College Success Skills

Dawnne Ernette
509.793.2360
dawnnee@bigbend.edu

Zach Olson
509.793.2362
zacho@bigbend.edu

Rhonda Kitchen
509.793.2354
rhondak@bigbend.edu

CSS courses helps students become more effective learners and achieve their goals at Big Bend Community College. National studies show that students who take CSS courses are more likely to stay in college and graduate than students who do not. CSS courses teach students skills that research has identified as essential to college success. CSS courses add to or build on the skills students already have as students debate the purpose of college, practice reading and studying techniques, engage in critical thinking, and explore the many resources Big Bend Community College offers to help them succeed.

Library 101 is designed to prepare students with academic level research skills necessary to create search strategies, locate resources, identify formats, evaluate search results, understand APA and other citation styles, and avoid plagiarism. Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 099 or successful completion of ENGL 098 with a 2.0 or higher All course work for this class will be completed online through Canvas.

Courses

CSS 100: Charting Your Course: College Essentials

Credits 3

This course helps students become more effective learners and achieve their goals at Big Bend and beyond. Students will learn skills that benefit them in college, life, and the workplace such as time management, strategies to overcome procrastination, professional communication, goal-setting, analyzing college systems, and self-advocacy. Students will apply these skills to concepts such as studying for classes, researching and developing an educational plan, and exploring a career pathway.

CSS 102: Focus on Success

Credits 3
Students will explore many of the non-academic factors that affect success in college. Students will study self-awareness and the practical application of research to the following areas: career and college course choices; relationships; diversity; values; stress management; substance use; sexual decisions; financial literacy, and diet and exercise. In addition, students will develop basic computer literacy as they explore the nonacademic factors through computer use, word processing operations, email, and use of the Internet

CSS 103: First Year Student Success

Credits 1 Max Credits 3
Students will explore diverse resources Big Bend offers to help them succeed. College Success Skills courses help students become effective learners and achieve their goals. Through course content students will explore careers and pathways, identify next steps after Big Bend, and financial literacy topics such as FAFSA completion, understanding credit scores, and balancing budgets.

CSS 105: Introduction to Healthcare Studies

Credits 3
This course provides the foundation for understanding the educational responsibilities of choosing a career in the healthcare field. Students will identify the scope of education and practice of various members of the healthcare profession in order to develop an educational and career plan. Additional key topics include test-taking preparation, critical thinking, leadership skills, communication styles, ethical decision making, note-taking and study tactics, and accessing reference sources.

CSS 106: College Reading Strategies

Credits 2 Max Credits 3
College Reading Strategies emphasizes the development of the critical reading and thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, and evaluation) needed for courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Presents active reading strategies, study reading techniques, and vocabulary building skills.

CSS 107: Freshman Pathways

Credits 1

This course will help students build a strong foundation for success. Students will develop essential skills in time management, goal-setting, self-care, and academic strategies while exploring how college fits into their personal and professional aspirations. Through engaging activities and discussions, students will learn to navigate college systems, manage challenges, and make informed decisions about your education and future. By the end of the course, students will have a clear plan for thriving in college and beyond.

May be repeated for up to two (2) credits. 

Student cannot apply this course and CSS 100 to their degree.