GSS 1236 - Go Global! Orientation
GSS 1236 Go Global! is a six-week 4-credit online course that meets a General Studies requirement for all majors at Stockton. It runs from Thursday June 27 - Monday August 5, 2024 and is offered for free by invitation only.
The world is changing, and this course is designed to help you better understand those changes so that you can participate and help solve complex-problems as a globally competent citizen. We are excited to offer this innovative and rich curriculum to you and hope you can join us!
Our data also show that students who have enrolled in the course are more likely to graduate sooner than students who did not take the course. Go Global students are also more connected to the university and we think it's because of the ability to get a head start and connect with other students and faculty before your first fall semester begins. And, we think it's a great course! Check out the student testimonials and survey results below to hear directly from Go Global students.
We are thrilled that you're considering joining us!
For Questions about Registration, Please Contact Admissions at (609) 652-4261 or admissions@stockton.edu or Shawn Manuola in General Studies at Shawn.Manuola@stockton.edu.
For Questions about the Course, Please Contact Dr. Tina Zappile at Tina.Zappile@stockton.edu.
NOTE: If you already registered, confirmation of your registration will be sent out on or around May 15th. Please stay tuned!
Click on the image below to read more:
Student Feedback for Go Global
Go Global students are more engaged and graduate faster:
- 96% of our students from Summer of 2020 returned to campus in Spring 2021 compared to 91% of the general student population
- Already 13% of Go Global students from Summer of 2017 have graduated within 4 years compared to only 3% of the general student population
- The 4 Year Graduation rate (includes degrees earned by Summer 2020) for Go Global students from Summer of 2016 was 83%, compared to 62% for all students that entered at that time
- The first cohort in Summer of 2014 showed higher retention rates than other students until junior year, when many graduated early! 75% of Go Global students graduated within 4 years, and 85% graduated within 6 years.
Our students reported the following:
- 86% of students agreed that “Taking this course has made me feel like I belong at Stockton University.”
- 96% agreed that “Taking this course has made me think about ways I can expand my own global learning in the future.”
- 73% agreed that “Taking this course has increased my interest in study abroad (when available!), either for a semester or a faculty led study tour for 1-2 weeks at the end of a semester.”
- 81% agreed that “This course has improved how I feel about taking online classes at Stockton.”
Students also saw extensive growth in these 21st Century learning outcomes and skills:
- Global Awareness
- Deep thinking, both globally and personally, about issues
- Media literacy
- Interest and empathy for people from different backgrounds
- Productivity and accountability
- Understanding what it would feel like to be a person living in a different country
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Information literacy
- Development or crystallization of personal points of view and values on a wide variety of issues
- Motivation to help promote changes that improve people’s living conditions world wide
- Leadership and responsibility
- Communication and writing
Student Testimonials
This class has motivated me to not only learn more about global issues, but to partake in more community service jobs as well as hopefully do more volunteering directly with those affected by severe poverty in other countries.
I really enjoyed the class and I continue to discuss with family members all the events that could possible take place within the next 15-20 years. Thank you for offering this course to incoming freshman students. I would recommend this class to other students, but I would tell them to make sure that they are willing to put in… time and effort for a six week course.
I thought the (Global Challenges magazine articles) were an interesting way of applying our knowledge from the lessons. Going through high school, I am used to applying my knowledge with a test or a paper. These articles were a way to place ourselves in someone else's shoes through the issues we were learning about, while also adding an element of creativity to the assignments.
I enjoyed learning more about my country (that I was assigned to study in the course), as well as the rest of the world. I am not a very global person, and know very little about government and other countries; however, after this course I have really learned so much and I've been inspired to continue learning on my own even though the course is over.
It expanded my horizons. While I was vaguely aware of most of the things we learned during the course, It helped me gain a deeper understanding of issues the world faces today.
I'm glad I took this course because it provided me with the opportunity to experience what a real college course is like before going to college in the fall.
Getting Started in Summer 2023
1. Do I have to physically come to class or attend any virtual meetings on specific days or times? No! There are no scheduled live meets, however faculty will hold optional virtual office hours each week to check in.
2. Then how do we connect with other students and the professor? Everyone will be writing and publishing their work in a centrally located place, and there are interactive discussion groups for each global challenge.
3. Can I still take the course if I miss the first few days? Yes! We allow for a 3-5 day buffer for deadlines, in case you have any technical issues or other difficulties accessing the course.
4. Can I still take this course if I'm going to be away this summer? Yes! The course runs from the end of June to mid-August. The schedule in the syllabus provides daily due dates, however you can work ahead as much as you like. You may have to go back to complete outstanding work when you get back, however much of it can be done in advance. It usually works out.
5. What digital platforms are used in this course? All assignments are posted in the Learning Management System (LMS) called Blackboard. From there, you will launch to a separate platform called Argos that was developed in partnership with NASA, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. It is easy to use and engaging!
6. Do I need reliable internet? Yes! If you have plans to travel, please do not rely on hotel or public wifi unless you're certain it's high speed and reliable. Please see the first question for how to handle the times you cannot access internet.
7. Do I need a computer? Yes! You need a reliable way to access the internet and phones are not sufficient. We strongly recommend a desktop or laptop. Tablets are on a case-by-case basis, depending on their technical
8. What if I don't like the course after I already started? Please see the syllabus with the dates and instructions to drop or withdraw from this course. Basically, you should email your professor and request to drop the course before the deadline.
9. What if the class doesn't related to my major? All majors are related to this class! And all Stockton students are required to take General Studies courses, so this class meets a requirement for everyone. We encourage you to consider enrolling regardless of your major and career interests.
10. Is it really free? Yes! You will receive 4 credits towards the GSS requirement here at Stockton at no cost to you. General Studies requirements like this course cannot be taken anywhere else, so this is of great value to help you complete your graduation requirements ASAP.
11. What does this course cover? We are glad you asked! You can review the current syllabus below.
Review the syllabus with a schedule of due dates and assignments using the button below:
Join the Summer 2024 class with your cell number(s) and/or email in Remind101 to receive reminders before the class starts and important announcements during the class session
[a link will be made available for registered students only]
Your Portal information is provided with your Admissions packet. The video below provides an overview Stockton's GoPortal system and how to access for the first time:
Blackboard Learn is Stockton’s main learning management system (LMS). The link below will give you an overview of the system and explain how to login and access your course.
