Three Mason Korea senior leaders are teaching course sections of UNIV 100: Introduction to Mason this spring semester. This course is designed to assist first-year students in their transition to college life at Mason by providing information on habits and strategies for student success and introducing them to the resources and opportunities available at Mason Korea.
These instructors know this subject well. Mason Korea Campus Dean Robert Matz and Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs Shannon Davis have between them nearly 50 years of experience teaching and working at Mason. Kelley Chung, Associate Dean of Admissions and Government Affairs, has likewise had a long career in US higher education, and for the last 5 years has presented Mason Korea to potential students. She is now helping the students she recruited to Mason Korea succeed here.
These leaders' choice to set aside time each week to prepare and teach this course aligns with Mason's commitment to putting students first. Incoming students are now learning directly from the university's senior leaders in a classroom setting, where they can ask questions and learn from the leaders' experiences in a more approachable environment.
The course covers a range of topics, including strategies for effective studying and intellectual engagement, resources for academic, personal, or career help, and ways to connect classroom work with life experiences outside of college.
"This course seeks to ensure that all first-year students have what they need to be successful at Mason Korea," said Campus Dean Robert Matz. "It's great to be teaching again and hear from the students as well. I hope students realize that they can be good students and also enjoy their college years."