UGS 110 First-Year Seminar: Maximize Ability and Resiliency at MSU
Since fall 2018, a first-year seminar titled Maximize Ability and Resiliency at MSU has been offered by Team RCPD as a special 11-week UGS 110 course. In this first-year seminar, students will begin to draw upon the creativity and commitment of the MSU community to maximize their abilities and develop strategies and techniques for addressing their disabilities. In the context of a small, interactive class, students will explore ways to build resiliency, establish and maintain healthy habits, expand their connections to the MSU community, and identify resources and support systems they will use to succeed at MSU and beyond. The transition from high school to college can be challenging and intimidating, which causes many students to overlook the abilities they possess.
Course Topics Include:
- Nutritional Wellness
- Financial & Career Planning
- Emotional Wellness
- Academic Success Strategies
UGS 110 is a great way to make new friends and build connections to the MSU community!
How do I enroll in UGS 110?
UGS 110 courses are offered every year in the fall semester. Search for UGS 110 on the MSU Student Information System website to learn more or enroll. You can also talk with your RCPD specialist or academic advisor.
Freshman Peer Wellness Mentor Program
The peer wellness mentor program supports first-year MSU undergraduate students, providing the tools needed to develop resiliency, establish and maintain healthy habits, and expand connections to the MSU community. The program aids students in identifying resources and support systems they will use to succeed at MSU and beyond. It fosters physical and emotional wellness and provides a positive and supportive experience.
Peer wellness mentors will hold short workshops and programs throughout each semester focused on health and wellness, resiliency, and academic success. Topics may include:
- Physical/Emotional Wellness
- Occupational Wellness
- Academic Wellness
- Connecting with campus resources and referrals
- Getting involved in Registered Student Organizations
- Financial Wellness
Peer wellness mentors are current RCPD students and receive training on coaching their peers through many of the same challenges they have faced. They will serve as guides, listeners, and motivational partners and are trained to talk with their peers about the six dimensions of wellness. Additionally, peer wellness mentors are knowledgeable about college and university resources and systems. They work under the supervision of RCPD Ability Access Specialists.
If you are a freshman registered with RCPD, you will be automatically enrolled in the D2L community site for peer wellness mentoring! Check your D2L homepage for this opportunity.
BOND Program - Opportunities for First-Year Students
Building Opportunities for Networking and Discovery (BOND) offers structured opportunities for social and communication development for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other similar diagnoses. BOND welcomes students of all levels to join the program, but has offerings specific for first-year students:
Freshman/Transfer Transitions Program: students participating in this program get a jump start to their time at MSU! Students move onto campus a few days early to participate in specialized transition programming, get acclimated to campus, and meet new people. Programming includes introductions to RCPD staff and fellow students, learning to navigate campus, introductions to campus and community resources, and more.
The BOND Freshman Seminar begins shortly after students arrive to MSU for their freshman year. The seminar meets weekly for 90 minutes and gives students a combination of instruction and hands-on experiences. Focuses include mental health, communication, independent living, and executive functioning. Learning about and implementing effective goal setting helps students solidify healthy academic, social, and self-care habits for their future at MSU.