COUNS-150 - Student Success - Patricia Lara

Introduction

My name is Patricia (PAH-THREE-C-YUH) Lara. I believe professors play a crucial role in the lives of students. My own pathway through higher education was sinuous—I started at a community college, transferred, reverse transferred, and changed my major before discovering my true calling: to inspire and create meaningful learning experiences for students from diverse backgrounds. With a B.A. in Sociology (emphasis in Criminology & Criminal Justice), an M.A. in Sociology, and an M.Ed. in Educational Counseling, I'm well-equipped to help you succeed.
To me, college education is about more than just completing required units. It's a place to develop knowledge, critical skills, and explore different disciplines while gaining the tools necessary to serve your community. Learning is a process of discovering ourselves and our passions. As someone passionate about teaching, my goal is to create an environment that encourages your learning and supports your aspirations. This course is structured with standards and expectations to foster the development of key skills, and I hold you to a standard that I am confident you can achieve. 

This Student Success course will provide a comprehensive introduction to college life and the responsibilities that come with higher education. It will cover essential topics such as educational planning, setting goals, and exploring career options. We will also study life skills aimed to helping students succeed academically and thrive in their college experience. Together, we will navigate both academic and personal challenges as you transition into higher education and continue your journey

Statement of Support: I support all students and realize some students face unique challenges. I value diversity and am committed to providing equitable opportunities to grow as individuals and as a community. I welcome all students regardless of their immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and background. I am an ally and can provide resources both on-campus and off-campus to students who may be: LGBTQI+, veterans, undocumented or mixed status, and more. Feel free to talk with me about these resources. 

Course Description

Introduces the student to the benefits of higher education, educational planning, goal setting and career exploration. Integrates personal growth, critical thinking, problem solving, and academic success. The student is guided through the process of self-discovery which emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, self-responsibility and self-empowerment. 

Transferability: CSU/ UC

Course Objectives

 1. Examine and develop personal self-awareness as it relates to emotional intelligence, mindset, and self-talk.

 2. Analyze learning preferences and assess study habits.

 3. Explore cultural diversity, race and ethnicity while examining differences and identity.

 4. Develop social skills and communication strategies for effective interactions in higher education.

 5. Identify effective self-management skills in time management, goal-setting, motivation, and learning.

 6. Demonstrate critical thinking in selecting appropriate strategies to solve problems and make decisions.

 7. Explore sources of personal motivation and values and their effect on behavior.

 8. Examine one’s self-determination and self-efficacy to become a successful college student .

 9. Describe the career exploration process and create an educational plan.

 10. Employ self responsibility in practicing active reading, note-taking, test-taking, academic integrity, and in managing health and finances.

What to Expect in this Course

Course Format 

• This class will be facilitated in a hyflex/online format. OnlineLive mtgs will be held on the following Mondays 8/18, 9/15, and 10/6.

  Attendance looks different in an online space. Students in online courses are required to ‘attend’ class and participate just as if they were in a face-to-face course. It is your responsibility to stay on track in this class and complete all requirements.

• OnLine Live meetings will taught during the live Zoom session (you may also attend in-person) with the remainder of the week's content available on Canvas for independent study. This class is organized into one-week modules that open each Sunday evening at 7pm for the upcoming week.

• Assignments will have a one week turnaround time, and you should not expect an answer to a successfully submitted and completed assignment before the end of the one week turnaround time period. If the assignment is dense (i.e. like an essay), the turn-around time could be 2 weeks. 

Actively Participating

• Understand that the online classroom learning environment is a shared responsibility between the professor and the student. It is an interactive process that emerges from what students bring into the online environment. I cannot force you to learn; it is up to You to want to learn!

• Be ready to dive into discussions, answer questions, and engage with the materials assigned in each module. Completing the required readings prior to posting is crucial for meaningful participation and insightful contributions. Engaging with the course materials directly is essential. To succeed and receive full credit, you’ll need to show a clear understanding of these materials, not just general knowledge from outside sources. Make it a priority to incorporate the assigned readings into your weekly routine, as they are critical for building the insight, analysis, and critical thinking skills this course aims to develop. Ensure you have your notes and any necessary materials prepared, and create a distraction-free environment to stay focused. Aim to submit your discussions earlier in the week rather than the day they're due. 

• If you use generative AI tools to complete assignments in this course, in ways that I have not explicitly authorized, I will apply the Code of Academic Integrity as appropriate to your specific case. Depending on the specific circumstances, a first offense academic integrity violation related to misuse of generative AI could range from a warning, earning a zero, and/or a report to the Dean. Please act with integrity, for the sake of both your personal character and your academic record.

Inclusive Learning

• Demonstrating inclusive behavior with professor and class peers.

• As a class community, we will learn and support each other, and solve problems as a team!

• Be sensitive to the perspectives of students who have different beliefs, backgrounds, personalities, and abilities from your own and be open to working with each other. 

Software

Please be sure you have access to your student email and check our CANVAS module regularly. You will also need to ensure you have access to Microsoft Word or Google Docs (there's a Microsoft 360 feature embedded within Canvas that you'll be able to access), ability to access/view PDF files and view videos. We will interact with various technology platforms such as Padlet, Flipgrid, and Google Slides. I will provide direct links to these platforms and indicate which assessments may require creating a free profile to access assignments.  I upload supplemental material as well as post other important information (grades, feedback, reminders, etc) for which you are responsible. Both will serve as our main method of communication.

There are additional Canvas resources to help you navigate the website, upload assignments, how to participate in Discussion posts, how to view grades, and much more through the Student Canvas Guides @ https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2893Links to an external site. . If you need additional assistance or come across an issue with logging into your Canvas account, please contact our COC Canvas Student Tech Support Staff:

• Email: cvsupport@canyons.edu
• Phone #: (661) 362-3398
• Business Hours on Weekdays: Mondays thru Fridays (8am-4pm) excluding holidays
  • • After Hour and Weekends (5pm-8am): 1-877-889-9052

Types of Assessments

 My grading practice In this course, I hope to create a learning-centered space rather than a grade-oriented one because grades can distract from the purpose of deep learning. The purpose of this intentional design is to encourage students to feel safe, validated, intrinsically motivated, and take more risks in their assignments. 

• class participation
• discussion boards 
• low stake quizzes 
• reviewing additional supplemental unit material
• written assignments 
• ePortfolio project - this will be completed in sections throughout the course with signature assignments counting toward the project

How will students be graded?

We will be using a “minimum grading model” in our course. What does this mean? The lowest grade a student can earn on an assignment is 50%. The main benefit of the minimum grading strategy is that a missing assignment (or a really poor assignment) doesn't result in a hole you can't get out of. No more! Not here! An F will be within the range of 50-59%, and no one will earn below 50%. YOU belong here. You are more important than your grade.

Grades will be determined according to the following scale:

A . . . . 90-100%,    B . . . . 80-89.9%,    C . . . . 70-79.9%,    D . . . . 60-69.9%,    F . . . . 30-59.9%

Notice that there's nothing below a 50%. Why am I using minimum grading? Because it's more accurate and more fair. The lowest grade a student can earn on an assignment is 30%. The main benefit of the minimum grading strategy is that a missing assignment (or a really poor assignment) doesn't result in a hole you can't get out of. No more! Not here! An F will be within the range of 30-59%, and no one will earn below 25%. If you’re trying, showing up, and turning in work, there’s always room to improve and succeed. You won’t be written off because of one tough week. As long as you’re making an effort, I’ll meet you there—and we’ll keep going.

Why is it more fair? Having so much of the grading scale bent towards failure, means that a single low grade will pull down your grade more than a single good grade can bring it up. With the minimum grading scale, both high and low grades have an equal effect on your final score. You will still need to do well on assignments to earn a higher grade. But, a single missing assignment won't have an undue weight on your grade.

Textbook Information

ZTC (Free) Digital Textbook

We will be using Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) materials for this course, which is a FREE online textbook! A digital copy will be listed in Canvas along with hard copies on reserve at the Valencia and Canyon Country Libraries. If you wish to purchase the Counseling 150 ZTC text, you will be able to do so in through the COC bookstore for about $8.

Additional Information

If you have not taken an online course before, I strongly recommend that you review the Canvas online tutorials available at: https://www.canyons.edu/academics/onlineeducation/online/index.php

Other Relevant Course Information

Successful online learning thrives on self-motivation, independence, and your ability to prioritize the recommended technology. It’s all about creating the right conditions for your success. You have the power to determine how and when you engage with this course. Take a close look at your schedule, and carve out dedicated time and energy to fully commit to your learning journey. Remember, this is an investment in yourself—your goals, your growth, and your future. With the right mindset and structure, you can excel in this course and beyond. You’ve got this!

You will be required to login by the first Friday of this class and complete a syllabus quiz no later than 11:59pm on the first Sunday.  Failure to do so by the time listed will result in being dropped from the course.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/22/2025 Sub#: 1810 Sub ID: 178856