Since its inception, Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP) has been instrumental in fostering diversity at the University of Michigan. In this 1-credit course, students have an opportunity to learn the history behind the development of this program. We look at the movements that lead to the creation of this program, and how the mission has evolved over time. We examine how the definition of success has changed, and how CSP has changed with it. We look at transition from high school to the University of Michigan, identity development, self-authorship, and social justice. We address factors, both cognitive, and non-cognitive, that impact success, such as time management, study skills, and stereotype threat, and look at ways to improve student learning outcomes. We explore how the definition of diversity has expanded beyond race over the years, and how CSP uses research based success strategies to work with today's diverse population. It is our hope that students will leave this course having a firm understanding of how CSP supports the University of Michigan's mission, and how CSP as a Michigan Learning Community fosters engagement with the program and the University.

Class Format:

This seminar for the first-year cohort of the Kessler Scholars Program is designed to help students build a path to success at the University of Michigan through exploration of the vast opportunities and resources that exist at U-M. Completion of this course also affiliates students with the Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP), a program that has been instrumental in fostering inclusion and success at Michigan for more than five decades. This course will meet in-person in fall 2020. Remote access will be available each week for any student not able to be on campus. All aspects of the class will shift to remote formats after November 20. Weekly class sessions will require synchronous participation on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. This class does not include in-person exams. Students in this course are evaluated on a three-part course project that is completed outside of class and submitted through Canvas. Course evaluation also is based on student discussion structured through Canvas.