This guidebook holds the readings for FYE 100. Your course in Blackboard tells you what's due and when. This is where you read, think, and get ready. New to the book? Start with How to Use This Book.
Contents
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Module 1: Your Pathfinder Journey Begins
What's inside Module 1
Get oriented, set up your tools, and start thinking about why you're here and where you want to go.
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Module 2: Building Your Support System
What's inside Module 2
Map the people and resources around you, meet your Success Coach, and practice asking for help.
- 2.1Skill Spotlight: Interpersonal Relations
- 2.2Who's Your Success Coach?
- 2.3Help-Seeking as a Strength
- 2.4Professional Communication & Email Etiquette
- Trail TipSet Up Your Digital Presence
- Trail TipSetting Up Your Merit Page
- Trail TipWhat's Actually Happening in That AI Chat?
- Mile MarkerMile Marker #2: My Support Team
- Wrap UpModule 2 Wrap Up
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Module 3: My Time Plan — Managing Time & Energy
What's inside Module 3
Track where your time actually goes, build a realistic weekly schedule, and manage your energy, not just your hours.
- Trail ToolWhere My Time Goes
- Trail ToolMy Week at a Glance
- 3.1Skill Spotlight: Professionalism
- 3.2Map Your Week
- 3.3Run the Day (Don't Let It Run You)
- 3.4The Multitasking Myth
- 3.5The Five Batteries: Running Low vs. Running Out
- 3.6Your Brain, Your Way
- Mile MarkerMile Marker #3: Managing My Time & Energy
- Wrap UpModule 3 Wrap Up
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Module 4: Your Academic Toolkit
What's inside Module 4
Study strategies grounded in how memory actually works, the SIFT method for evaluating information, and the tools you already have through Office 365.
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Module 5: Financial Planning with Purpose
What's inside Module 5
Build a zero-based budget, look honestly at your spending patterns, and explore what financial wellness means for your overall wellbeing.
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Module 6: Map Your Path — Academic Planning
What's inside Module 6
Explore your interests, learn the difference between certificates, diplomas, and degrees, and prepare the questions you'll bring to your Success Coach.
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Module 7: Knowing Your Strengths & Values
What's inside Module 7
Discover your top strengths and personal values, and connect them to your academic habits and career direction.
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Module 8: Explore Your Career Options
What's inside Module 8
Research one career in depth, then honestly evaluate whether it fits your strengths, values, work style, and life.
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Module 9: Think It Through — Critical Thinking + STAR(T) Introduction
What's inside Module 9
Build your critical thinking toolkit with the 4C Check, and meet the STAR(T) framework for telling your story.
- Trail Tool4C Check
- 9.1Skill Spotlight: Critical & Creative Thinking
- 9.2What Is Critical Thinking, Really?
- 9.3Spotting Assumptions, Biases & Thought Traps
- 9.4The 4C Check: A Simple Tool for Better Decisions
- 9.5Think It Through: Using Critical Thinking to Build Your STAR(T) Story
- Mile MarkerMile Marker #9: Think It Through
- Wrap UpModule 9 Wrap Up
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Module 10: Team Up — Collaboration & People Skills
What's inside Module 10
Explore how you work with others, name your collaboration strengths and challenges, and figure out what you need from a team.
- Trail ToolCollaboration Snapshot
- 10.1Skill Spotlight: Collaboration & Teamwork
- 10.2Who Are You in a Group?
- 10.3Exploring Your Personality Type
- 10.4Strengths & Struggles in Collaboration
- 10.5Collaborative Strategies That Actually Work
- Trail TipDivide & Conquer, AI-Style
- Mile MarkerMile Marker #10: My Collaboration Profile
- Wrap UpModule 10 Wrap Up
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Module 11: Making an Impact — Community, Values & Your Pathfinder Journey
What's inside Module 11
See how communities work, connect your strengths and values to how you want to show up in them, and choose your four STAR(T) Stories.
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Module 12: Reflecting Back, Moving Forward
What's inside Module 12
Look back at how far you've come, finish and submit your STAR(T) Stories, and decide what you're taking with you.
Guides
Reference guides you'll use across the whole course. The Instructor Guide is for faculty and course reviewers.
Merit GuideEverything you need for your three Merit activities: setting up your page, finding an activity, what proof to include, and writing your reflection.
STAR(T) Stories GuideYour capstone: four true stories that show four Essential Skills. The framework, how to find your stories, how to record them, and a practice guide for each.
Instructor GuideFor FYE 100 instructors and reviewers: how the book works, the course map, and how the course aligns to the 10 Essential Skills, AI literacy, and Appreciative Advising.