Welcome to GSD 101: Foundations of Learning!

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GSD 101: Foundations of Learning is a first year seminar class that orients and onboards you into the Eastern Kentucky University experience. Throughout this course, you will develop learning strategies scientifically proven to improve classroom performance. You will learn about campus resources and engage in activities that promote personal, intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and career development. As a bonus, you will hone communication, critical reading, and critical thinking skills as you join the EKU community.

What is this textbook?

Open Educational Resources (aka OER) are resources available digitally, for free, on the web. OER can take many forms, including textbooks.

Your OER textbook is:

• Openly accessible (free) and available to all students on the web.
• Designed to be accessible using standard web browsers, mobile devices, screen readers and other assistive technology
• Available in multiple formats
• Printable
• Downloadable

How to use this OER?

View the video below for a brief tutorial on how to navigate the textbook.

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Why should I care about this textbook?

College can be both exciting and overwhelming when you first get started, and we want to make sure that you can focus on the excitement rather than the anxieties that may come with a new beginning. In GSD 101, we want to explore what you are passionate about and help you move towards realizing those passions. Some of you already know exactly where you want to go in life, and some of you might feel that there are many paths leading into different possible futures.

Watch the video below to hear XXX student describe why this textbook is helpful to students:

{insert video of students talking about GSD 101’s importance, how it relates to a liberal arts education of critical thinking and problem solving skills, Essential Employability Skills, and career development}

Why should I care about this class?

GSD 101 is designed to support you during your first year at EKU by providing access to an extensive support network bringing together students, faculty, and staff. You will learn about your major, get to know your peers and the college, and develop the skills you need to be successful at EKU and beyond. You will also participate in co-curricular activities that will help you become an active member of the university community. With the help of the university’s innovative DegreeWorks, you will explore your educational and career goals. The seminar will also connect you with the many resources available at EKU, such as tutoring and scholarship opportunities.

GSD 101 Frequently Used Resources

Student Email

Your student email is one of the most critical resources you will use during your academic career. Since you will be receiving updates and important information from your professors and the college, you must have access to your college’s email system and check it daily. Your email account must be activated in order to gain access. Step-by-step instructions are below for setting up your new email account using Microsoft Authenticator.

MyEKU

MyEKU is a critical site that provides you a “one-stop-shop” for a lot of your needs. You will get access to information about your financial aid, registration, advising, grades, and more. Access your MyEKU portal here: https://experience.elluciancloud.com/eku/

Google Drive or Office 365

As an EKU student you have access to the Google Drive Suite and Microsoft 365. If you’re having trouble accessing either platform, visit the IT Help Desk Keen Johnson Ground Floor or text IT Help at 859-328-2246.

Canvas

DegreeWorks

DegreeWorks is a web-based degree audit tool which is designed to allow students and their advisors to track their degree progress including preparing for registration and graduation.

As a student, DegreeWorks will allow you to easily monitor your requirements as you complete them, and stay on track in relation to your program of study.

DegreeWorks is NOT a replacement for advising. You should work with your advisor and utilize Degree Works together to move efficiently toward completing your program’s requirements.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding DegreeWorks, please reach out to your advisor.

GSD 101 Frequently Asked Questions

What are some things that I’m going to do in GSD 101?

• Work with a GSD 101 instructor to build student success habits
• Develop your sense of belonging on EKU’s campus
• Reflect on your academic and professional goals
• Acquire study skills like time management, note taking, journal keeping, and more.
• Learn about course offerings at EKU and build an academic plan
• Learn about your respective major, its learning objectives, and career opportunities
• Explore EKU’s co-curricular learning opportunities

Who teaches GSD 101?

GSD 101 is taught by faculty and staff members from a variety of academic disciplines and areas at EKU. They are invested in your success and will support you as you navigate the ups and downs of transitioning into EKU.

What is co-curricular learning?

Co-curricular learning refers to experiences outside of the classroom that complement classroom learning. For example, you might join a student club, go on field trips, or attend events on campus. Co-curricular activities have multiple benefits. Besides socializing with more students, faculty, and staff, co-curricular learning can help with developing skills that could be beneficial academically and professionally.

I already know how to succeed at learning and school. Do I really have to take this course?

Yes! This class not only builds on previous skills you learned inside and outside the classroom prior to attending EKU, it also gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge with other students, connect old ideas and experiences to new ones, and apply your skills through active learning strategies such as case studies, group discussions, and short presentations. Additionally, this class connects you to a network of EKU resources and people that are specifically available for first year students.

How can I get the most out of GSD 101?

• Show up on time for class
• Communicate with my instructor about any frustrations, concerns or issues I’m having that impact my ability to succeed in GSD 101
• Complete my work and submit it on time to the best of my ability

Resources, Licenses, and Attributions:

First Year Seminar Copyright © 2022 by Kristina Graham; Rena Grossman; Emma Handte; Christine Marks; Ian McDermott; Ellen Quish; Preethi Radhakrishnan; and Allyson Sheffield is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.