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Welcome to the Student Development Program at Palo Alto College

Introduction
The Alamo Colleges require all students to complete a student development course designed to help them successfully transition to college and better understand the Alamo Colleges’ expectations. Student Development Program (SDEV) courses offer techniques in life-long learning, creative and critical thinking, time management, test and note taking, studying, career planning, and building lasting relationships. Students who complete SDEV courses have a proven record of higher retention and persistence in college. A variety of SDEV courses are offered to fit specific student needs.

Entering students with fewer than fifteen (15) college semester credit hours are required to successfully complete a Student Development course during the first (1) semester of enrollment. Dual Credit hours are not counted as college credit hours for this purpose. Exceptions or waivers require approval. Regular tuition applies to Student Development courses.

Students who do not successfully complete the Student Development course during the first (1) semester will be required to complete the course the following semester. Three-peat tuition will apply on a third (3) enrollment.

 
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT COURSES

SDEV 0170 COLLEGE SUCCESS

This course is for the new student transitioning to college. Course topics include, but are not limited to: college resources, time management, note-taking, degree plans and transfer strategies, campus culture, career exploration, and college policies and procedures. Familiarization with these topics contributes to students’ personal and academic success.

SDEV 0171 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
Prerequisites: SDEV 0170 or SDEV 0370
This course is designed for the academically at-risk student needing to improve skills for academic success. Topics covered in this course include, but are not limited to: time / priority management, study techniques, motivation, goal setting and decision making, critical thinking skills, learning styles, stress management, career planning, and interpersonal skills. Required of students placed on Academic Dismissal, Permanent Academic Dismissal and / or Financial Aid Suspension. Recommended for students on Continued Academic Probation.

SDEV 0172 CAREER AND LIFE PLANNING
Prerequisites: SDEV 0170 or SDEV 0370
This course is designed to assist students in establishing academic and career goals and will guide them through the goal setting / decision making process necessary to explore college majors and career paths. Recommended for students who are undecided about their majors, or who are placed on Academic or Progress Probation.

SDEV 0173 - COLLEGE STUDY SKILLS

Prerequisites: SDEV 0170 or SDEV 0370
This course focuses on both life skills and study skills needed to be a successful college student. Content includes personal learning style, academic issues that create difficulty, life management, campus resources, critical thinking skills, and time management. Recommended for students who are placed on Academic or Progress Probation or who want to develop better study skills.

SDEV 0370 FOUNDATIONS FOR COLLEGE LEARNING

This is a first-year seminar course designed to support the transition of students into their college experience. Students acquire a clearer understanding of college requirements, campus culture and resources. They will explore career paths, examine personal motivation and develop study skills common to successful college students. SDEV 0370 will meet the requirement for SDEV 0170. Required of students having fewer than 15, except dual credit, college level credit hours and needing course work in multiple developmental areas based on entrance test scores.