The skills you learned in the military will go a long way toward helping you succeed in college, but if you’re looking for some extra support – or an academic tune-up – then you’ll find it in this course. We know that the culture of higher education is different from the culture of the military in meaningful ways, and we also know that one of the keys to excelling in college–especially for student veterans–is learning to navigate these differences successfully, right from the very start.
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The skills you learned in the military will go a long way toward helping you succeed in college, but if you’re looking for some extra support – or an academic tune-up – then you’ll find it in this course. We know that the culture of higher education is different from the culture of the military in meaningful ways, and we also know that one of the keys to excelling in college–especially for student veterans–is learning to navigate these differences successfully, right from the very start.
The skills you learned in the military will go a long way toward helping you succeed in college, but if you’re looking for some extra support – or an academic tune-up – then you’ll find it in this course. We know that the culture of higher education is different from the culture of the military in meaningful ways, and we also know that one of the keys to excelling in college–especially for student veterans–is learning to navigate these differences successfully, right from the very start.
This course aims to help you do just that. First, the course will orient you to the norms and expectations of the college classroom. The quicker you know what is expected of you, the quicker you can start learning. Second, the course will offer you strategies to ease your transition, to help you achieve your academic goals, and to allow you to make the most of your college education.
While this course is open to everyone, the content has been tailored specifically for student veterans currently pursuing higher education, active duty service members who aspire to start school or return to school soon, and higher education professionals who work to support student veterans at their schools. If this sounds like you, and if you’re ready to learn how to make your transition easier and more successful, then we hope you’ll join us.
This online curriculum may be used in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, as a start-to finish, self-directed online experience (MOOC). It can also, in its current format, serve as an “orientation” for other student veteran success programs. We also invite you to utilize this resource as a library/toolkit of academic success strategies, a tool for flipped classroom pedagogy, or a companion text for on-the-ground transition courses.
We welcome the opportunity to assist higher education institutions (both 2-year and 4-year), military installation education services officers and transition assistance programs, veteran focused non-profit organizations, and more. To get underway, contact us at the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
What's inside
Syllabus
Welcome and Introductions
Metacognition and Mindset
Active Reading and Note-Taking
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Syllabus
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Activities
Review high school math and science concepts
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Strengthens your foundation in math and science, which are prerequisites for many college courses.
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Math
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Identify areas where you need to refresh your knowledge
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Use online resources, textbooks, or a tutor to review the concepts
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Solve practice problems to test your understanding
Create a study plan for a specific course or section
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Helps you develop time management skills and stay organized, which are crucial for balancing coursework and personal life as a student.
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Identify the learning outcomes for the course or section
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Break down the material into smaller, manageable chunks
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Allocate specific time slots for studying
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Stick to your study plan as much as possible
Create a presentation on a course topic
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Develops your communication and presentation skills, which are essential for academic and professional success.
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Effective Communication
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Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about
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Research the topic and gather relevant information
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Organize your thoughts and create an outline
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Design and create your slides
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Practice delivering your presentation
One other activity
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Volunteer as a mentor for other student veterans
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Provides an opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with others, while also reinforcing your own learning.
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Community Involvement
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Reach out to the veteran student support services office on your campus
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Express your interest in becoming a mentor
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Complete the necessary training and background checks
-
Meet with mentees regularly and provide support and guidance
Review high school math and science concepts
Show steps
Strengthens your foundation in math and science, which are prerequisites for many college courses.
Browse courses on
Math
Show steps
- Identify areas where you need to refresh your knowledge
- Use online resources, textbooks, or a tutor to review the concepts
- Solve practice problems to test your understanding
Create a study plan for a specific course or section
Show steps
Helps you develop time management skills and stay organized, which are crucial for balancing coursework and personal life as a student.
Show steps
- Identify the learning outcomes for the course or section
- Break down the material into smaller, manageable chunks
- Allocate specific time slots for studying
- Stick to your study plan as much as possible
Create a presentation on a course topic
Show steps
Develops your communication and presentation skills, which are essential for academic and professional success.
Browse courses on
Effective Communication
Show steps
- Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about
- Research the topic and gather relevant information
- Organize your thoughts and create an outline
- Design and create your slides
- Practice delivering your presentation
Volunteer as a mentor for other student veterans
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with others, while also reinforcing your own learning.
Browse courses on
Community Involvement
Show steps
- Reach out to the veteran student support services office on your campus
- Express your interest in becoming a mentor
- Complete the necessary training and background checks
- Meet with mentees regularly and provide support and guidance
Career center
Academic Advisor
Admissions Counselor
Dean of Students
Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Educational Consultant
Higher Education Administrator
Professor
Student Affairs Administrator
Student Support Specialist
Teacher
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Counselor
Human Resources Specialist
Management Consultant
Nonprofit Manager
Reading list
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