First Year Experience & Students in Transition

SSP 1000: Introduction to College Learning
UMD's Largest Freshman-Success Course

What is Introduction to College Learning?
Introduction to College Learning, commonly known as ICL, is a one-to-two credit University-wide orientation course. This course was developed to help new students with their transition into the university community. Topics addressed in this course include UMD technology, time management, study strategies, career/major exploration, academic planning, electronic learning portfolio development and other topics that help freshmen succeed academically, personally and socially.

Sections of Introduction to College Learning are limited to 25 students, and each section promotes discussion and active learning about topics important to new students. The small class size and active discussions provide opportunities for students to form connections with their instructor, teaching assistant, and fellow students.

The course instructors are current UMD faculty and staff who work closely with new students and have a desire to provide meaningful support and outreach to them. Students will receive practical experience and timely information which is based on new student needs and developmental stages. Course instructors work in partnership with an ICL Teaching Assistant.

ICL Teaching Assistants play an important role in Introduction to College Learning courses. Each section of ICL has a teaching assistant who works closely with the instructor and the students in the class. Teaching assistants are current UMD undergraduates; before working with an ICL section, they interview and take a 1-credit training course. ICL TAs help teach lessons, provide feedback on assignments, communicate with students in the class, meet with the instructor, and generate a welcoming, helpful environment for students.

Who takes Introduction to College Learning?
The short answer: most freshmen! More than 1,400 students will take ICL in the fall 2008 semester. Want to know whether you'll be taking ICL? Check the chart below.

At your Advisement & Registration session you'll receive more information about the ICL course. Your faculty advisor and student advisor will both talk with you about options for taking the ICL course and will help you register.

What are the options for taking ICL?
Students admitted for the spring term will sign up for a general ICL section during their first (spring) semester. Students admitted for the fall term have a number of options for ICL. Talk with your advisors at Advisement & Registration to find out more. Brief descriptions of ICL options are listed below.

The fall ICL experience guides you through the transition of college life as you experience it. Most students take the ICL course in the fall semester; most sections meet one hour per week. The course meets each week and provides timely information on UMD technology, time management, study strategies, major/career exploration, and academic planning. It also addresses personal growth issues as you test independence and strive to establish new relationships.

College-Specific and Major-Specific Sections
Students in each of UMD's five undergraduate colleges have the option to take the ICL course with students from their college or their major. While the content of the course is the same as other sections, the examples and information is tailored to the unique needs of students in that major/college. Some colleges/majors strongly encourage their students to choose this option; talk with your advisor about recommendations for you.

Living & Learning Sections
Six special sections of ICL are offered as a living/learning option for new students: three in Griggs Residence Hall and three in the on-campus apartment complexes (Junction, Goldfine, Oakland.) These sections allow students to experience their ICL class with other students who live in their same residential community. Class will be held in the residence halls or apartments and will engage students in first year transition topics while also encouraging community development. Students who register for this option must meet the May 1 housing priority deadline and have a desire to live in the residence hall or apartment assigned to their ICL section.

Major & Career Exploration
Two special sections of ICL are offered as a two-credit major and career exploration opportunity. This enhanced sections of ICL meet two hours per week. In addition to the regular ICL content, emphasis is placed on helping students with the process of exploring majors and careers and making successful educational, career and life decisions. Students engage in more thorough major/career exploration and take assessments that assist them in this process.

Accelerated (8-week) Courses
Several sections of ICL meet on an accelerated schedule. Rather than meeting once per week over the whole semester, students in the accelerated classes meet twice weekly during the first half of the term. This option permits students to cover all of the ICL information earlier in the semester, and allows for more frequent contact earlier in the semester with fellow students, the Instructor and the TA.


Other Fall-Term ICL Options
Occasionally, special sections of ICL may be set aside for special populations of students or in conjunction with UMD programs or services. Your advisors can tell you more about these options at Advisement & Registration.

Teaching Assistant Positions
Are you interested in becoming an ICL Teaching Assistant? The hiring process for ICL teaching assistants occurs in November and December. If you are interested in being an ICL TA, contact Dr. John Kowalczyk (jkowalcz@d.umn.edu), 60 Solon Campus Center, 218-726-6278. To meet the 2007 Teaching Assistants (TA) click here.