Spring 2026

DORI 0200-2A1

College Success Skills

Course Information

Department
GEDS
Instructor
Gober, Cole
Description
Psychology of learning and success. Examines factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. Topics covered include information processing, memory, strategic learning, self-regulation, goal setting, motivation, educational and career planning, and learning styles. Techniques of study such as time management, listening and note taking, text marking, library and research skills, preparing for examinations, and utilizing learning resources are covered. Includes courses in college orientation and developments of students¿ academic skills that apply to all disciplines.
Last Updated
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 7:20 PM

Syllabus Checklist Snapshot

Approved: Initials/date DORI 0200_2A1_11620_(16 wk) CREDIT 2 Semester Credit Hours (2 hours lecture, 0 hours lab) MODE OF INSTRUCTION Remote PREREQUISITE/CO-REQUISITE: none COURSE DESCRIPTION Psychology of learning and success; examines factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. Topics covered include information processing, memory, strategic learning, self-regulation, goal setting, motivation, educational and career planning, and learning styles. Techniques of study such as time management, listening and note taking, text marking, library and research skills, preparing for examinations, and utilizing learning resources are covered. This includes courses in college orientation and the development of students’ academic skills that apply to all disciplines. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to 1. Navigate the systems of college (including technology, career/major exploration, academic advising, registration, and campus resources). 2. Examine factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. 3. Discover techniques of study such as time management, listening and note taking, test taking, library and research skills, reading, and memory. 4. Demonstrate the State of Texas core objectives of critical thinking, communication, teamwork, personal and social responsibility, and qualitative reasoning. 5. Understand the concept of financial literacy for students, including the financial aid process. INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Cole Gober Email: cbgober@lit.edu Office Phone: Provided upon request Office Location: TC100 Office Hours: Mondays 5:30-6:30 REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS • College Success Concise by OpenStax by Amy Baldwin, Free at OpenStax.com • Computer • Internet connection (Broadband highly recommended) • MS PowerPoint (students are provided with free Office 365 access) • MS Word or compatible word processor (students are provided with free Office 365 access) • MS Outlook Email (students are provided with free Office 365 access ATTENDANCE POLICY You are allowed 3 absences. After that, one point will be deducted from your average for everyday you are absent after that. Please check your LIT email and course daily for messages. Always check announcements before you leave for class. DROP POLICY Students are NOT permitted to drop DORI. If you stop completing your coursework, you will FAIL the course and must retake DORI to be eligible to graduate. All other courses: If you wish to drop a course, YOU are responsible for initiating and completing the drop process. If you stop coming to class and fail to drop the course, you will earn an “F” in the course. COURSE CALENDAR Week / Module Course Content and Activities Assignments Due Date Due Week 1 – Welcome/ Course Information Course Syllabus & Schedule College Basics LIT Policies Course Textbook Link Plan Ahead for Title IX Compliance Training Syllabus and College Basics Quiz Class Introduction Discussion Assignment Smiling Faces Assignment LIT Experience Scavenger Hunt Assignment 1/25/26 Week 2 – 3 Module 1 Campus Tour Video Chapter 1 Reading Assignment: Transitioning to College GRIT: Passion & Perseverance Assignment Email Instructor Assignment Technology Skills Assessment Assignment DegreeWorks, Starfish, and Self-Service Banner Assignment 2/8/26 Week 4 – 5 Module 2 Chapter 2 Reading Assignment: Managing Your Time and Priorities Time Management Resource Videos Weekly Planner Assignment Chapters 1 & 2 Knowledge Check Assignment 2/22/26 Week 6 – 7 Module 3 Chapter 3 Reading Assignment: Reading and Note Taking Resource Videos Library Access Assignment LIT and its Website Discussion Assignment 3/8/26 Week 8 – 9 Module 4 Chapter 4 Reading Assignment: Studying, Memory, and Test Taking Study Skill Videos Study Planner and Studying Videos Chapters 3 & 4 Knowledge Check Assignment 3/22/26 Week 10 – 11 Module 5 Chapter 5 Reading Assignment: Building Relationships Title IX Compliance Training Assignment Prepare for Advising Assignment Career Search Exploration Assignment 4/5/26 Week 12 – 13 Module 6 Chapter 6 Reading Assignment: Maintaining Your Mental Health and Managing Stress Healthy Lifestyle Videos Healthy Lifestyle Self-Assessment Assignment Chapters 5 & 6 Knowledge Check Assignment 4/19/26 Week 14 – 15 Module 7 Chapter 7 Reading Assignment: Understanding Financial Literacy Scholarship Application Verification Assignment Advisor Meeting Assignment Preparing for Finals Assignment 5/3/26 Week 16 – Module 8 Chapter 8 Reading Assignment: Planning Your Future Advising and Registration Assignment LIT Course Evaluations Assignment Chapter 7 & 8 Knowledge Check Assignment Resume Assignment Textbook Knowledge Check Final Exam 5/13/26 COURSE EVALUATION Final grades DO IMPACT your overall GPA and will be calculated according to the following criteria: • Daily Work 45% • Major Projects and Tests 55% COURSE EVALUATION Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria: • Daily Work 45% • Major Assignments and Quizzes 55% GRADE SCALE • 90-100 A • 80-89 B • 70-79 C • 0-69 F TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS The latest technical requirements, including hardware, compatible browsers, operating systems, etc. can be online at https://lit.edu/online-learning/online-learning-minimum-computer-requirements. A functional broadband internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or WiFi is necessary to maximize the use of online technology and resources. DISABILITIES STATEMENT The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are federal anti-discrimination statutes that provide comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. LIT provides reasonable accommodations as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, to students with a diagnosed disability. The Special Populations Office is located in the Eagles’ Nest Room 129 and helps foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment by maintaining partnerships with faculty and staff, as well as promoting awareness among all members of the Lamar Institute of Technology community. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator at (409)-951-5708 or email specialpopulations@lit.edu. You may also visit the online resource at Special Populations - Lamar Institute of Technology (lit.edu). STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT STATEMENT It is the responsibility of all registered Lamar Institute of Technology students to access, read, understand and abide by all published policies, regulations, and procedures listed in the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook. The LIT Catalog and Student Handbook may be accessed at www.lit.edu. Please note that the online version of the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook supersedes all other versions of the same document. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STATEMENT Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) recognizes the recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, have changed the landscape of many career disciplines and will impact many students in and out of the classroom. To prepare students for their selected careers, LIT desires to guide students in the ethical use of these technologies and incorporate AI into classroom instruction and assignments appropriately. Appropriate use of these technologies is at the discretion of the instructor. Students are reminded that all submitted work must be their own original work unless otherwise specified. Students should contact their instructor with any questions as to the acceptable use of AI/ChatGPT in their courses STARFISH LIT utilizes an early alert system called Starfish. Throughout the semester, you may receive emails from Starfish regarding your course grades, attendance, or academic performance. Faculty members record student attendance, raise flags and kudos to express concern or give praise, and you can make an appointment with faculty and staff all through the Starfish home page. You can also login to Blackboard or MyLIT and click on the Starfish link to view academic alerts and detailed information. It is the responsibility of the student to pay attention to these emails and information in Starfish and consider taking the recommended actions. Starfish is used to help you be a successful student at LIT. ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES/INFORMATION (from your instructor) DUE DATES: All assignments, Daily Work and Major Projects/Tests, due dates are indicated in the Blackboard course for this class and/or on the instructor-supplied course schedule. Work may be completed and submitted at any time before the due date. LATE WORK: : 10 points per week will be deducted from all grades. However, a passing grade will be entered as long as the late assignment is turned in by April 30th. This is a Pass/Fail course and does not affect your GPA. WORK SUBMISSION: All assignments must be submitted via Blackboard. Assignments submitted through any other method will receive a “0”. GRADES: Grades for assignments may be accessed through the My Grades section of your course within Blackboard. A passing grade for DORI is 70 or above. COURSE INCOMPLETES: The class is structured so that if you stay on or ahead of schedule most unplanned life events will not derail your progress in this class. USE OF AI: Do not use it! I have programs to detect it. This is a course for your benefit and will help you in life and the rest of your career at LIT. You are here to learn. You don't learn with AI and you only cheat yourself. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: For questions or problems with Blackboard, call 409-839-2074 or email LIT-BBsupport@lit.edu. For questions or problems with Office 365 (including email) or Self-Service

Lecture and Discussion Topics

  • Approved: Initials/date DORI 0200_2A1_11620_(16 wk) CREDIT 2 Semester Credit Hours (2 hours lecture, 0 hours lab) MODE OF INSTRUCTION Remote PREREQUISITE/CO-REQUISITE: none COURSE DESCRIPTION Psychology of learning and success; examines factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. Topics covered include information processing, memory, strategic learning, self-regulation, goal setting, motivation, educational and career planning, and learning styles. Techniques of study such as time management, listening and note taking, text marking, library and research skills, preparing for examinations, and utilizing learning resources are covered. This includes courses in college orientation and the development of students’ academic skills that apply to all disciplines. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to 1. Navigate the systems of college (including technology, career/major exploration, academic advising, registration, and campus resources). 2. Examine factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. 3. Discover techniques of study such as time management, listening and note taking, test taking, library and research skills, reading, and memory. 4. Demonstrate the State of Texas core objectives of critical thinking, communication, teamwork, personal and social responsibility, and qualitative reasoning. 5. Understand the concept of financial literacy for students, including the financial aid process. INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Cole Gober Email: cbgober@lit.edu Office Phone: Provided upon request Office Location: TC100 Office Hours: Mondays 5:30-6:30 REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS • College Success Concise by OpenStax by Amy Baldwin, Free at OpenStax.com
  • • Computer • Internet connection (Broadband highly recommended) • MS PowerPoint (students are provided with free Office 365 access) • MS Word or compatible word processor (students are provided with free Office 365 access) • MS Outlook Email (students are provided with free Office 365 access ATTENDANCE POLICY You are allowed 3 absences. After that, one point will be deducted from your average for everyday you are absent after that. Please check your LIT email and course daily for messages. Always check announcements before you leave for class. DROP POLICY Students are NOT permitted to drop DORI. If you stop completing your coursework, you will FAIL the course and must retake DORI to be eligible to graduate. All other courses: If you wish to drop a course, YOU are responsible for initiating and completing the drop process. If you stop coming to class and fail to drop the course, you will earn an “F” in the course. COURSE CALENDAR Week / Module Course Content and Activities Assignments Due Date Due Week 1 – Welcome/ Course Information Course Syllabus & Schedule College Basics LIT Policies Course Textbook Link Plan Ahead for Title IX Compliance Training Syllabus and College Basics Quiz Class Introduction Discussion Assignment Smiling Faces Assignment LIT Experience Scavenger Hunt Assignment 1/25/26 Week 2 – 3 Module 1 Campus Tour Video Chapter 1 Reading Assignment: Transitioning to College GRIT: Passion & Perseverance Assignment Email Instructor Assignment Technology Skills Assessment Assignment DegreeWorks, Starfish, and Self-Service Banner Assignment 2/8/26 Week 4 – 5 Module 2 Chapter 2 Reading Assignment: Managing Your Time and Priorities Time Management Resource Videos Weekly Planner Assignment Chapters 1 & 2 Knowledge Check Assignment 2/22/26
  • Week 6 – 7 Module 3 Chapter 3 Reading Assignment: Reading and Note Taking Resource Videos Library Access Assignment LIT and its Website Discussion Assignment 3/8/26 Week 8 – 9 Module 4 Chapter 4 Reading Assignment: Studying, Memory, and Test Taking Study Skill Videos Study Planner and Studying Videos Chapters 3 & 4 Knowledge Check Assignment 3/22/26 Week 10 – 11 Module 5 Chapter 5 Reading Assignment: Building Relationships Title IX Compliance Training Assignment Prepare for Advising Assignment Career Search Exploration Assignment 4/5/26 Week 12 – 13 Module 6 Chapter 6 Reading Assignment: Maintaining Your Mental Health and Managing Stress Healthy Lifestyle Videos Healthy Lifestyle Self-Assessment Assignment Chapters 5 & 6 Knowledge Check Assignment 4/19/26 Week 14 – 15 Module 7 Chapter 7 Reading Assignment: Understanding Financial Literacy Scholarship Application Verification Assignment Advisor Meeting Assignment Preparing for Finals Assignment 5/3/26 Week 16 – Module 8 Chapter 8 Reading Assignment: Planning Your Future Advising and Registration Assignment LIT Course Evaluations Assignment Chapter 7 & 8 Knowledge Check Assignment Resume Assignment Textbook Knowledge Check Final Exam 5/13/26 COURSE EVALUATION Final grades DO IMPACT your overall GPA and will be calculated according to the following criteria: • Daily Work 45% • Major Projects and Tests 55% COURSE EVALUATION Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria:
  • • Daily Work 45% • Major Assignments and Quizzes 55% GRADE SCALE • 90-100 A • 80-89 B • 70-79 C • 0-69 F TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS The latest technical requirements, including hardware, compatible browsers, operating systems, etc. can be online at https://lit.edu/online-learning/online-learning-minimum-computer-requirements. A functional broadband internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or WiFi is necessary to maximize the use of online technology and resources. DISABILITIES STATEMENT The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are federal anti-discrimination statutes that provide comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. LIT provides reasonable accommodations as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, to students with a diagnosed disability. The Special Populations Office is located in the Eagles’ Nest Room 129 and helps foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment by maintaining partnerships with faculty and staff, as well as promoting awareness among all members of the Lamar Institute of Technology community. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator at (409)-951-5708 or email specialpopulations@lit.edu. You may also visit the online resource at Special Populations - Lamar Institute of Technology (lit.edu). STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT STATEMENT It is the responsibility of all registered Lamar Institute of Technology students to access, read, understand and abide by all published policies, regulations, and procedures listed in the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook. The LIT Catalog and Student Handbook may be accessed at www.lit.edu. Please note that the online version of the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook supersedes all other versions of the same document. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STATEMENT Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) recognizes the recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, have changed the landscape of many career disciplines and will impact many students in and out of the classroom. To prepare students for their selected careers, LIT desires to guide students in the ethical use of these technologies and incorporate AI into classroom instruction and assignments appropriately. Appropriate use of these technologies is at the discretion of the instructor. Students are reminded that all submitted work must be their own
  • original work unless otherwise specified. Students should contact their instructor with any questions as to the acceptable use of AI/ChatGPT in their courses STARFISH LIT utilizes an early alert system called Starfish. Throughout the semester, you may receive emails from Starfish regarding your course grades, attendance, or academic performance. Faculty members record student attendance, raise flags and kudos to express concern or give praise, and you can make an appointment with faculty and staff all through the Starfish home page. You can also login to Blackboard or MyLIT and click on the Starfish link to view academic alerts and detailed information. It is the responsibility of the student to pay attention to these emails and information in Starfish and consider taking the recommended actions. Starfish is used to help you be a successful student at LIT. ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES/INFORMATION (from your instructor)
  • DUE DATES: All assignments, Daily Work and Major Projects/Tests, due dates are indicated in the Blackboard course for this class and/or on the instructor-supplied course schedule. Work may be completed and submitted at any time before the due date. LATE WORK: : 10 points per week will be deducted from all grades. However, a passing grade will be entered as long as the late assignment is turned in by April 30th. This is a Pass/Fail course and does not affect your GPA. WORK SUBMISSION: All assignments must be submitted via Blackboard. Assignments submitted through any other method will receive a “0”. GRADES: Grades for assignments may be accessed through the My Grades section of your course within Blackboard. A passing grade for DORI is 70 or above. COURSE INCOMPLETES: The class is structured so that if you stay on or ahead of schedule most unplanned life events will not derail your progress in this class. USE OF AI: Do not use it! I have programs to detect it. This is a course for your benefit and will help you in life and the rest of your career at LIT. You are here to learn. You don't learn with AI and you only cheat yourself. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: For questions or problems with Blackboard, call 409-839-2074 or email LIT-BBsupport@lit.edu. For questions or problems with Office 365 (including email) or Self-Service