SLS 1501 -  Honors Introduction to Academic Life

Course Description

SLS 1501 is a required course for all first-year University Honors Program (UHP) students and is designed to support a successful transition to college. The course equips students with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to achieve their academic and personal goals. Key topics include:

  • Understanding the nature and expectations of postsecondary education
  • Time management and organizational strategies
  • Effective study techniques and test-taking skills
  • Communication and collaboration skills
  • Academic integrity and use of library and research resources

In addition to academic preparation, the course emphasizes community-building and belonging. Through the UHP common hour, students connect with peers, participate in engaging discussions and activities, and receive mentoring from trained upper-division UHP Peer Academic Coaches. This support helps first-year students navigate college life, develop study strategies, and become involved in the Honors community.

UHP Common Read

Each year, the UHP Common Read provides a shared intellectual experience for all first-year Honors students. The current selection is titled Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. Each student enrolled in SLS 1501 receives a free copy of the book, made possible by the generosity of the Mrs. Esther Esquilín de Gosser Endowed Fund. The Common Read serves as a foundation for meaningful discussion, reflection, and connection across the program.

  Sample Syllabus

Meet the SLS 1501 Instructors

Dr. Jennifer Bebergal

Dr. Jennifer Bebergal

Associate Dean, Academic Support and Student Learning

College of Education

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Boca Raton Campus

Maryann Blane

University Honors Program Coordinator

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Boca Raton Campus | SU 80 Room 201

Dr. Dax Boatwright

Dr. Dax Boatwright

Assistant Director for Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution

Deans Office

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Boca Raton Campus

Katie Burke

Katie Burke

Assistant Vice President, Advancement and Alumni Affairs

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Boca Raton Campus

Dr. Kathleen Gardner

Kathleen Gardner

Executive Director, Housing and Residential Education

housing

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Boca Raton Campus

Dr. Rebecca Goldstein

Dr. Rebecca Goldstein

Director Assessment & Research

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Boca Raton Campus

Dr. Bryan Hursh

Bryan Hursh, Dr.

Program Coordinator, Undergraduate Research & Inquiry

Office of Undergraduate Research

Portrait of Dr. Debbi Johnson-Rais

Debbi Johnson-Rais, Ph.D.

Chief of Staff, Communications and Program Development

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Office of the Dean

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Boca Raton Campus

Kereisha Mash

Kereisha Mash

UHP Graduate Teaching Assistant

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Boca Raton Campus

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi

Comfort Olugbuyi, Dr.

Associate Director, Online Academic Support & Educational Technology

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Boca Raton Campus

Mary Downing Patterson

Mary Downing Patterson

Director, Honors and Scholars Advising

Heather Smith

Heather Smith

Assistant Director

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Boca Raton Campus

Dr. Jaeson Weber

Jaeson Weber, Dr.

Director, Emergency Management

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Boca Raton Campus

Angella Wint

Angella Wint

University Ombudsman

Administrative Affairs

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Boca Raton Campus

Undergraduate Admissions

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Address

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777 Glades Road - SU80
P.O. Box 3091
Boca Raton, FL 33431

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