Beginning Fall Semester 2003, Montana State University will offer a two (2) credit Life Skills class that will be mandatory for incoming freshmen and transfer student-athletes. While Montana State University provides similar support and services to the entire student body that our student-athletes may also access, this program will be able to provide more in-depth focus and assist in a more successful transition into Montana State University and subsequently, into life and careers after sports. We are hoping in the very near future to provide a one (1) credit class for juniors and seniors to address additional skills needed for post-graduation activities.

The class is still somewhat in a planning stage; however the final result should not vary much from what is shown. The success of this class will be tracked to not only further define and develop the class, but to monitor the impact the class is hoped to have on student-athlete academic success.

This is a 2 credit course designed to introduce you to psychological and educational theories and models associated with learning, self-management, personal and career development, and stress, coping and health. Through this course, you will identify and address issues that pertain to learning and development among college students and issues that are unique to you as a student-athlete.

Class time will include lecture/discussion, small group discussions/presentations, guest speakers and videos. Participation by all students is expected, as we believe we can all learn from each other.

It is our hope that through this class you are able to identify tools that will help you be successful academically, personally and professionally. There will be times when you will have the opportunity to look inward and evaluate yourself and your future. Understand that each of us come from a unique background and when engaged in class discussion, remember that there are not right or wrong answers, simply different points of view.

1. To understand the role of students and personal responsibility in the learning process. Identify, develop and demonstrate a variety of tools that can be implemented to support academic and personal success. In addition, student-athletes will identify their learning strength and weaknesses and develop learning strategies based on their personal profile.



2. Analyze personal ideas and the decision making process regarding issues typically faced by college student-athletes throughout.



3. Identify, develop and demonstrate specific methods to develop effective study strategies to facilitate academic success. Methods will address how to actively participate in the learning process through constructively reading a textbook, note-taking techniques, test preparation and test taking methods and constructive classroom practices.



4. Identify resources on campus, and in the community, that can assist students with issues related to academics (such as library resources), athletics, career planning, health issues, substance abuse, personal relationships and discrimination.

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