Is this your first semester at college? ___ yes ___ no
Are you the first person in your immediate family to attend college?
__ yes ___ no
Where are you living this semester?
___ in on-campus housing; if so, in which residence hall? _________________________
___ with immediate family; if so, how far is the commute? ________________________
___ with other relatives; if so, how far is the commute? __________________________
___ in an apartment with friends
___ other _______________________________________________________________
In addition to your work for college classes, do you intend to work for pay at one or more jobs this semester? ___ yes ___ no
If you intend to work for pay, how many hours do you expect to work per week?
___ 1–10 ___ 11–20 ___21–30 ___ 31–40 ___ 40–60
If you intend to work for pay, where will you work this semester?
___ on campus ___ off campus ___ at more than one job
Why are you working for pay this semester? (Please select all that apply.)
___ to pay for college tuition ___ to pay for textbooks
___ to buy a car ___ to save money for the future
___ to support a family ___ to pay for child care
___ to pay for basic expenses that I need (rent, housing, food, etc.)
___ to pay for extra expenses that I want (clothes, entertainment, etc.)
___ to see how much money I can make
___ other (please explain) __________________________________________________
___ I am not working for pay this semester
How will you pay for your university expenses? (Please select all that apply.)
___ my own earnings ___ my parents’ (or guardians’) contributions
___ scholarships and grants ___ loans
___ my partner’s contributions ___ my employer’s contributions
___ other (please explain) __________________________________________________
What is the most important reason you decided to attend UMass Lowell?
(Please select one.)
___ recommendation of high school teachers/counselors
___ recommendation of friend(s) who attended here
___ availability of academic programs I’m interested in
___ reasonableness of cost ___ financial aid I was offered
___ reputation of the school ___ location of the school
___ campus website ___ other (please explain) ______________
Was UMass Lowell your first choice among the colleges you considered?
___ yes ___ no
Why did you decide to go to college? (Please select all that apply.)
___ because I want to build a better life for myself
___ because I want to build a better life for my family
___ because I want to be very well-off financially in the future
___ because I need a college education to achieve my dreams
___ because my friends were going to college
___ because my family encouraged me to go
___ because it was expected of me
___ because I was recruited for athletics
___ because I want to continue learning
___ because the career I am pursuing requires a degree
___ because I was unsure of what I might do instead
___ other (please explain) __________________________________________________
Looking ahead, how satisfied do you expect to be with your decision to attend UMass Lowell?
___ very satisfied ___ satisfied ___ not sure
___ somewhat dissatisfied ___ very dissatisfied
How did you develop your expectations of what college might be like? (Please place 1, 2, and 3 next to your top three information sources.)
___ TV and movies
___ friends/siblings who have already gone to college
___ discussions with teachers/counselors in high school
___ information I received from colleges in the mail
___ talks with my parents
___ talks with my friends who are also now first-year students
___ the Internet
___ other (please explain) __________________________________________________
What are your top three areas of concern relating to your first termat UMass Lowell? (Please place 1, 2, and 3 next to the items you choose.)
[Please note: Listed items continue on reverse side of paper.]
___ I might not fit in.
___ I might have difficulty making friends.
___ I might not be academically successful.
___ My performance might disappoint my family.
___ My personal life might interfere with my studies.
___ My studies might interfere with my personal life.
___ I might have financial difficulties.
___ My job might interfere with my studies.
___ My studies might interfere with my job.
___ My social life might interfere with my studies.
___ My studies might interfere with my social life.
___ My professors might not care about me as an individual.
___ I might not finish my degree.
___ I might miss the company of my friends.
___ I might miss the company of my family.
___ I might not manage my time well.
___ I might be bored in my classes.
___ I might feel intimidated by my professors.
___ I might feel overwhelmed by all I have to do.
___ other (please explain) __________________________________________________
Which one of your current classes do you expect to find most challenging this term?
_______________________________________________________________________
Why?__________________________________________________________________
Do you expect to succeed in this course? ___ yes ___ no ___ perhaps (please explain):________________________________________________________________
How many total hours per week do you expect to spend outside of class studying for your college courses this term?
___ 0–5 ___ 6–10 ___ 11–15 ___ 16–20 ___ 21–25
___ 26–30 ___ 31–35 ___ 36–40 ___ 40+
Which of the following on-campus resources do you plan to use once or more this term? (Please select all that apply.)
___ Library Resources and Services
___ Centers for Learning and Academic Support Services (CLASS)
___ advising
___ educational computing
___ tutoring
___ study skills workshops
___ computer labs
___ Counseling Center
___ Student Health Services
___ Disability Services
___ Multicultural Affairs
___ Campus Ministries
___ Office of Student Activities
___ student clubs or organizations
___ professors’ office hours for individual meetings/conferences/help
___ Campus Recreation Center
___ Financial Aid Office
___ Dean of Students Office
___ none
How do you expect that you will learn best in college? (Please select all that apply.)
____ by looking at charts, maps, graphs ____ by looking at color-coded information
____ by looking at symbols and graphics ____ by listening to instructors’ lectures ____ by reading books ____ by going on field trips
____ by writing papers ____ by engaging in activities
____ by taking notes ____ by actually doing things
____ by listening to other students during an in-class discussion
____ by talking about course content with friends or roommates
For each of the following pairs of descriptors, which set fits you better? (Please choose between the two pairs on each line and place a mark by your choice.)
___ extraverted and outgoing or ___ introverted and quiet
___ detail-oriented and practical or ___ big-picture and future-oriented
___ rational and truthful or ___ people-oriented and tactful
___ organized and self-disciplined or ___ spontaneous and flexible
Broadly speaking, in which area do you expect to major?
___ Arts & Sciences ___ Education ___ Engineering ___ Health & Environment
___ Management ___ other (please explain) ________________________________
How certain are you now of a chosen major?
(Please select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = totally sure, 5 = totally unsure.) _____
How certain are you now that you will complete your degree?
(Please select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = totally sure, 5 = totally unsure.) _____
How certain are you now that you will complete your degree at UMass Lowell?
(Please select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = totally sure, 5 = totally unsure.) _____
How certain are you now of your intended career choice?
(Please select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = totally sure, 5 = totally unsure.) _____
How certain are you now that you’ll obtain an advanced degree after college? (Please select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = totally sure, 5 = totally unsure.) _____
How confident are you in yourself in each of the following areas?
(Please select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = very confident, 5 = not at all confident.)
___overall academic ability ___mathematical skills ___leadership ability
___reading skills ___public speaking skills ___study skills
___technology skills ___physical well being ___writing skills
___social skills ___emotional well-being ___teamwork skills
What are two questions that you still have about UMass Lowell?
1 ____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
What are two things you have learned so far at UMass Lowell that surprise you?
1. ____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
What are two things about UMass Lowell (or about college in general) that excite or please you?
1. ____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
How might UMass Lowell be different from your high school? How might it be the same?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
What are you most looking forward to in college?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
What are your personal strengths? What are you really good at? What comes easily or naturally to you?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
What three words best describe you?
1. ____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________
What would your best friend(s) say is your most likable quality?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
What is very important to you? What matters to you the most? What do you really care about?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
If there were one thing in this world you could change, what would it be? Why?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Some questions in this form were taken from or suggested by a downloadable “FOCUS Entrance Interview” that accompanies the textbook, FOCUS on College Success, Concise Edition, 1st Edition, by Constance Staley [Wadsworth/ Cengage Learning, © 2010].
In addition to the Last Lecture Journals 1 – 6, which are due March 4, 2011 (#1); March 11, 2011 (#2); March 25, 2011 (#3); April 1, 2011 (#4); April 15, 2011 (#5); and April 22, 2011 (#6), the following writing projects are assigned. Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period.
1. “First Feature Entrance Form / Student Information Form” –– Due Friday, February 4, 2011
2. Syllabus Mapping Assignment and Worksheet – Due Friday, February 11, 2011
3. Responses to Packets from the Advising Center (Part 1) – Due Friday, February 18, 2011
a. Go to: www.uml.edu/class/Advising_Center/Study_Skills_Workshop_Packets.html
b. Click links for “Listening and Notetaking Skills” and “Preparing for and Taking Exams”
c. Write a response (of one paragraph) to each of the following questions:
i. What suggestions on note taking and listening would be helpful for you to put into practice?
ii. How do you plan to prepare for & take exams?
d. Turn in responses via e-mail and hard copy
4. Responses to Packets from the Advising Center (Part 2) – Due Friday, February 25, 2011
a. Go to: www.uml.edu/class/Advising_Center/Study_Skills_Workshop_Packets.html
b. Click link for “Oral Presentations”
c. Write a response (of at least two paragraphs) to the following question:
i. In your opinion, what makes a good oral presentation?
d. Turn in responses via e-mail and hard copy
5. Career Services Assignment: The Five Sections of “Self Assessment” from FOCUS – Due Friday, April 8, 2011
a. Go to: http://career.uml.edu
b. Click on “FOCUS” (on right-hand panel, under “Events/Information”)
c. On FOCUS Login page, click on “Login to FOCUS”
d. Select “If you are a first time user and need to create new account, click here.”
d. Enter the following Access Code: uml123
e. Click the radio button corresponding to the correct course section: “Stulken, Friday, 12Noon SP2011”
f. Enter your personal information (user name and password are case-sensitive); (remember your user name and password to go back to the FOCUS site later).
g. Under “Self Assessment” complete the following:
i. Work Interest Assessment
ii. Personality Assessment
iii. Skills Assessment
iv. Values Assessment
v. Leisure Interest Assessment
6. Reflective Response Paper on News Item from Your Discipline – Due Friday, April 8, 2011 (via e-mail and in hard copy)
a. Select an article or a news item (2-3 pages) that reflects an issue, idea, and/or discovery in your discipline, your field of study, your major, or higher education in general (such as Criminal Justice, Art and the Modern World, Politics and History, Economics, Human Behavior, or International Understanding).
i. The article is to be in print form, but may be either from a hard copy or online news source.
ii. If the article or news item is shorter than 2-3 pages, select a second article or news item in a related topic.
b. Read the article.
c. Write a one-page response paper, answering the following questions:
i. What was the main idea or thesis in the article?
ii. What were your reactions to the article?
iii. What were your points of agreement or disagreement?
iv. What did you learn from the article?
d. Include the title(s) & date(s) of the article(s), the news source, & the date accessed.
e. Submit a hard copy or e-mail attachment of the article(s) with your paper.
7. Class Community Service Project: Performance for the Ladies at the Merrimack River Valley House (MRVH) – Due Friday, May 6, 2011
(Details about the project will be introduced on February 11, 2011.)
8. “First Feature Exit Form” – Due Friday, May 6, 2011
Please note: For due dates and requirement details for the Last Lecture Journals, please see the “Last Lecture Journal Assignment” sheet.
Syllabus Mapping Assignment and Worksheet
Of all the resources you have to help ensure a strong first semester, your class syllabi may be the most valuable. A syllabus is in essence a contract between you and your instructor, mapping out all that you must accomplish in return for a satisfactory grade. However, each class and instructor will have slightly different ways of conveying this information. This worksheet will help you pull out and organize key pieces of information, and create a single source for important dates throughout the semester.
Section 1: Faculty Contact Information
In these boxes, record all pertinent information regarding each professor’s name, office hours, e-mail, phone, etc.
Name of Class: Course/Section Number: Professor/Instructor: Office: Office Hours: E-mail Address: Phone Number: Website: |
Name of Class: |
Name of Class: |
Name of Class: |
Name of Class: |
Name of Class: |
Section 2: Attendance Policies
Each class is going to have its own attendance policy. Attendance can greatly impact your overall grade, as well as your level of success in the class.
In these boxes write down the attendance policy for each of your classes.
Name of Class: Course/Section Number: Professor/Instructor: Attendance Policy: |
Name of Class:
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Section 3: Weekly Schedule
One key aspect of college success is developing a good weekly routine.
In these boxes (continued on back of sheet), map out a 24-hour schedule for: 1) classes; 2) studying and homework;
3) sleep; 4) meals; 5) exercise and fitness; 6) practices and rehearsals (athletic, drama, music); 7) work (on and off campus);
8) transportation time; 9) student clubs and organizations; and 10) social activities. Please be as specific as you can!
Weekly Schedule |
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Section 4: Semester Schedule
Some of the most vital pieces of information on your syllabi are due dates.
On the following monthly calendars (one each for February, March, April, and May), list all key dates throughout the semester. Try and include anything from each syllabus that you think is a key factor in managing your time. (Already on the calendar pages are references from UMass Lowell’s academic calendar, plus several notes for scheduled programs.)
February 2011 Calendar.
~ February 2011 ~ |
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January 24, Monday: |
January 28, Friday: |
1 |
2 [11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: 2nd Annual Volunteer Fair] |
3 |
4 Last day to: 1) Add a course w/ a permission number; |
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21 Presidents Day (University closed) |
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Notes: February 27 – March 8, 2011: Lowell Women’s Week |
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March 2011 Calendar.
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~ March 2011 ~ |
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10 Mid-semester |
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12 Spring Recess |
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21 Classes resume |
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28 3 Faculty advising period begins. Check iSiS for appts |
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Notes: February 27 – March 8, 2011: Lowell Women’s Week |
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April 2011 Calendar.
~ April 2011 ~ |
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4 Enrollment for S2011 begins using enrollment appts. from iSiS [Day Without Violence] |
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8 Faculty advising period ends |
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11 Last day to withdraw from courses with grade of “W” |
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13 Last day to complete work for incomplete Fall 2010 classes |
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18 Patriots Day (University Closed) |
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28 FRIDAY CLASS SCHEDULE |
29 University Day |
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May 2011 Calendar.
~ May 2011 ~ |
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9 Last day of Spring Semester classes |
10 Reading Day |
11 Spring Semester Exams Begin |
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19 Spring Semester Exams End |
20 Make-up day for exams postponed due to weather |
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28 University Commencement |
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30 Memorial Day (University Closed) |
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Notes: |
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Throughout the semester, you will write journal assignments in response to questions based on assigned readings from the required text, The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Each journal entry will include at least one reference – a sentence or a phrase – from the assigned reading from The Last Lecture (with proper citation). (See information in I. D. below.) Each entry will be submitted in hard copy and via e-mail. At the end of the semester, these journal entries will be the basis for your class presentation, your own “Last Lecture.” Please keep this in mind as you write.
I. Requirements for each journal entry
A. Mechanics
1. Typed, not hand-written
2. Minimum length: between 1-3 paragraphs, double-spaced, filling at least ¾ of the page
3. Left and right margins of 1.25 inches, with size 12 standard font (such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Cambria)
4. Correct spelling
5. Proper use of punctuation and grammar
B. Identifying information
1. Student’s name
2. Instructor’s name
3. Course titleand section number
4. Date due
C. On or before the due date:
1. E-mail version submitted by the starting time of the specified class
a. As Microsoft Word attachment
or
b. As text in the body of the e-mail
or
c. As plain text attachment
2. Hard copy handed in at the beginning of the specified class period
D. Included: at least one reference – with properly formatted citation – to the assigned portion of the required text, The Last Lecture.
1. Citation examples
a. The author’s name appears in the sentence itself, so only the page number needs to appear in the parentheses: Pausch, in speaking of a class project said, “What I most loved about all of this was that teamwork was so central to its success” (124).
b. The author’s name does not appear in the sentence, so it is included in the citation with the page number: For a particular class project, “teamwork was so central to its success” (Pausch 124).
c. The author’s name is mentioned; the ideas are paraphrased rather than quoted directly: Pausch really liked his class project that demanded teamwork for its success (124).
2. Included at the end of the journal entry: the following “Work Cited” reference: Pausch, Randy, with Jeffrey Zaslow. The Last Lecture. New York: Hyperion, 2008.
II. “Last Lecture” Journal Entries and Due Dates (& Assigned Pages in the Pausch Book)
1) Friday, 4 March 2011, Journal 1: How would you describe yourself? What gifts or talents could you share? What makes you special? (pp. 3-10)
2) Friday, 11 March 2011, Journal 2: What childhood dreams have you achieved? What are your dreams now? (pp. 31-34; pp. 51-54)
3) Friday, 25 March 2011, Journal 3: Who has inspired and/or mentored you? What impact has this person (have these persons) had on your life? (pp. 35-39; pp. 43-46)
4) Friday, 1 April 2011, Journal 4: What adventures have you had? What lessons have you learned from these adventures? (pp. 69-72; pp. 80-84; pp. 94-96; & pp. 97-102)
5) Friday, 15 April 2011, Journal 5: How have you helped others reach their dreams? When has teamwork been crucial in reaching goals? (pp. 117-120; pp.121-125; pp. 126-128)
6) Friday, 22 April 2011, Journal 6: What advice would you give? What questions do you still have? What legacy would you like to leave? (p. 145; pp. 148-149; pp. 150-151; pp. 151-153; pp. 161-163; pp. 191-198; pp. 204-206)
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Note:
(Please note: In-class presentations are scheduled for Thursday, April 28, 2011. All notes for the presentation are to be completed by Friday, April 22, 2011, while all visual components are to be prepared by Thursday, April 28, 2011.)
Assignment: Imagine that you have been invited to give a “Last Lecture” at the University of Massachusetts Lowell at the end of the fall semester. In preparation for your guest appearance, you have been keeping a journal in which you reflected on the following questions:
1) How would you describe yourself? What gifts or talents could you share? What makes you special?
2) What childhood dreams have you achieved? What are your dreams now?
3) Who has inspired and/or mentored you? What impact has this person (have these persons) had on your life?
4) What adventures have you had? What lessons have you learned?
5) How have you helped others reach their dreams? When has teamwork been crucial in reaching goals?
6) What advice would you give? What questions do you still have? What legacy would you like to leave?
Although prepared in each area, for this presentation you will select the section from your journal entries that you would most like to share or you will prepare a brief summary from two to all six sections of your journal. Your presentation is to include a visual component – either a brief PowerPoint slide show, a poster, a booklet, a piece of artwork, etc. – that illustrates the section (or sections) you have chosen.
In summary:
I. Selected section from “Last Lecture” journal or brief summary from 2 – 6 sections
II. Written notes for the presentation (due via e-mail April 22, 2011)
III. Three- to seven-minute in-class oral presentation
IV. Visual component to be included (such as one or more of the following):
A. Poster
B. PowerPoint
C. Paintings
D. Drawings
E. Photographs
F. Drama
G. Role Play
H. Booklet
I. Musical Performance
First Feature Exit Form
You now have nearly completed a semester at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Imagine that you have been selected for a follow-up feature article in a UMass Lowell publication highlighting the experiences of first-year students. The following form has been provided to help you respond to possible interview questions such as: After nearly a semester, what are your reactions to UMass Lowell – or to college in general? Who are you now? Why did you come to UMass Lowell? What did you find particularly appealing about UMass Lowell? What did you find especially challenging here? How was UMass Lowell different from your high school? How did your expectations compare to your lived experience? What strengths did you discover and/ or exhibit this term? What is one of your passions now, and how has it been shaped by your life and work at UMass Lowell this semester?
Today’s Date ____________________
Full Name _____________________________________________________________
Student ID Number ____________________ Course Section/ Time _____________
E-mail Address – School _________________________________________________
How was your living situation this semester? (Select the closest response.)
___ Great! I had wonderful roommates (or family members) around me.
___ Good. My roommates (family members) and I worked out any difficulties.
___ So-so. My roommates (family members) didn’t match my style.
___ Terrible! My roommates were very difficult. No one understood me.
___ Other _________________________________________________
In addition to your work for college classes, did you work for pay at one or more jobs this semester? ___ yes ___ no
How many hours for pay did you work per week?
___ Zero ___ 1–10 ___ 11–20 ___21–30 ___ 31–40 ___ 40–60
Why did you decide to go to college? How would you answer the question, now that you have nearly completed a semester of higher education? (Select all that apply.)
___ because I want to build a better life for myself
___ because I want to build a better life for my family
___ because I want to be very well-off financially in the future
___ because I need a college education to achieve my dreams
___ because my friends were going to college
___ because my family encouraged me to go
___ because it was expected of me
___ because I was recruited for athletics
___ because I want to continue learning
___ because the career I am pursuing requires a degree
___ because I was unsure of what I might do instead
___ other (please explain) ___________________________
Looking back, how satisfied are you with your decision to attend UMass Lowell?
___ very satisfied ___ satisfied ___ not sure
___ somewhat dissatisfied ___ very dissatisfied
Looking ahead, how satisfied do you expect to be in coming semesters with your decision to attend UMass Lowell?
___ very satisfied ___ satisfied ___ not sure
___ somewhat dissatisfied ___ very dissatisfied
If you are not returning to UMass Lowell in the spring semester, please choose one.
___ I’m transferring to another institution. (If so, please list the institution ___________)
___ I’m taking a semester/ year off, but I plan to return.
___ I’ve decided college isn’t for me at this time.
How many total hours per week did you spend outside of class studying for your college courses this term?
___ 0–5 ___ 6–10 ___ 11–15 ___ 16–20 ___ 21–25
___ 26–30 ___ 31–35 ___ 36–40 ___ 40+
Which of the following sources of information best matched your expectations of what college would be like? (Place 1, 2, and 3 next to your top three information sources.)
___ TV and movies
___ friends/siblings who have already gone to college
___ discussions with teachers/counselors in high school
___ information I received from colleges in the mail
___ talks with my parents
___ talks with my friends who are also now first-year students
___ the Internet
___ other (please explain) ___________________________
How did your expectations compare to your lived experience this semester?
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For each of the following pairs of descriptors – based on what you’ve learned about yourself this semester, which set fits you better? (Please choose between the two pairs on each line and place a mark by your choice.)
___ extraverted and outgoing or ___ introverted and quiet
___ detail-oriented and practical or ___ big-picture and future-oriented
___ rational and truthful or ___ people-oriented and tactful
___ organized and self-disciplined or ___ spontaneous and flexible
How has your experience at college differed from that at high school?
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Which of the following on-campus resources did you use once or more this term? (Please select all that apply.)
___ Library Resources and Services
___ Centers for Learning and Academic Support Services (CLASS)
___ advising
___ educational computing
___ tutoring
___ study skills workshops
___ computer labs
___ Counseling Center
___ Student Health Services
___ Disability Services
___ Multicultural Affairs
___ Campus Ministries
___ Office of Student Activities
___ student clubs or organizations
___ professors’ office hours for individual meetings/conferences/help
___ Campus Recreation Center
___ Financial Aid Office
___ Dean of Students Office
___ none
Broadly speaking, in which area do you now expect to major?
___ Arts & Sciences ___ Education ___ Engineering ___ Health & Environment
___ Management ___ other, please explain ___________________________
How certain are you now of a chosen major?
(Select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = totally sure, 5 = totally unsure.) _____
How certain are you now that you will complete your degree?
(Select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = totally sure, 5 = totally unsure.) _____
How certain are you now that you will complete your degree at UMass Lowell?
(Select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = totally sure, 5 = totally unsure.) _____
How certain are you now of your intended career choice?
(Select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = totally sure, 5 = totally unsure.) _____
How certain are you now that you’ll obtain an advanced degree after you finish college? (Select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = totally sure, 5 = totally unsure.) _____
How confident are you in yourself now in each of the following areas?
(Select a number from 1 to 5, with 1 = very confident, 5 = not at all confident.)
___overall academic ability ___mathematical skills ___leadership ability
___reading skills ___public speaking skills ___study skills
___technology skills ___physical well being ___writing skills
___social skills ___emotional well-being ___teamwork skills
What strengths did you discover in yourself this semester?
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How have you grown or changed or developed this semester?
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What did you find particularly appealing about UMass Lowell?
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What did you find especially challenging at UMass Lowell?
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What matters to you the most? What do you really care about? What is one of your passions now, and how has it been shaped by your life and work at UMass Lowell this semester?
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If you were designing a First-Year Experience Seminar, the class would be: (Please choose one of each pair.)
___ Graded with A, B, C, D, F or ___Graded Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory
___ Three-credit or ___One-credit
If you were teaching a First-Year Experience Seminar, what assignments or homework would you give?
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Some questions in this form were taken from or suggested by a downloadable “FOCUS Exit Interview” that accompanies the textbook, FOCUS on College Success, Concise Edition, 1st Edition, by Constance Staley [Wadsworth/ Cengage Learning, © 2010].