UNIV1150:

UNLOCKING YOUR
CREATIVITY
INSTRUCTOR: SAMANTHA ANSLEY, M.ED., LPC, ADC
PEER INSTRUCTOR: ANNA MUSULMAN
OFFICE: 0176D RBD LIBRARY
OFFICE HOURS:WEDNESDAYS 3:00PM - 4:00PM
PHONE: 334.844.5972
EMAIL: SDA@AUBURN.EDU

SYLLABUS | FALL 2019

 UNIV 1150: UNLOCKING YOUR CREATIVITY INSTRUCTOR: SAMANTHA ANSLEY

WHAT TO
KNOW

BE YOU
GUARD YOUR ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Auburn University expects students to pursue their academic work with
honesty and integrity. The Academic Honesty Code is available in the
Student Policy eHandbook (www.auburn.edu/studentpolicies) and
contains a list of those actions that are considered cheating and the
AND INTELLECTUAL possible consequences. Violations of the Academic Honesty Code will
not be tolerated in this course.
CREDIBILITY

HONOR YOUR OWN NEEDS ACCOMODATIONS

Students with accommodations are encouraged to use them as
needed. Electronically submit your approved accommodations through
AU Access and to arrange a meeting during office hours the first week
of classes, or as soon as possible if accommodations are needed
immediately. If you have a conflict with my office hours, an alternate
time can be arranged if you email me preferred days/times
(sda@auburn.edu). If you have not established accommodations
through Accessibility, but need accommodations, make an
appointment with the Office of Accessibility, 1228 Haley Center, 844-
2096 (V/TT).

BE PREPARED
SET YOUR EXPECTATIONS, GATHER YOUR MATERIALS , AND JUMP ABOARD

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Unlocking Your Creativity is a seminar course focused on developing student’s creative thinking. By approaching
concepts and problems through this lens students are better prepared to address complex dilemmas and issues
within their major, field of study, and future profession. Students will explore the concept of creativity, idea
formation, and the creative process while developing skills to think critically, maintain motivation, and deliver a
creative work. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of academic strategies, professional development, and
cultivation of beneficial lifelong habits. As a Success Strategies course there will be a general orientation to the
functions, support services, and resources of Auburn University. Application of study strategies as they relate to the
content areas will be practiced.
 UNIV 1150: UNLOCKING YOUR CREATIVITY INSTRUCTOR: SAMANTHA ANSLEY
2019 SUMMER FESTIVAL

CHART YOUR
COURSE
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Will examine common transitional issues and assess their impact on daily life.
• Will demonstrate critical thinking skills surrounding the topic of creativity and innovative thinking through a variety of
assignments involving reading, writing, and speaking.
• Will demonstrate understanding of the learning process and the role it plays throughout the lifespan.
• Will examine issues that influence the learning process such as goal setting, motivation, and personal attitude.
• Will actively explore major and career interests.
• Will investigate selected curriculum and identify opportunities for academic and professional enrichment with the
assistance of an academic advisor.
• Will demonstrate knowledge of student services and academic resources.
• Will demonstrate application of academic and study strategies discussed in class.
• Will demonstrate knowledge of academic policies and procedures.
• Will examine cultural differences and diversity among people, with emphasis on cross-cultural interaction and its
impact on issues of creativity and innovative thinking.
• Will develop personal competencies with regard to living independently.
• Will demonstrate understanding of basic wellness principles.
• Will demonstrate awareness of the effects of decisions with respect to the topic of creativity and innovative thinking.

COURSE TEXTS AND MATERIALS

• Gore, P. A., Leuwerke, W., & Metz, A. J. (2019). Connections: Empowering your success at Auburn (2nd ed.). Plymouth,
MI: Macmillan. (**DO NOT PURCHASE THIS BOOK. An e-Book will be provided to you via Canvas, and the charge will
appear on your e-Bill on or after the 16th class day.**)
• 2019-2020 Auburn University Bulletin (www.auburn.edu/bulletin)
• Planner/Calendar

ATTENDANCE
As we are all aboard this journey together, no person should be left behind and all will be treated with respect and
honesty. There may be times as we travel together when we agree and others when we do not, and we will find
ways to talk through all these situations. The following information confirms this philosophy.

Attendance: Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class period. You are expected to attend all classes,
except in the case of a University-approved excused absence (see the Student Policy eHandbook:
www.auburn.edu/studentpolicies). For any absence, you are responsible for following up on any missed work
and/or getting notes from a peer.

Absences: In the case of an expected absence, give advance notice to the instructor as soon as possible. Except in
the case of a University-excused absence, it is the instructor’s decision to consider an absence excused or
unexcused. In the case of a University-excused absence, all assignments will be due at the beginning of the next
class attended. One unexcused absence will be allowed. Each additional unexcused absence may result in a letter
grade reduction (from the final grade) per absence.
 UNIV 1150: UNLOCKING YOUR CREATIVITY INSTRUCTOR: SAMANTHA ANSLEY

ATTENDANCE
Tardiness: Each instance of tardiness may count as one-half of an unexcused absence. More than one unexcused
absence may result in a letter grade reduction (from the final grade) per absence.
 
Participation: Students are expected to have read or submitted any assignment due for class that day and be
prepared to discuss and/or engage in activities related to the topics. Everyone is expected to maintain an open mind
and be respectful. Equity is foundational to this course. There is no sleeping, texting, or using computers for anything
other than notes or classwork.
 
Late Assignments, Make-Up Assignments, and Quizzes: Late work will be evaluated according to the policies
established in this syllabus for the particular assignment. Arrangements for make-up assignments and quizzes must
be made in advance unless due to emergency, and will be subject to the policies as outlined in the Student Policy
eHandbook (www.auburn.edu/studentpolicies) and this syllabus. No make-up work will be accepted for unexcused
absences or to improve your grade.
READ THIS: If you experience Canvas issues, the completed assignment(s) must be attached in an email sent to the
Instructor along with a screenshot of the problem before the due date/time. 
*BEWARE THE FINE PRINT*

BE ENGAGED
YOU WILL GET OUT OF THIS
JOURNEY WHATEVER YOU ARE
WILLING TO PUT INTO IT
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Submitting each assignment allows you to level up. To succeed in the
subsequent levels, be an engaged student and submit your best work. I
hope by the end of this semester these behaviors will become habits
that will carry you through to victory.
These are the course required activities:
• Readings as assigned
• e-Journals (Canvas)
• ACES Initial & Progress Reports
• Learning Curve Quizzes
• FOCUS Career Inventory and Reflection Assignment
• Career Center Presentation Attendance
• Next Steps Career Assignment
• Academic Advisor Session and Reflection Assignment
• One-on-One Instructor Meeting
• Group Presentation
• Creative Design Project Draft
• Creative Design Project
 UNIV 1150: UNLOCKING YOUR CREATIVITY INSTRUCTOR: SAMANTHA ANSLEY

TRAVEL FAR
BE AWARE
EACH ACTIVITY IS A TREASURE
TROVE TO BE DISCOVERED. LOOT
AS DESIRED. GRADING POLICIES
Activities and assignments have different point values and will count
toward your grade in varying degrees. 

Activity Points Each % of Final Grade Final Grade Scoring

e-Journal Entries
ACES Initial, Progress, C&C Reports
FOCUS Career Inventory/Reflection
In class quizzes
Next Steps Career Assignment
Acad. Advisor Session/Reflection
Learning Curve Quiz
One-on-One Instructor Meeting
Group Presentation
Creative Design Project Draft
Creative Design Project
4 entries @ 50 pts. each  20 (of 1000 possible points)
3 reports @ 10-20 pts. each 4 A 900+ points
60 pts. 6 B 800-899 points
4 quizzes @ 25 pts. each. 10 C 700-799 points
80 pts. 8 D 600-699 points
80 pts.  8 F 599 or fewer points
40 pts. 4
50 pts.  5
80 pts.  8
70 pts.  7
200 pts. 20

BE WISE
BE THOROUGH AND THOUGHTFUL
AS YOU COMPLETE EACH ACTIVITY. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTIONS
Each activity, or assignment, has important elements. The key to success
is being thorough and thoughtful in completing them. The course
deadlines map out when each activity is due. Further details on Canvas.

E-JOURNAL ENTRIES
Expectations: Complete 4 (FOUR) e-Journal entries. These are opportunities for students to explore concepts openly and
honestly. There are no specific formatting requirements and creativity is encouraged. Should you choose to quote or
borrow from other sources, please note that it will not count toward the required word count and you will need to cite the
source appropriately.
READ THIS: Thoughtful effort toward the topic is what matters most.
 UNIV 1150: UNLOCKING YOUR CREATIVITY INSTRUCTOR: SAMANTHA ANSLEY

E-JOURNAL ENTRIES
Requirements: Each entry must be submitted BEFORE class (10:00am) on respective due date. E-Journal submissions are
to be submitted online in Canvas, and are time-stamped upon receipt. Each submission must over 400 of your own words
in length, and must fully address the assigned topic and/or question(s). Recognizing this is a professional submission,
please know that entries with inappropriate or offensive content or language will be issued a warning for a first offense and
subsequent offenses will result in a grade of 0 (zero). Any extraneous information (e.g. name, course, date, assignment,
repetition of prompt(s), etc.) will not be included for the purposes of word count.

IN CLASS QUIZZES
Chapter quizzes will be given in class for Chapter 2, 4, 9, and 11. Each quiz is worth 25 points and will include 5 questions,
such as True/False, multiple choice, and/or short answer. These quizzes will be given within the first 5 minutes of class. If
you are late to class without an excused reason, then you will not be given additional time. See Canvas for further
information on the dates of each quiz.  

ONE-ON-ONE MEETING
You are required to schedule and attend a 30 minute meeting with the instructor. This is a time to talk through what you
want to accomplish as a student, any academic questions you may have, and get to know your Instructor. Using Academic
Professionalism, email the instructor with your available days/times to set this up. If you do not show up for your
scheduled time, there will be a deduction of points. More than one cancellation may also lead to a deduction of points.
This must be completed by November 6th.

CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION-GROUP PROJECT

Working in a small groups, you will present (4 – 6 minutes) to the rest of the class about a creative work from a chosen
field as long as it is relevant to the course and/or higher education. Students are encouraged to explore what made this
work important for society, how the work was developed, and what can be learned from it. Groups are encouraged to be
creative in their presentation of the information. More specific instructions available on Canvas.

CREATIVITY DESIGN PROJECT

The submission of a creative design work of your design. This is an opportunity to explore one’s own creative thinking
process and generation of original work. Following your chosen process of creativity, explore your major/field/dream of
and develop a final product. To assist you in developing strong habits, a draft of your work will be due. You will receive
feedback to further refine your final project. Students will bring the final version of their Design Project to the last day of
class, December 4th, to share what they created. More specific instructions available on Canvas.

LEARNING CURVE QUIZ

One (1) Learning Curve Quiz will be given in this class and will be administered on Canvas through your e-book. The quiz
focus on chapter readings from "Connections: Empowering Your Success at Auburn".
READ THIS: It is to your great advantage to make sure that you read the chapter first, as the quizzes are adaptive and can
be completed in a faster if the you have adequately prepared.

EXTRA CREDIT
One opportunity for extra credit exists in this course. You will receive 1 (one) percentage point of credit toward your final
grade. This is due via email to sda@auburn.edu by no later than the last day of class, December 4th. More specific
instructions available on Canvas.
UNIV 1150: UNLOCKING YOUR CREATIVITY INSTRUCTOR: SAMANTHA ANSLEY

COURSE SCHEDULE
10AM - 10:50AM WEDNESDAYS RBD LIBRARY 0176B