University Connections

Fall 2012 Connections Info

Connections is an academic course specifically designed to ease your transition to Utah State and to prepare you for your college experience. This unique course focuses on developing critical college study skills, time-management techniques, and test-taking strategies, as well as promoting an awareness of the campus and community. Most importantly, Connections allows you to develop a support network of classmates, faculty, and staff to help ensure a successful beginning to your academic experience. It will teach you everything you need to know about becoming an Aggie!

Course Format

Connections classes have about 32 participants per class. A portion of class time will be spent listening to formal lectures, and a large portion will be spent involving class members in sharing, reflecting, asking questions, and developing learning strategies for the semester ahead. In addition, classes and workshops will be held in many different areas of campus, so you will learn to navigate the campus easily. Pre-semester sessions are held the week before the start of the semester, and two or three follow-up sessions will be held after the semester begins. The follow-up sessions are designed to provide additional support during your transition to the university environment. They provide a good chance to ask more questions, seek resources, and re-evaluate your study strategies for the semester.

Required Supplies:

  • Student Handbook/Planner (given out at SOAR, remember to bring it back to Connections)
  • Literature Experience Book: The Beast in the Garden by David Baron

Registering for Connections

Register for USU 1010 like any other course through the Access system. Make sure you are able to attend the entire time because attendance is part of your grade.

Check-in

Be sure you already registered in Access (Banner) for USU 1010 University Connections.  Check-in takes place Tuesday August 21 from 8-5 in the International Lounge of the Taggart Student Center.  It only takes about 15 minutes to check in, and you can come anytime between 8 and 5.  After you check-in, take time to visit the “Welcome to USU Fair” in the Sunburst Lounge. There you will receive information about campus and service organizations, employment opportunities, faith communities, and computer set-up assistance.

Housing Check-in

If you are living on campus you may check-in to your complex from 10 am - 10 pm starting Saturday August 18. If you are living off campus, please check with your landlord to see when you are eligible to move in.

Assignments

To complete the course with an acceptable grade you will be required to fulfill certain assignments. Some assignments require writing, following personal observation and research of topics. Other assignments require you to create checklists of the facts and concepts discussed in class or workshops. All assignments are graded and designed to help you apply information during the semester. Students should be aware that Connections is an academic course and carries the same GPA weight as two credits in a university math or science course. Be prepared to give the Connections assignments your best effort.

Common Literature Assignment

Connections students join in a common literature experience and literature assignment. The 2012 selection is The Beast in the Garden, which is available in the USU Bookstore. You are required to the read the book and bring the completed assignment to your first class on Wednesday, August 22nd.

Lunch with the Convocation Speaker

If you found the book especially intriguing you might be interested in an opportunity to meet the literature speaker. The convocation speaker will be eating lunch with a select group of Connections students. To be considered for this honor, submit a 350-400 word essay stating why you should be chosen and what questions you would ask. More information will be available in the summer.

Class Attendance

Part of your grade for the class depends on your attendance. Much of the learning that occurs in Connections is a result of participation in class discussions and activities. It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to recreate a missed class session or workshop. Class for the two credit option begins Wednesday, August 22 at 9 am and continues through Saturday morning. Make sure to attend your follow-up sessions during the first three weeks of the semester.

Evening Activities

After classes during Connections week, students are invited to participate in various evening activities. 

Wednesday August 22, 5-11 pm ~ Associated Students of Utah State University Freshmen Celebration
ASUSU is turning on the fun as they sponsor the “Freshmen Celebration” on Wednesday evening.  Be prepared for an evening of games, music, food, dancing, and loads of fun as we welcome our 2012 freshmen to Utah State University!

Thursday August 23, 7-9 pm ~ Comedian Magician Tim Gabrielson
Tim’s show has gained both the respect and attention of performers and audiences alike, having appeared on numerous national television shows and for sold out crowds across the country. Tim’s “keep it funny” philosophy is obvious throughout his laugh-a-minute show. He prides himself in providing a clean performance in which he takes it to the line, but never crosses. His wide appeal makes his show enjoyable for all types of audiences. 

Friday August 24, 7:00-9:30 pm ~ Taste of Logan
“Taste” of the Friday night scene.  We have over twenty–five local businesses providing food and product samples of their enterprise and various bands playing throughout the evening while students stroll downtown Logan. Students will be provided a punch card and allowed to visit each vendor once during the evening. 

 

Important Information for Connections students under the age of 18


Connections students do many activities outside the classroom. These may include a short hike or walk, riding the local transit system, working at a service project site or even a short canoe float. To participate in these activities, students under the age of 18 must have a parental consent form signed and on file with the Connections office. Please download the Parental Consent form by clicking here. Have your parents complete and sign it and bring it with you to Connections Check-In on August 21st.

       Questions can be directed to connections@usu.edu or 435.797.0283