Contact Information
- Division
- Student Services
- Dean
- Jennifer Alt
- Division Office
- L 102, Rocklin Campus
Overview
The department of Personal Development is the instructional component of the College’s counseling services. Courses provide a broad foundation in academic, career and personal success strategies to help students achieve their goals and participate as productive members of our society. Opportunities for practical application serve to build knowledge and skills in key areas such as planning and goal setting, decision-making, cultural competency, personal responsibility, self-awareness, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and communication. The objective of Personal Development is to promote student success by strengthening essential academic, career and life skills.
Faculty
Cheryl L. Axton
Professor, Counseling
B.A., Sonoma State University
M.A., Chapman University
Ruth N. Flores
Professor, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services/CalWORKs Counseling
B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.S., California State University, Sacramento
Jennifer A. Hurst-Crabb
Professor, Counseling
B.A., Sonoma State University
M.A., John F. Kennedy University
Mark Kwoka
Professor, Disabled Student Programs and Services Counseling
B.S., Oregon State University
M.S., California State University, Sacramento
Terri L. Maddux
Professor, Counseling
B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., Chapman University
Karin McGuire
Assistant Professor, CalWORKs Counseling
A.A., American River College
B.S., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., Chapman University
Catherine J. Morris
Professor, Counseling
B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento
Christopher Old
Assistant Professor, Counseling
B.A., College of William and Mary
M.A., University of Virginia
Brook Oliver
Professor, Counseling
B.A., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
M.S., California State University, Hayward
Reyes R. Ortega
Professor, Counseling
B.A., San Jose State University
M.A., San Jose State University
M.A., San Jose State University
Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno
Kara J. Perry
Assistant Professor, TRiO Counseling
B.A., University of California, Davis
M.S., California State University, Sacramento
Blake E. Rood
Assistant Professor, Counseling
A.A., Monterey Peninsula College
B.A., University of Washington
M.S., California State University, Sacramento
Tonya N. Times
Assistant Professor, Counseling
B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.S., California State University, Sacramento
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
PDEV 0001. College and Life Success
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Strategies for creating success in college, life and career. Apply psychological, social, and physiological principles to success. Explore personality, interests, and values to increase self-understanding and select an appropriate major and career. Examine adult stages of development and discover strategies for lifelong learning. Apply psychological principles of learning and strengthen academic study strategies such as note taking, memorizing and test taking skills. Apply life management techniques to accomplish goals. Develop a plan for wellness and living a long and healthy life. Learn strategies for motivation and stress management. Practice creative and critical thinking techniques, problem-solving, and decision-making. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)
PDEV 0006. Career Planning
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Individual assessments of personality, interests, values, and skills to help identify appropriate careers and college majors. Occupational research, research on educational requirements, goal setting, decision-making, and job search strategies; including resume writing and interviewing. (CSU)
PDEV 0008. Introduction to College
Units: 0.5-2
Hours: 9 lecture per .5 unit
Introduction to higher education, the college catalog, college terms, degree/certificate requirements, student resources, student success practices, steps to choosing a major and overview of the transfer process to four year colleges/universities. Students formulate an educational plan to increase success in reaching educational goals. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)
PDEV 0009. Assertiveness Training
Unit: 1
Hours: 18 lecture
Step by step strategies for becoming more assertive, rather than passive or aggressive. Learn verbal and nonverbal skills for communicating with people more authentically, effectively and fairly. Examines cultural and social differences in assertive communication. (CSU)
PDEV 0012. Peer Mentor Training
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Experiential introduction to the method and process of being a skilled helper in academic peer support programs. Emphasis on communication skills, relationship development, knowledge of higher education, college policies and resources with the goal of promoting the academic and psychosocial factors that contribute to college and life success. (CSU)
PDEV 0021. Career Exploration through Self Assessment
Units: 0.5-1
Hours: 15 (3 lecture, 12 activity) per .5 unit
Introduction to the career decision making process using career assessment and educational planning tools. Includes self assessment of personality, values, interests and skills; analysis and exploration of course of study and career options; development of a career action plan; and creation of a student educational plan. (CSU)
PDEV 0028. Independent Study
Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU)
PDEV 0052. Student Leadership Development
Units: 2
Hours: 36 lecture
Leadership in student government, campus clubs and non-academic contexts. Application of practical leadership skills on out-of-class projects; includes planning and running effective meetings, parliamentary procedure, group leadership and motivation techniques. (CSU)
PDEV 0070. Stress and Well Being
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
A review of the causes, effects and solutions for stress. Explores the relationship between the psychological and socio-cultural factors. Coping techniques include meditation, cognitive strategies and the practice of wellness. (CSU, UC)
PDEV 0094. Career Exploration Internship
Units: 0.5-4
Exposure to business/industry under the direction of a worksite supervisor, related to student's educational or occupational goals. Develops career awareness, experience and knowledge with a focus on job skills that enhance academic learning. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)
PDEV 0095. Internship in Personal Development/Human Services
Units: 0.5-4
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to each 60 hours of non-paid work, or each 75 hours of paid work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
- Demonstrate ability to access college and/or community resources to achieve goals.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving strategies to make academic, career and/or personal decisions.
- Demonstrate appreciation and understanding of the importance and influence of social and cultural diversity in academic, career, and/or life planning.
- Enhance self-awareness through self-assessment, applying theories of learning, communication, psychology and/or career development that are relevant to college and life success.
- Formulate academic, career and/or personal goals and create an action plan to achieve them.
