The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Getting Started

Welcome to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (SLSS 1200)

SLSS 1200 is designed to help students learn, teach, and implement The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey. It introduces foundational principles that increase personal effectiveness by focusing on time-proven principles of character (what a person is) and competence (what a person does).

This class is about understanding and applying personal leadership in your life. It is about taking control of your life and finding a direction for yourself. As primary course objectives, we will focus on applying the concepts in the habits in our everyday lives in an effort to achieve a high level of effectiveness—socially, spiritually, physically, and intellectually.

How this Course Works

Connection to UVU educational mission

As a general elective, SLSS 1200 provides a meaningful, academic contribution to UVU students—
whether they are an entering first-year or a graduating senior. This course helps to leverage UVU’s
mission by exploring diversity, promoting a high level of student success and engagement, and
encouraging global and community citizenship through the application of the course’s concepts.

The 7 Habits class is also an integral part of the Leadership Certificate, offered through the Center for
the Advancement of Leadership (CAL). Students completing SLSS 1200 fulfill a major requirement in this
program. The 7 Habits curriculum is internationally acclaimed and commended as a premier leadership
program. Although SLSS 1200 is academically and theoretically grounded, in contrast to a corporate
workshop, future employers recognize and value this learning component of a student’s portfolio.

Finally, it is important to note that research is suggesting in many cases, that universities need to
do a better job at transformational types of learning. Instrumental learning (learning that is geared
to provide a lot of information) is often the focus instead of transformative learning (learning that
is geared towards critical thinking and application in real life). The 7 Habits course is an example of
transformative learning, whereby students who engage and apply the material are able to retain their
learning, make meaningful applications in the various roles in their life, and help to provide a foundation
of life-long learning for their futures.

Brock (2010); Glisczinski (2007); Taylor (2003); Pfeffer & Fong (2001)

Navigating Weekly Lessons

Each week comprises a unique and self-contained lesson with specific tasks and weekly objectives.
Each week’s lesson contains a definitive sequence such that each module builds upon the previous one.
Therefore, it is important that students follow the sequence of modules to ensure optimum learning.

Typically, a week’s lesson will include up to three separate discussions, one to two video clips featuring
Dr. Stephen R Covey, a short PowerPoint, a supplemental reading, and end with a learning journal.
There will be some variation from week to week. Discussions follow strict posting deadlines.

A 7 day week will follow a Monday to Sunday format (i.e. Monday is considered Day 1 of a week’s
lesson; Sunday is considered Day 7). Discussions follow strict posting deadlines.

Students are expected to actively engage in the course discussions.

UVU--Franklin Covey Connection

UVU’s Department of Student Leadership and Success Studies collaborates with Franklin Covey through a unique client-partner agreement. Instructors teaching the 7 Habits course are trained through Franklin Covey to teach Dr. Covey’s licensed material. This licensed material equates to intellectual property. The course fee you paid equates to the intellectual property payment to Franklin Covey for the use of Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s work.

 

First Week Success Tips

Remember that online courses follow an academic calendar and have due dates throughout the semester. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the course schedule through the link that is located on the left navigation of this course. You will also want to get to know your professor. Access their information on the launch page of your course and pay particular attention to their contact information and student responsibilities statements.

It is also important that you work your way through the course orientation module, which is the first module of the course. This module will give you information on texts needed for class, as well as assignment descriptions and procedures you will need to follow to turn in assignments for grading. It’s also a good idea to start the first lesson as soon as possible and figure out when your first assignments are due.

The following are additional tips for the first week of class:

  1. Determine if you are in over your head. Do not blemish your record with an "E" or a "UW." Orient yourself to the course materials and schedule during the first few days of the course. Check out the information in the UVU Policies & Services tab regarding student support and the withdrawal deadlines.
  2. Buy any required materials early. If your online course requires textbooks or other materials, buy them BEFORE class starts so you won't fall behind on your assignments. Pay attention to shipping times so that you’re not stuck without a book. You can even buy your materials online at: UVU Bookstore
  3. Acquaint yourself with the class structure. Each online course has its own structure. Click around - make sure you can access all of the necessary online class components.
  4. Record tests and assignments on your calendar. Don't expect your online class professor to give you regular reminders. As soon as you review the schedule, record all of the assignments, tests, essays, and projects on your personal calendar.
  5. Check your computer. Check the required materials section of the course orientation module for software or hardware you will need. You may need to install programs in order to access some course components.
  6. Introduce yourself to the instructor. Your instructor may never get to know you unless you take the initiative. Most courses include an introductory exercise asking you to introduce yourself to the class. If not, then you might consider introducing yourself to the instructor in a Canvas email.
  7. Participate. Sometimes it's difficult to jump in and participate in online class discussions. But, don't hesitate - you'll end up with a better grasp of the material.
  8. Get a head start on the assigned work. Don’t expect the instructor to be available 24/7. Sending an 11:57 PM e-mail about an exam that closes at midnight is not a successful strategy. You can prevent this by jumpstarting your online course - begin upcoming assignments and papers during your first week.
  9. Establish a regular study time. Set a regular time to study, and stick to it! For more hints, visit: http://distancelearn.about.com/od/managingyourwork/a/familyandschool.htm.
  10. Look for study partners. Other students can help you study, answer your questions, and remind you of any upcoming deadlines. And sometimes, it's nice to just chat with someone who knows exactly what you're going through.

If you are new to the online environment and would like tips for online success, view the information and resources located in the “How to Succeed Online” tab on the left hand navigation in Canvas.

If you are new to Canvas and need help learning this learning management system, take a look at the Getting Started in Canvas webpage or download the Canvas Student Quick Start Guide.

-- To get started in the course, click the "modules" button on the left and read through the course information materials at the top of the page. Or, click on "home" to return to the home page.