Most students take UNIV 401 GLD for the opportunity to reflect with fellow students and receive weekly guidance.  Students in UNIV 401 have highest ePortfolio success rate of over 90% compared to Structured or Independent students. 

Students in UNIV 401 GLD complete the ePortfolio according to their instructors deadline.  All sections of UNIV 401 GLD typically:

• Meet for 1 hour and 15 minutes per week
• Schedule one individual meeting between the student and instructor
• Assign weekly writing exercises which will evolve into the content of their ePortfolio
• Provide writing feedback from their instructor and peers
• Provide opportunities for practice presentations to the class and their instructor

To register for UNIV 401 all students must:

1. Complete at least 75% of the GLD experience requirements.
2. Have an active GLD Application. An automated process blocks registration for students without an application in the system.
3. Be classified as a Senior having completed 90+ credit hours.
4. Ensure that you are registering for UNIV 401 for GLD. Pay careful attention to other section types (non-GLD) and modalities (in-person, online, 8-week).

UNIV 401 sections do not allow students to enroll or audit the course after the Drop/Add period.

Online UNIV 401

Students must complete this form to enroll in online sections of UNIV 401.  We do not offer overrides for full sections of UNIV 401 for GLD.

Please contact Matt Childs if you have any questions about online sections of UNIV 401.

Students who, after receiving initial feedback, realize that more time/work is required than they anticipated can choose to begin a later timeline. UNIV 401 students must withdraw before the drop/add date specified by the Registrar.  Students that complete UNIV 401, but do not earn a passing ePortfolio score, and wish to continue work on their ePortfolio the following semester will receive a “hybrid support” method of CEIL support:

• One meeting with a GLD advisor
• One round of feedback on drafts

Structured advisement typically includes:

• Two small group meetings (overview and introduction to key insights; leadership)
• Drafts of key insights and leadership section submitted to advisor and reviewed with feedback through 1-2 in person meetings in combination with electronic feedback as appropriate
• Guidance and feedback on required presentation

 Available Timelines (students must attend small group meetings during their selected timeline):

• Fall 2023: September 5 - October 23
• Spring 2024: January 16 - March 11
• Summer 2024: May 7 - June 17

Structured advisement includes advisement with CIEL advisors, Faculty Fellows, and/or trained university staff partners.

Students who, after receiving initial feedback, realize that more time/work is required than they anticipated can choose to begin a later timeline. Students in the Structured Advisement process must withdraw by the week after the first key insight meetings. Students that complete Structured Advisement, but do not receive a passing ePortfolio score, and wish to continue work on their ePortfolio the following semester will receive a “hybrid support” method of CIEL support:

• One meeting with a GLD advisor
• One round of feedback on drafts

Completing the ePortfolio independently means that students use the resources on the GLD website, carefully attend to all messages from CIEL, and take advantage of advertised support opportunities.  Students need to be highly self-motivated and attentive to detail to successfully complete requirements in this way.  In addition to completing an introductory meeting and application workshop (as all students do), independent students:

• Study the ePortfolio Content Guide and GLD ePortfolio grading rubric as well as examples of GLD ePortfolios on the CIEL ePortfolio page
• Complete the ePortfolio over time by writing drafts of ePortfolio sections, self-evaluating using the rubric, and rewriting. Completing the ePortfolio is a process, not a one-time writing experience.
• Take advantage of opportunities for feedback by attending support events (e.g., Write Nite, open advisement sessions). Independent students may bring a writing sample for feedback to an open advisement session or seek support from the Peer Writing Lab and the Student Success Center.
• Seek out and use the resources from the Office of Undergraduate Research and the CIEL webpage to successfully complete a Discover USC presentation (or complete an alternative presentation).

Independent ePortfolio due dates:

• Fall 2023: October 23
• Spring 2024: March 11
• Summer 2024: June 17