On Course

ON COURSE: STRATEGIES FOR CREATING SUCCESS IN COLLEGE AND IN LIFE presents a hands-on approach to learning essential life and study skills. Now in its 6th edition, ON COURSE is used as a book in user success courses, first-year experience programs, and inward-looking courses that promote user growth and self-awareness. ON COURSE demonstrates the choices that successful users make. A self-assessment tool at the beginning of the book helps users to identify behaviors and beliefs they may wish to change in order to achieve more of their potential in college and in life. Users have an opportunity to revisit their self-assessment at the conclusion of the book. Written in a positive, motivational style, ON COURSE empowers users with the tools they need to take charge of their success in college and in life. Downing�s distinctive guided journal entries help users develop essential life skills by encouraging exploration of personal responsibility, self-motivation, interdependence, and self-esteem. Extensive coverage of study skills�reading, note taking, memory and test taking�provided in the �Wise Choices in College� sections helps users excel in all of their college courses.

Skip Downing is an international consultant in the field of faculty development and student success strategies. Dr. Downing has earned degrees from Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Santa Monica, and Carnegie Mellon University. He holds advanced degrees in English and counseling psychology. He was professor of English at Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) for 32 years. In addition to his role as an academic instructor, Dr. Downing created and coordinated BCCC's Student Success and Learning Community Programs. These programs teach students how to apply proven success strategies to achieve their full potential in college and in life. The College Success Program resulted in a significant increase in both student academic success and retention. Dr. Downing has made numerous presentations at national conferences and conducted faculty development workshops at many two- and four-year colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the Virgin Islands. Dr. Downing's teaching, writing, and consulting are all guided by his belief that the greatest mission of any educational institution is to empower its students to live rich, fulfilling lives. Since 1996, he has facilitated the On Course Workshops, intensive four-day retreats for college educators focusing on proven strategies for helping students become active, responsible partners in their education and achieve greater success in college and in life.