COUNS 150 - Student Success - Dora Lozano

Introduction

Welcome to COUNS 150 – Student Success!

I am truly excited to be your instructor and to partner with you on this important step in your academic journey at College of the Canyons. Whether this is your very first college course, you’re returning after time away, retaking the class for academic renewal, or simply committed to strengthening your path to success, you belong here—and you are capable of thriving.

As an educator, I center cultural competency and culturally responsive practices in my teaching. Your lived experiences, identities, and aspirations matter. This course is designed not only to provide practical strategies for academic achievement, but also to affirm who you are and the unique strengths you bring into this space. Student success is not one-size-fits-all; together, we will explore tools, habits, and mindsets that align with your goals and values.

COUNS 150 is more than a requirement—it is an opportunity. You will develop skills in time management, goal setting, academic planning, resilience, and self-advocacy that extend far beyond the classroom. These are life skills that will support you throughout your educational journey and into your career.

Please know that you are not navigating this alone. I am here to support, challenge, and empower you. I look forward to learning about your goals and working alongside you as you build a strong foundation for success—both in college and beyond.

Let’s make this a transformative semester together.

Course Description

Counseling 150 is designed to integrate personal growth, critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving and academic success. The course introduces the student to the benefits of higher education, educational planning, goal setting and career choices. The student is guided through the process of self-discovery, which emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, self-responsibility and self-empowerment. 

What to Expect in this Course

This course is offered fully online through Canvas, where all assignments and assessments will be submitted and evaluated. Our virtual classroom is designed to be an inclusive and affirming space that honors the diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives each of you brings. Throughout the semester, you will participate in student-led discussion forums that encourage meaningful dialogue and shared learning, complete reflective assignments that connect course concepts to your lived experiences, engage with quizzes to strengthen your understanding of the material, and develop a final project that allows you to demonstrate your growth in a way that is relevant to your academic and personal goals.

Types of Assessments

Discussion boards, assignments, projects, and quizzes.

Textbook Information

We will be using Open Educational Resources (OER) materials for this course! There is no cost to you as a student - all the materials necessary for this course are FREE to you and will be available through Canvas in an online PDF format.

Other Relevant Course Information

This course is offered fully online, and Canvas will serve as our shared learning space throughout the semester. It is important that you log in regularly and complete all course requirements within the platform. Our virtual classroom is designed to be an engaging and inclusive environment where your voice, experiences, and perspectives are valued.

First Day of Class: Please log in to Canvas and complete Discussion Board 1 by the posted due date to confirm your enrollment and avoid being dropped from the course.

To support your success, I strongly encourage you to complete the Canvas Orientation module listed below. This resource will help you become comfortable navigating the platform and accessing course materials with confidence.

I look forward to connecting with you and building a meaningful online learning community together.

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: 02/04/2026 Sub#: 2015 Sub ID: 207460