James H.

Gilliam, College of Liberal Arts

Course Syllabus for Freshman Orientation (ORLA 101F)
Fall 2021
Instructor: Ms. Promis Crawford, M. A.
(443) 885-1886
Office: Behavioral & Social Science Center (BSSC), RM 201G
Office Hours: MWF 9:00AM-1:00PM and 2:00PM-4:00PM
TR 2:00PM-4:00PM
Email address: [email protected]

Course Description
This course, Freshman Orientation (ORLA 101), is a two-hour, one-credit lecture course required for
graduation. It introduces the student to the expectations and demands of higher education, to the legacy
and tradition of Morgan State University, to college survival strategies and to the broad array of career
opportunities in the sciences and mathematical fields as well as in related technological fields.

Course Goals
1. To learn how to get off to a strong start in college.
2. To develop meaningful goals to strive for, along with strategies for maintaining motivation and
building character to achieve those goals.
3. To help you appreciate the significance of managing time and supply you with a powerful set of
time-management strategies that can be used to promote your success in college and beyond.
4. To develop and apply thinking skills to solve problems, make decisions and evaluate new
information.
5. To develop strategies for exploring different academic fields and for choosing an educational path
that will enable you to achieve your personal and occupational goals.
6. To become more self-aware, knowledgeable, and strategic with respect to managing your money
and financing your college education.
7. To acquire an awareness of “difference” that can be applied to promote successful relationships
during the first year of college and preserve wellness during your later years in college and
beyond.

Course Outcomes
At the completion of the course students will be able to:
• Discuss how they are responsible for their own experiences in college
• List and describe the specific methods to
o Manage time more efficiently
o Read a textbook with improved retention
o Listen to a lecture and take effective notes
o Prepare and take notes
Students will gain and demonstrate knowledge of:
• Campus and support services
• Their own academic interests as they relate to choices of major and careers
• The purpose of general education and the structure of the MSU General Education program
 • The administrative structure of the University and basic concepts involved in higher education
(e.g. credit hours, major, minor, academic standards)
• Relationship issues that impact the college experience (e.g. dealing with roommates, parental
issues, etc.)
• The educational values of the University and the expectations the University has for students
Students will develop the ability to:
• Solve complex and real life problems generally encountered by first-year students
• Learn to live and/or become involved socially and academically in the campus community
• Create opportunities for learning other than the classroom setting
• Set or recognize their priorities
• Assume responsibilities for their own actions and develop commitments for success at MSU
• Explore the world of higher education and clarify why they are in college and establish realistic
goals for their academic career
• Become socially and academically involved in their school community
• Understand the school’s policies
• Balance the demands of work, school, family, and friends
• Participate fully in the first-year academic advising process
• Gain insight and appreciation of campus resources and services available to them and utilize them
as necessary
• Develop an appreciation for diversity at MSU
• Learn to manage their financial obligations

Textbook
“Strategies for College Success”, Janet A. Amos, Tapestry Press Ltd., 2019-2020. (Not required)

Dress Code:

Students may dress casually for routine classes. Exceptions to this dress code will be otherwise noted in
course communications as there may be instances where professional attire is required for a specific class
or presentation. Although casual dress is acceptable, the following are not acceptable: exposed
abdomens; exposed undergarments; obscene phrases or pictures on clothing; pajamas; hats, ball caps,
bandanas, and sunglasses.

Attendance Policy & Participation:

Class attendance is MANDATORY and will be taken at each class session. The instructor must be notified
in advance of late arrivals and absences in order for them to be excused. Students must also be able to
submit documentation explaining why the class will be/has been missed (i.e. doctor’s note,
obituary). Students who arrive to class more than 15 minutes late will be marked tardy; five (5) tardies
will constitute an absence. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor about missed
assignments and classwork.

Students are expected to fully participate in ALL class discussions and activities. Participation and
attendance is 10% of a student’s final grade.

Attendance Policy & Participation (Virtual Instruction):

Students are expected to fully participate in ALL class discussions and activities. Cameras “on” are strongly
preferred and may impact participation. Participation and attendance is 10% of a student’s final grade.
This class may be audio-visually recorded so students who cannot attend a particular session and wish to
review material can access the full content. This recording will include students’ images, profile images,
and spoken words, if their camera is engaged and their microphone is live. Students who do not consent
to have their profile or video image recorded should keep their camera off and not use a profile image.
Likewise, student who do not consent to have their voice recorded should keep their mute button
activated and participate exclusively through alternative formats such as the chat feature. Students who
are unable to participate in regular instruction will be expected to complete the weekly discussion board
to receive attendance/participation credit. The instructor must be notified of the student’s inability to
attend remote instruction to receive this credit.

Students with Disabilities

Students who experience difficulty with the course are expected to seek individual help from the
instructor. Students with recognized disabilities should inform the course instructor at the beginning of
the semester so that the appropriate services can be provided. Some services include:

• Assist you in arranging accommodations.

• Encourage an on-going relationship with this office.
• Help with your academic success.
• Meet with you as needed for problem solving.
• Advise you about communication with your professors.
• Assist you with identifying appropriate resources.

Policy on Academic Dishonesty

Faculty at Morgan State University make a concerted effort to promote honest academic conduct among
students to ensure that their evaluation of students’ academic performance accurately reflects each
student’s true merit. Academic dishonesty is, therefore, among the most egregious offenses a student can
commit because it interferes with the University’s primary mission of educating and evaluating students.
Thus, academic dishonesty will not be tolerated at the University. Some of the more common forms of
academic dishonesty are listed below. This list, however, is not intended to be an exhaustive
representation of all the possible forms of academic dishonesty. Any student who is found to have
engaged in academic dishonesty shall fail the assignment and may fail the course. The student may also
be referred to the Dean of the college or school in which the student’s major is located for additional
disciplinary action by the University. All instances of academic dishonesty shall be subject to the full range
of penalties at the University’s disposal.

I. TYPES OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

1. Cheating is fraud. Cheating is the use of, the attempted use of, or acquisition of unauthorized
information such as books, lecture notes, study aids, answers from other students, or other materials for
the purpose of submitting a part or all of the unauthorized information as one’s own individual effort in
any class, clinic, assignment, or examination. Helping or attempting to help another person commit any
act of academic dishonesty is also a form of cheating.
Examples: Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to, the following actions:
a. Copying from another student’s paper or test, or receiving assistance from another person
during an exam or other assignment in a manner not authorized by the instructor;
b. Buying, selling, removing, receiving, or possessing an unauthorized copy of a test, quiz, exam,
or other form of academic evaluation in advance of its administration by the instructor of the
course in which the student is properly registered;
 c. Using material or equipment such as cell phones, crib notes, a calculator, or a tape recorder
during a test, quiz, exam, or other form of academic evaluation that has not been authorized by
the instructor;
d. Working with other students or other individuals on any exam, take home assignments,
computer or laboratory work, or any other assignment when the instructor has required
independent and unaided effort;
e. Attempting to influence or change an academic evaluation, grade, or record by deceit or unfair
means, such as (1) hiding or damaging the academic work of another student to gain an unfair
advantage in an academic evaluation; or (2) marking or submitting an exam or other assignment
in a manner designed to deceive the instructor;
f. Submitting, without prior permission, the same academic work which has been submitted in
identical or similar form in another class or in fulfillment of any other academic requirement at
the University;
g. Permitting another student or individual to take a test, quiz, exam, or other form of academic
evaluation for one’s self; or conversely, taking a test, quiz, exam, or other form of academic
evaluation for another student; and,
h. Helping or attempting to help another student cheat by providing assistance to that student
during an exam or other assignment in a manner not authorized by the instructor.
2. Plagiarism is theft. Plagiarism is submitting, either orally or in writing, the words, ideas, drawings, or
other works of another person as one’s own without appropriate citation in order to receive credit for
having completed an academic assignment or exercise.
Examples: Examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Submitting material or work for evaluation, in whole or in part, which has been prepared by
another student, an author of a published article or textbook, or by persons producing papers for
profit;
b. Using a direct quotation from another student’s papers or from an author of a publication
without including the appropriate citation;
c. Paraphrasing or summarizing another’s work without including the appropriate citation; and,
d. Using information stored electronically, e.g., submission of papers and or information found on
computer disks, the Internet, etc., without including appropriate citation and/or acknowledging
the source.
3. Abuse of Academic Materials is destruction of property or making inaccessible academic resource
materials owned by the University or stored in a University facility.
Examples: Examples of abuse of academic materials include, but are not limited to, the following actions:
a. Destroying, hiding, or otherwise making unavailable for common use any library materials,
materials placed on reserve by faculty, electronically stored information, or other academic
reference materials; and,
b. Destroying, hiding, or otherwise making unavailable another student’s notes, faculty lectures
and/or tests, experiments, computer programs, or other academic work.
4. Stealing is the unauthorized taking, attempting to take, or withholding the property of another and
thereby permanently or temporarily depriving the owner of its use or possession.
Examples: Examples of stealing include, but are not limited to, the following actions:
a. Unauthorized removal of library texts, magazines, electronic equipment or electronically stored
information and other materials from the library;
b. Unauthorized removal of lecture notes, grade books, examinations, computer programs, or any
other academic materials from the office of any faculty member;
c. Obtaining unauthorized advanced access to an examination or other academic assignment
either acting alone or in collusion with other students or University employees; and,
 d. Taking another’s academic work, such as papers, computer programs, laboratory experiments,
or research results.
5. Lying is making any oral or written statement which the individual knows, or should know, to be untrue.
Examples: Examples of lying include, but are not limited to, the following actions:
a. Making a false statement to any instructor or other University employee in an attempt to gain
advantage or exception with regard to an academic requirement or assignment;
b. Falsifying evidence or testifying falsely, such as in a hearing involving academic dishonesty;
c. Inventing or counterfeiting data, research results, research procedures, internship or practicum
experiences, or other information;
d. Citing a false source for referenced material/Data;
e. Altering grade reports, class attendance records, course registrations, or other academic
records;
f. Submitting false excuses for absences;
g. Altering a returned exam paper or other work and seeking regrading without indicating that
the returned paper or work has been changed; and,
h. Submitting unauthorized University documents to gain an internship, exception to University
policies, and/or other advantage or to avoid a disadvantage or penalty.

II. PENALTIES
Any student who is found to have engaged in academic dishonesty at Morgan State University shall fail
the test or assignment for which the student cheated and may be subjected to one or more of the
following penalties including failure of the course in which the academic dishonesty occurred; written
reprimand from the Chairperson, the Dean, and/or the Vice President for Academic Affairs; suspension
and/or expulsion from the University. The Dean of the school or college in which the student’s major is
located shall be notified of the academic dishonesty and of the proposed penalty by the Dean (or the
Dean’s designee) of the school or college in which the academic dishonesty occurred. Along with the
penalties listed above, the Dean or the Vice President for Academic Affairs may impose special conditions
on students who have engaged in academic dishonesty such as counseling, reduced credit loads, denial
of admittance to certain majors or programs. Suspension and expulsion, the most severe penalties, may
be imposed even though the accused student has never received a lesser penalty or penalties for previous
academic misconduct.
1. Assignment of a Grade of “F.” A grade of “F” shall be assigned to a student for the test, paper, and/ or
the assignment in which the student committed an act of academic dishonesty. In addition to being
assigned a grade of “F” for the assignment for which the student engaged in academic dishonesty,
additional penalties, listed below, may be imposed upon the student.
2. Failure of a Course. A student may fail the course in which the academic dishonesty occurred.
3. Suspension from the University. Suspension can be imposed for a specified period, not to exceed two
years.
4. Expulsion from the University. Expulsion is a permanent separation from the University.
5. Revocation. When an act or acts of academic dishonesty is/are found to invalidate a major piece of
work required for a degree so that the validity of the degree or certification is jeopardized, then the
sanction may include a recommendation to the University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs to:
a. Reject a thesis, dissertation, or other work.
b. Revoke a certification or not grant a certification.
c. Revoke a degree.
6. Other Relevant Sanctions. In addition to the penalties described above, other sanctions may be
imposed, such as, but not limited to, restitution, campus or community service, special projects, and
special educational requirements.
ACADEMIC APPEAL PROCESS
The academic appeals process shall apply to any dispute concerning a student’s academic standing at the
University including, but not limited to, disputes over grades as well as allegations of academic dishonesty.
The academic appeal process requires that (1) students be given adequate notice of any offense of
academic dishonesty with which they are charged; and (2) that students be given an opportunity to be
heard by the Dean (or the Dean’s designee) of the college or school in which the offense is alleged to have
occurred. The Deans have the authority to set dispute resolution and appeal procedures for their
respective academic divisions provided that any penalty imposed by (or approved by) the Dean shall be
based on evidence collected and recorded by the faculty, the Chairperson, and/or the Dean.

Students who feel that they have been treated unfairly in the award of a grade or in the imposition of a
penalty for committing an act of academic dishonesty have a right to use the academic appeal process at
the University. A student shall first address the matter of academic dishonesty, the grade, and/or any
other academic penalty or issue with the faculty member who accused the student and/or assigned the
grade and/or imposed or initiated the penalty. Second, if the dispute is not resolved with the faculty
member, the student shall next address the matter with the Chairperson of the department in which the
course is taught. The Chairperson shall investigate the matter thoroughly; make a record of the relevant
evidence; and make a determination about the appropriateness of the accusation, the grade, or the
penalty imposed on the student. If the matter is still in dispute following the investigation and
determination by the Chairperson, the student has a right to appeal to the Dean (or the Dean’s designee)
of the school or college in which the dispute arose.

In all matters of academic appeal, the student may request a final appeal by writing to the Provost and
Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) within seven (7) working days of the receipt of the final
decision of the Dean of the school/college. Appeals not filed in proper form with the Provost/VPAA within
this timeframe shall not be considered. An appeal which fails to specifically set forth alleged procedural
error with regard to the application of academic policy shall not be considered.

The decision of the Provost/VPAA is final and binding on all parties. The student’s initiation of the
appeals procedure shall not dislodge or delay any other consequences of the decision or action under
dispute, such as placement on academic probation or dismissal; loss of scholarship; awarding of
financial aid; or participation in activities that are dependent on the grade point average of the student.

Use of Canvas
Through the use of Canvas, students can submit all assignments and keep track of their progress in
class. Canvas also allows for the use of SafeAssign to identify any potential signs of plagiarism. Please
note that SafeAssign checks for plagiarism using online sources, references, submissions of student work
in the same class as well as in different classes. Students will have until 11:59PM on the night before the
class’ schedule meeting day to submit their assignments. If an assignment must be submitted late via
Blackboard without a valid excuse from class, the instructor will adhere to the following policy:
1. Students will receive a 10% deduction from the assignment’s grade for each day the assignment
(not exceeding 48 hours after the original due date).
2. Assignments submitted more than 48 hours after the original due date will receive a grade of zero
(0).
 ALL ASSIGNMENTS & DISCUSSIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON CANVAS UNLESS OTHERWISE
STATED. THOSE ASSIGNMENTS RECEIVED LATE WITHOUT AN EXCUSE, IN CLASS OR VIA EMAIL WILL
RECEIVE A GRADE OF ZERO (0).
NO EXCEPTIONS!

Guidelines for Paper Submission

All papers must be typed and double-spaced, using 1-inch margins and 12-pt fonts, Times New Roman.

Course Grading
This course will utilize various teaching methods, including lecture, class discussion, group activities, video
presentations, convocations and guest speakers, all designed for the student to meet the objectives of
the course. The student’s final course grade will be based on: completed Faculty Advising Form,
presentations, resume, personal statements and other assignments designated by the instructor. Please
note that ORLA 101 is considered a major requirement and requires a passing grade of C or better. The
syllabus is subject to change.

Assignment Point Breakdown – 150 points total

Assignment Percentage Points

Module #1 – Intro to ORLA 10% 15 pts
Module #2 – Intro to MSU 30% 45 pts
Global Circles 20% 30 pts
Book Assignment 20% 30 pts
Final Project 10% 15 pts
Class Participation/Attendance 10% 15 pts

Information regarding the Global Circles event can be found below.

https://soliya.net/global-circles

Extra Credit
Students will have the opportunity to earn extra credit throughout the semester. Students can earn up
to up to 8 points toward their final grade.

Week Date Topics Assignments Due

#
#1 8/23 – 8/27 Introductions; Syllabus Begin Introduction to
Reasons You’re in College (Making a Successful ORLA Module
Transition) • Assignment:
The Course Syllabus (Why Is It Important for All Syllabus review
of Your Courses?) with signature
 • Assignment: Self
Introduction
#2 8/30 – 9/3 Topics: Continue Intro. to ORLA
The History of Morgan State University module
Alma Mater

Convocation

9/3/2021 @ LAST DAY TO ADD/DROP A CLASS FOR FALL

5pm 2019
#3 9/6 – 9/10 9/9 - Matriculation Convocation Continue Intro. to ORLA
Topic: module
MSU History contd.
Register for Global Circles
Guest Speakers: TBA

Or

Resources and Services – Academic Advising

(Registration/Holds/Drop/Add), Canvas,
Starfish, Degree Works, MSU Email, MSU
Website, Library Research Services

#4 9/13 – 9/17 Topics: Introduction to ORLA

MSU History contd. Module Due
Guest Speakers: TBA
Register for Global Circles
Or

Resources and Services – Academic Advising

(Registration/Holds/Drop/Add), Canvas,
Starfish, Degree Works, MSU Email, MSU
Website, Library Research Service

#5 9/20 – 9/24 Topics:

Topic: Offices and Services on Campus – Register for Global Circles
– Who/What to Ask?

#6 9/27 – 10/1 Topics:

Time Management, Email Etiquette
& Study/Test Skills

Global Circles – International Dialogue Register for Global Circles

Registration Deadline = 10/3
#7 10/4 – 10/8 Topics Begin Book Assignment
Introduce Book assignment
Begin Introduction to
Professional Development & Career MSU Module
Exploration • Assignment: MSU
History Quiz
Guest Speaker : Career Center • Assignment:
Resource,
Services, Policies,
and Procedure
Quiz
• Assignment:
Offices & Services
#8 10/11 – 10/14 - Performing Arts Convocation Continue Book
10/15 Midterm Week - No class Assignment

Continue Intro. to MSU

Module
#9 10/18 – Topic: Intro. to MSU Module
10/22 Due
Managing Your Finances (FAFSA, SAP,
Institutional Aid, Grants, Scholarship Continue Book
Opportunities) Assignment
Guest: TBA

Global Circles Events Global Circles event –

10/22 (10AM or 1PM)

#10 10/25 – Topics Begin Final Project

10/29 Health and Wellness, Self-Care
Guest Speakers : Counseling Center Continue Book
Assignment
Global Circles Events
Global Circles event –
10/29 (10AM or 1PM)
10/29/2021 Last day to withdraw from an individual class
@ 5pm with a “W”
#11 11/1 – 11/5 Topics Continue Final Project
Registration – DegreeWorks
Guest – Registrar Rep Continue Book
Assignment
#12 11/8 – 11/12 Topics Continue Final Project
Why Political Science? Book Assignment Due
Guest Speakers: TBD
#13 11/15 – Final Presentations – Extra Credit Continue Final project
11/19
#14 11/22 – Thanksgiving Break Final Project Due
11/26
#15 11/29 – 12/3 12/2 - Bill of Rights - Trans Africa Day
Convocation

Final Presentations
****FINAL EXAMINATIONS (12/10 – 12/16 )****
ALL Freshman Orientation students are required to attend convocations. All convocations are held at
virtually unless otherwise noted.