Instructors' Frequently Asked Questions


What is Connections?

Connections is Utah State's first-year experience course (USU 1010) designed to welcome, orient, and support the transition of first-year students to the University. Through a variety of activities and assignments, students learn what it takes to be successful in the academic environment and have the opportunity to meet other new students and develop a relationship with a University instructor.

When is the course offered?

The course is offered each semester in a variety of formats designed to meet the needs of the students.

How is the course structured?

Fall semester - 2 credit course - Meets Wed-Sat during the week before fall semester begins.1 credit course - Meets twice weekly during the first 8 weeks of the semester.

Spring semester - 1 credit course - Meets twice weekly during the first 8 weeks of the semester.

There are specific sections for athletes, honors students, and undeclared students, as well as sections for departmental or college majors.

The course is specifically designed to provide a lively interactive environment with the emphasis on active learning. Each section will enroll approximately 28 students. Each instructor is also assigned a Connections student mentor to provide more direct support to the students in the course and to assist the instructor in facilitating learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom.

What is the curriculum?

Connections seeks to prepare the "complete student," acknowledging the importance not only of intellectual growth, but also of personal, physical, and spiritual growth. The curriculum includes common required components from each area but also leeway for instructors to include their own expertise and background in the course.

Connections 2008 Syllabus

What is the FYE Common Literature Experience?

This experience was created to bring all Connections students immediately into an intellectual experience similar to future academic activities at Utah State University. By participating in the Literature Experience, students establish a common experience with other new students that will help develop a sense of community with their new environment and introduce them to the intellectual part of the academic life they are beginning at Utah State University. Additional classroom discussions will provide opportunities to discuss ideas intelligently, confront issues that may affect one personally, and look for ways to find solutions to problems.

Instructors who teach the 2 credit Fall semester course are required to incorporate the common literature experience into their curriculum.

Who should be a Connections instructor?

Faculty who are committed to student-centered learning and who care about the transition of students to Utah State University. A specific background discipline or special training in advance is not required. Although instructors are compensated for teaching the class, previous instructors agree that the stronger motivation is in having the opportunity to connect and support new students to our institution.

What kind of instructor training is required?

For the 2-credit fall course, a required three-hour training session is held during the spring to learn about the course and to share ideas with other instructors. This is followed by an August meeting to finalize the plans for the course.

Are faculty compensated?

Yes, a $1000.00 honorarium is provided for instructors who complete the spring training session and teach the 2-credit course Fall Semester.

What is the application process?

Prospective instructors are required to submit a Connections application. Click here to print an application.

What kind of support is available to the instructor?

  • Each Connections instructor receives an instructor manual that outlines the course objectives, has a sample syllabus, and a copy of all the assignments with background information on teaching the assignments.
  • The Connections curriculum is already designed in Blackboard/Vista. All an instructor needs to do is personalize the site with their own due dates and other information they would like to add.
  • A peer mentor is assigned to every two instructors. This highly trained student can assist in classroom presentations, take students on campus tours, help plan social activities, and do some of the course grading and inputting grades into Blackboard.
  • All workshops are built into the curriculum. The instructor does not need to plan of set these up for the students.
  • Instructors are provided a case of paper or $30.00 credit at the TSC copy center.
  • There is $125.00 provided for classroom activities.
  • A grader is provided for assignments. (Instructors are asked to grade the literature reflection journal.)
  • The Connections website provides teaching ideas for every area of the curriculum.
  • Each instructor receives a copy of the common literature selection and information on how to integrate the course into the curriculum.