SSP 0103 Basic Mathematics and Introductory Algebra (0 credits/non-degree, equivalent to 3 credits) Basic Math covers computational math skills and applications including arithmetic, introductory geometry, and introductory algebra. Placement into SSP 0103-Basic Mathematics and Introductory Algebra follows UMD’s Math Placement recommendation.
Students who are weak in mathematics often need support and encouragement to take SSP 0103 because they tend to avoid math. This, in turn, has an effect on their career choices. In-class support is given to help students overcome their math anxieties. The course is taught in small groups and provides a thorough progression from arithmetic to algebra, preparing students for Math 1005: College Algebra.
SSP 1000 – Introduction to College Learning (1 credit)
ICL helps facilitate the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Topics include UMD technology including the creation of the student’s electronic College Learning Portfolio, campus resources, adjustment to college life, relationships, academic planning and goal setting, registration issues and student involvement.
Enrollment is required for those in LSBE, SFA, and declared majors in CLA. However, ICL is beneficial to all first year UMD college students.
SSP 1054 – College Study Strategies (1 credit)
(Seven and one-half week course offered both the 1 st and 2 nd halves of the semester.)
Study Strategies helps students learn to manage their time, get the most out of their textbooks, take useful lecture notes, prepare for exams, and use the library for research.
Open to all students who want to improve their study habits. Study Strategies is especially useful for those with an ACT composite less than 19, or who have an ACT Reading score less than 18; also look for ACT discrepancies – some high, some low, or for differences between scores such as high ACT scores but a low high school GPA.
SSP 1052 – College Writing Strategies (2 credits)
College Writing Strategies provides an individualized approach to teaching the argumentative writing process including developing an individual writing process, organizing the argumentative paragraph and essay, developing research skills and some basic grammar.
Recommended for those with ACT English scores of 18 or less. Since the purpose of this course is to prepare students for College Writing (Writ 1120), students should enroll in this course the semester prior to taking Writ 1120.
SSP 1101 – Personal Development (2 credits)
Personal development provides an introduction to some of the components of the human personality and the relationship of the individual to the environment. The course primarily focuses on human relations, values, interpersonal skills and competencies, decision-making, and conflict resolution. It stresses the importance of self-concept and self-identity in terms of feeling successful, focuses on the development of the whole person, and looks at how students might use this self-knowledge in career development choices.
This course is for all students who want to learn more about themselves and others. People who are interested in psychology or other people-oriented professions would benefit from the applied focus of this course.