Start Here: Course Syllabus

Everything you need to know before you begin. Read this page first.

Welcome

Welcome to Alum's Declassified

▶ Lesson VideoWelcome Video

Hi, I'm so glad you're here. If you're a first-generation college student, this course was built for you, by someone who has been exactly where you are. I remember feeling completely lost during my first year, not knowing what questions to even ask, let alone who to ask them to.

This course walks you through seven modules covering the things that nobody hands you a manual for: how college actually works, where to find help on campus, how to read your financial aid award letter, how to take care of yourself outside the classroom, how to study in a way that actually works, how to start thinking about life after graduation, and how to take care of your mental health along the way.

You don't need to rush through this. Work at your own pace, take what's useful to you, and come back to anything that didn't click the first time. I built this so you would have what I wish I had: someone walking you through it step by step. Welcome to the course, and welcome to college. You belong here.

Course Syllabus

Full Course Syllabus

Download the syllabus before starting Module 1. It covers everything: course policies, pacing, how to submit work, and what proficient looks like.

Alum's Declassified Course SyllabusLessonDOCX

Course policies, pacing guide, submission instructions, and grading rubric.

↓ Download

How to Navigate This Course

  1. 1Start on the Home page. It shows all 7 modules in order.
  2. 2Click Start → on any module card to open that module.
  3. 3Each module has: learning objectives, instructional content, a learning activity, and an assessment.
  4. 4Complete the assessment at the end of each module before moving to the next.
  5. 5Use the ← Prev / Next → buttons at the bottom of each module to navigate.
  6. 6Need help? Visit the Tech Help page at any time.
Schedule

Module Overview & Suggested Pacing

No hard deadlines. Aim to finish before move-in week.

1
Week 1·College Expectations
Reflection Prompt

Syllabi, office hours, unwritten rules

2
Week 2·Campus Resources
Resource Map

Financial aid, tutoring, counseling, food pantry

3
Week 3·Financial Literacy
Budget Worksheet

FAFSA, loans vs. grants, budgeting, banking

4
Week 4·Essential Life Skills
Skills Checklist

Grocery shopping, laundry, health insurance, leases

5
Week 5·Academic Success
Study Plan

Note-taking, study schedules, imposter syndrome

6
Week 6·Career Preparation
Career Document

Resume, LinkedIn, networking, career fairs

7
Week 7·Emotional Resilience
Self-Care Plan

Homesickness, identity, mental health, belonging

Before You Begin

Introduce Yourself

Before you start Module 1, take a second to say hello. No pressure on length or format. Just tell me something true.

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