SUCCEED

Study Skills

This course is designed to help students improve their learning effectiveness, attitudes, and motivation. This course will focus on time management, concentration, note taking skills, textbook study methods, test taking strategies, and critical thinking skills. Students will also have the opportunity to identify and explore best practices in learning strategies and academic motivators.

Introduction to Vocational Skills

The course is intended to assist students in better understanding, navigating, and enhancing vocational experiences – both during their time at UMSL and beyond graduation.  Throughout the course, instructor materials/guides/handouts/videos/presentations/modeling/roleplaying will provide a better understanding of vocational expectations, rigor, and social demands.  Students successfully completing the course should leave with a better understanding of workplace expectations and workplace culture, as well as how to successfully navigate employment environments.  Students should also leave more confident in their career interests and goals, as well as understanding how to obtain and retain employment more independently.  Course topics include, but are not limited to: career interest exploration, time management, soft skills, professionalism, accepting constructive criticism, self-advocacy, networking, resume/cover letter/letters of recommendation, interviewing skills, accessing public transportation, accessing employment services.

First Year Experience

This course, required of all new UMSL freshmen, is designed to assist students in making the transition to the university experience and to UMSL by giving students the knowledge and tools needed to succeed as a scholar. The course will also familiarize students with the relationship between their education and their career and personal goals, and will assist in developing positive connections with faculty, staff, and peers at UMSL. Students will learn about faculty expectations, support services, and student life, as well as academic disciplines

Healthy Relationships and Sexuality

Through this course, students will receive information and tools to help them understand a range of relationships, from friendships to dating to sexual partnerships which contributes to personal development. By having this information about appropriate social interactions, individuals will be able to participate more fully in the community in their personal and professional lives. Topics include components of healthy and unhealthy relationships, knowing and advocating for what you want in relationships, sexual health, safety, and abuse.

Introduction to Apartment Life

This course is designed to provide a knowledge base of specific skills for living independently.  This course will include lectures, power point presentations, and film clips.  During class time, students will participate in classroom discussions, cooperative learning experiences, role play, and the opportunity to give and receive positive feedback on projects.  Homework assignments will consist of worksheets that check for understanding of course information; independent reflective writing assignments; group projects; and independent projects.  This course will utilize multiple ways to complete homework projects and differentiated homework assignments. 

Social Interactions and Networking

This course is designed to provide a knowledge base of specific skills related to community participation ranging from locating community resources to understanding civil rights and responsibilities. Students will participate in classroom discussions, independent reflective assignments, and real experiences in order to be best prepared participating currently in the university’s community and in preparation for living independently.

Vocational Issues

The course is intended to assist students in better understanding, navigating, and enhancing vocational experiences – both during time at UMSL and beyond graduation.  Throughout the course, instructor materials/guides/handouts/videos/presentations/modeling/roleplaying all will provide a better understanding of vocational expectations, rigor, and social demands.  Students successfully completing the course should leave with a better understanding of workplace expectations and workplace culture, as well as how to successfully navigate employment environments.  Students should also leave more confident in their career interests and goals, as well as understanding how to obtain and retain employment more independently.  Course topics include, but are not limited to: career interest exploration, time management, soft skills, professionalism, accepting constructive criticism, self-advocacy, networking, resume/cover letter/letters of recommendation, interviewing skills, accessing public transportation, accessing employment services.  Students are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours a week in their vocational experience throughout the duration of the academic semester. The approved supervisor on related job skills and progress towards goals assesses students. Both students and supervisors are required to complete midterm and end of the semester evaluations.

Transition Issues and Planning

This course addresses evidence-based strategies for educators, human service professionals, and self-advocates on topics around the transition from high school to adulthood for students with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Students enrolled in the course are obtaining Elementary/Special Education degrees/certificates or a SUCCEED Chancellor’s certificate at UMSL. Emphasis for all students is placed on understanding and planning for the transition from school to adult life for students with disabilities. In addition, planning that promotes student directed services and strength based individualization of the process is highlighted. Transition outcomes covered include post-secondary education, employment, residential options, and social emotional well-being. Topics include self-determination, self-advocacy, person centered planning, post-secondary education options, career education and planning, interagency collaboration, social supports, vocational and residential issues and resources, and family support and involvement. Course content will be focused on established evidence-based practices and current research in the topic areas.

Senior Seminar

Senior seminar is the SUCCEED capstone course and will provide in-depth information for students to prepare for their post-college life experiences with a focus on setting personal goals, identifying steps towards goals, understanding the responsibilities of living independently, the importance of relationships and how to build and maintain them, as well as employment, housing, financial stability,  and lifelong learning.