ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

There are academic requirements in GO that are met early in the student’s college career which are outlined in the student’s Academic Support Plan.  They include courses that support learning strategy, and the decision making process.  In addition there are courses offered to help students meet areas of proficiency in math and writing as needed .

The Academic Support Plan is tailored to each student, therefore all students in GO continually move forward at their own pace.  The overall goal is academic learning, support and success!

The following outlines the special course work required of students in GO, including  FRS 180 and HRD 110.  These courses are designed to enhance student success.

FRS 180  "Academic Self Management"

This learning strategy course explores the six major control components that usually contribute to high academic achievement: motivation, methods of learning, use of time, performance factors, and relationships to both physical and social environment. Presentations and readings involving learning research and theory are interconnected to student participation, assessment, and self‑monitoring activities. Students will engage in the self‑management and prescriptive process to determine what specific academic behaviors will best assist individual academic performance. Students must be registered in at least one other college course in order to provide an application‑practice field.  This course carries 3 college credits.

Throughout the semester, students enrolled in Academic Self Management would reflect on their experience. Click here to read some of their thoughts and reactions .

HRD 110 "Choices, Changes, and Careers"

This course is designed for students who have a declared major or for those who are in the process of exploring various majors. The focus of the course is on self and career exploration and the critical role of personal decision making in identifying and pursuing fields of interest.  Students will learn to understand their own decision making process and the factors that influence that process.  Course activities will include assessments of self, assessments of interest, and explorations of the world of work.  Throughout the course students will be introduced to resources and support systems that are available to them and be engaged in activities that will help them become involved in the University community.  Prerequisite:  Fewer than 45 earned credit hours.  This course carries 3 college credits. 

Click here to read what some students have learned in Choices, Changes, and Careers.

Writing Readiness

All degree-seeking students must demonstrate college writing readiness.  This can be done in a variety of ways.

Math Readiness

Tutoring for both English and mathematics is available by trained peer tutors.  Click here for more information about tutoring at USM.

Writing Competency (Core C)

All students must demonstrate competency in college level writing.  This is generally satisfied with an approved credit course in English Composition. Some students may want to see if their writing level is already at the competency level, and will elect to take a challenge exam in writing, such as a CLEP Exam. Some students may transfer to USM an approved course in writing competency from another college or university.

Completion of GO's Academic Support Plan and Requirements

Once all terms of the Academic Support Plan have been completed, students can transition into their major of choice, as long as they have met all academic requirements to declare that major.  Some students choose to not declare a major immediately, and either switch to or remain Undeclared.  These students then continue working with their academic advisor until they decide on a major.