Final Project Written Instructions

FYS 1010 – Fall 2020 Survival Kit 

For your final project, I would like for each of you to imagine that you are preparing a survival kit. When designing, pretend your kit will be gifted to an incoming freshman student. Reflect on your first day in this class, your growth into the student that you have become and how your tool kit may aid your capacity for improvement as you begin to prepare for your survival kit. 

Elements that MUST be included:

What to include in your kit? 

In your response, I expect that you will include the following: 

1. 5 Physical Items – This could be anything that you have found particularly useful or key to your academic success. i.e a calculator, a coffee, a particular set of supplies, etc.  What’s most significant here is that you list why you chose each item.  In sum, providing justification for what you’ve decided is more important that the actual item.
2.  3 Campus Resources – Again, this can be any campus resource that you have found particularly helpful and supportive. Keep in mind, these may be virtual resources such as the Study Skills Academy Support Groups or Supplemental Instructions. Again, what’s most significant here is that you list why you choose each resource. 
3. 3 Strategies Learned in FYS 1010 – What techniques or approaches have you found most useful from this class? Which 3 of these would be most helpful for an incoming freshman? Remember to justify why you choose each strategy.  As a reminder, here is a list of the strategies we’ve discussed incorporating into your academic habits: 
   • Weekly Scheduling – taking the time to ensure you have time for your priorities (see homework assigned in week 2) 
   • The Study Cycle – see week 2 for a review of the three steps  
   • The “Formula for Success” – see week 3 PowerPoint; the tools you’re using to TEST YOUR COMPREHENSION of material and the tools you’re using for SHORT, FREQUENT REVIEWS 
   • Testing –Taking Tips (we covered these in week 4) 
   • Surviving Test Anxiety (we discussed tips in week 4 as well) 
   • 5-Day Study Plan (see the homework assigned in week 4) 
   • Note-Taking Strategies (see video in week 5)
4. 2 Healthy Habits you’ve implemented – We discussed the impact that sleep and physical activity can have on your brain’s ability to remember things.  We also know that the nutrition choices we make can impact our brain’s performance too.  What are two habits you’ve begun to implement in your routine as a result of our discussions in class?  Be sure to discuss the why! 
5. 1 Most Meaningful Piece of Advice – What is the single most significant and impactful piece of advice that you have received about college? Who gave this advice to you and why do you think it would be helpful to pass on to an incoming freshman? This could be from anyone or anything. So, maybe this advice came from your parents, partner, little sibling, a stranger, an instructor or even a meme online. Again, focus on why it was so meaningful to you. 
6. Capacity for Improvement Narrative – Discuss how the survival kit you’ve put together demonstrates your growth since the beginning of the school year and continued capacity for improvement.  

**In all of your choices, keep it classy & appropriate. ** 

How do I present my project? 

You can present your survival kit in various ways, choose one.  Here are some examples on how you can submit your survival kit.  I am open to ideas not listed here as long as you complete the assignment.

Whichever submission method you choose, please use a format or file type that I am able to access without needing special permission. For example, sharing a OneDrive file works only if I am granted permission to view the contents. If you would like me to confirm whether I can access the files, I am happy to review it ahead of time for you.  

How will this be graded?  

Please remember that your final project gives you an opportunity to earn 60 points toward your final grade. You may note that this the equivalent of 3 assignments.  As result, the highest grades will be earned by students who thoughtfully submit detailed responses.  Additionally, students who logically provide justification behind their selections will also earn higher grades.  Lastly, students who present their project in a neat, professional, and well thought out manner will earn higher grades. 

A grading rubric is provided for this assignment.