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Course 2. Fall 2008
Title:
The Sophomore Year Experience: Developmental Issues and Successful Interventions
Dates:
10/13/08 - 10/31/08
Cost:
ACPA Members - $150
ACPA Student Members - $75
Non-ACPA Members - $175
Instructor: Dena Kniess, Associate Director of New Student and Sophomore Programs, Clemson University
Description:
The majority of research on student transitions have centered on the first-year experience at colleges and universities. Setting a solid foundation during one's freshmen year is important; however sophomores face more critical challenges that can affect their decision to stay at their current institution. The U.S. Department of Higher Education indicates that about two-thirds as many students drop out of college in their second-year as compared to their first-year (Lipka, 2006). The critical tasks of choosing a major, questioning one's values and searching for meaning and purpose are central to the sophomore year experience.
Course Outline:
This course will focus on the developmental issues that sophomores face. Molly Schaller's (2005) description of sophomore student development will be explored. Additionally, research conducted by Schreiner and Pattengale (2000) on specific areas to focus on for sophomores will be reviewed. Participants will also be asked to identify crucial issues for sophomores on their own campus in order to develop interventions to help them succeed.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Articulate the major developmental issues sophomores face
- Understand interventions that have been used to promote sophomore student success
- Create a draft of possible ways to assist students, specific to one's own campus
Participant Expectations:
Participants should plan to spend approximately 3 to 4 hours per week in this course. This will include time to read materials, complete on-line exercises and surveys and participate in asynchronous on-line discussions. Participants will need to log on for course content that will be posted weekly. In addition participants will need to respond to questions posted on the discussion board each week. As the discussion board is asynchronous, students may check in and post at their convenience. This learning tool will be an important part of participant's learning experience.
Instructor Bio:
Dena Kniess is the Associate Director for New Student and Sophomore Programs at Clemson University. Kniess is responsible for implementing and assessing a campus-wide sophomore year experience for Clemson. Prior to arriving at Clemson in February 2008, Kniess worked in residence life at Ball State University and the University of Delaware. She has a bachelor's degree in English-Writing and a master's degree in College Student Personnel from Slippery Rock University of PA. Kniess also serves on the Directorate Body for ACPA's Commission of Housing and Residence Life.
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