Â鶹¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ

SLS 1501 -ÌýÌýHonors Introduction to Academic Life

Course Description

SLS 1501 is a required course for all first-year University Honors Program (UHP) students and is designed to support a successful transition to college. The course equips students with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to achieve their academic and personal goals. Key topics include:

• Understanding the nature and expectations of postsecondary education
• Time management and organizational strategies
• Effective study techniques and test-taking skills
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Academic integrity and use of library and research resources

In addition to academic preparation, the course emphasizes community-building and belonging. Through the UHP common hour, students connect with peers, participate in engaging discussions and activities, and receive mentoring from trained upper-division UHP Peer Academic Coaches. This support helps first-year students navigate college life, develop study strategies, and become involved in the Honors community.

UHP Common Read

Each year, the UHP Common Read provides a shared intellectual experience for all first-year Honors students. The current selection is titled Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. Each student enrolled in SLS 1501 receives a free copy of the book, made possible by the generosity of the Mrs. Esther Esquilín de Gosser Endowed Fund. The Common Read serves as a foundation for meaningful discussion, reflection, and connection across the program.

Ìý Sample Syllabus

Meet the SLS 1501 Instructors

Dr. Jennifer Bebergal

Associate Dean, Academic Support and Student Learning

College of Education

mailbebergal@fau.edu

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Maryann Blane

University Honors Program Coordinator

mailhonorsboca@fau.edu

call561.297.3064

location_on

Boca Raton Campus | SU 80 Room 201

Dr. Dax Boatwright

Assistant Director for Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution

Deans Office

maildboatwright@fau.edu

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Katie Burke

Assistant Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Affairs

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Kathleen Gardner

Executive Director, Housing and Residential Education

housing

mailgardnerk@fau.edu

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Dr. Rebecca Goldstein

Director Assessment & Research

mailrgoldstein@fau.edu

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Bryan Hursh, Dr.

Program Coordinator, Undergraduate Research & Inquiry

Office of Undergraduate Research

mailbhursh2016@fau.edu

call561-297-2073

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Debbi Johnson-Rais, Ph.D.

Chief of Staff, Communications and Program Development

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Office of the Dean

maildjohnsonrais@fau.edu

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Kereisha Mash

UHP Graduate Teaching Assistant

call561.297.3064

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Comfort Olugbuyi, Dr.

Associate Director, Online Academic Support & Educational Technology

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Mary Downing Patterson

Director, Honors and Scholars Advising

mailmpatterson@fau.edu

call561.297.3064

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Heather Smith

Assistant Director

mailsmithh@fau.edu

call561.297.3064

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Jaeson Weber, Dr.

Director, Emergency Management

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Angella Wint

University Ombudsman

Administrative Affairs

mailombuds@fau.edu

location_on

Boca Raton Campus