CRWR-300-katie.forsythe-2026-09-27-01-38-54
Career Narrative and Professional Portfolio
CRWR 300
Spring 2027
1 Credit
Sophomore standing
Course Details
Day and Time: [tbd]
Meeting Location: [tbd]
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor Name: Katie Forsythe, MA
Instructor Contact Information: [Smith Center for Undergraduate Education (CUE) 502K, 509-335-2772, katie.forsythe@wsu.edu]
Instructor Office Hours: Mondays from 2:00-3:00 p.m.
TA Name: [tbd]
TA Contact Information: [office location, phone, email]: [tbd]
TA Office Hours: [tbd]
Course Description
CRWR 300 guides students in curating, evaluating, and articulating their academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular experiences at Washington State University through the development of a professional portfolio. Students will engage in reflective analysis of coursework, projects, employment, leadership, service, research, and other experiential learning opportunities to identify their knowledge, skills, and growth. Using the College of Arts and Sciences' Career-Ready, World-Ready Competencies as a framework, students will learn to translate their college experiences into evidence of their readiness to contribute to future employers, graduate programs, and other professional opportunities.
Course Materials
Books: [NA]
Other Materials: Portfolio tool account (no cost)
Fees: [NA]
|
Course Learning Outcomes (students will be able to:) |
Activities Supporting the Learning Outcomes | Assessment of the Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Student will assess and match your personal educational training, skills, interests, experience, and work values to potential careers. | WSU Courses and Experiences Self-Assessment paper; Preparing for the Job: Professional Plan for a Particular Job Opportunity assignment; Resume, Reference List, and Overview of Updates; Professional Portfolio | WSU Courses and Experiences Self-Assessment paper; Preparing for the Job: Professional Plan for a Particular Job Opportunity assignment; Resume, Reference List, and Overview of Updates; Professional Portfolio |
| Student will develop a professional portfolio of previous course assignments, collaborative projects, and experiential learning artifacts. |
WSU Courses and Experiences Self-Assessment paper; Ethical & Professional Engagement, Leadership, Self-Awareness & Growth Collection; Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Collection; AI Literacy, Digital & Tech Literacy, Social Complexity Collection; Professional Portfolio |
WSU Courses and Experiences Self-Assessment paper; Ethical & Professional Engagement, Leadership, Self-Awareness & Growth Collection; Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Collection; AI Literacy, Digital & Tech Literacy, Social Complexity Collection; Professional Portfolio |
| Student will provide examples of their CAS Career-Ready, World-Ready competencies by assessing previous course assignments, collaborative projects, and experiential learning artifacts. |
WSU Courses and Experiences Self-Assessment paper; Ethical & Professional Engagement, Leadership, Self-Awareness & Growth Collection; Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Collection; AI Literacy, Digital & Tech Literacy, Social Complexity Collection; Professional Portfolio |
WSU Courses and Experiences Self-Assessment paper; Ethical & Professional Engagement, Leadership, Self-Awareness & Growth Collection; Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Collection; AI Literacy, Digital & Tech Literacy, Social Complexity Collection; Professional Portfolio |
| Student will be able to present their portfolio and Career-Ready, World-Ready competencies to others. |
Professional Portfolio draft assignments; in-class Professional Portfolio Draft Collaborative Feedback |
Professional Portfolio draft assignments; in-class Professional Portfolio Draft Collaborative Feedback |
| Student will be able to use digital tools for organizing and presenting their portfolio. |
Professional Portfolio draft assignments; in-class Professional Portfolio Draft Collaborative Feedback |
Professional Portfolio draft assignments; in-class Professional Portfolio Draft Collaborative Feedback |
| Dates | Lesson Topic | Assignment | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly |
Attendance & Engagement |
Attendance & Engagement activity |
|
|
Week 1 |
Introduction; CAS Career-Ready, World-Ready Competencies |
In-Class Activity | |
| Week 2 January 18-24 |
Personal Values and Growth Mindset for Professional Preparation | Student Information Survey |
In-Class Activity |
| Week 3 January 25-31 |
Career Exploration |
WSU Courses and Experiences Self-Assessment paper |
WSU Courses and Experiences Self-Assessment paper In-Class Activity |
| Week 4 February 1-7 |
Portfolio Tool Walkthrough |
Preparing for the Job: Professional Plan for a Particular Job Opportunity |
Preparing for the Job: Professional Plan for a Particular Job Opportunity In-Class Activity |
| Week 5 February 8-14 |
Career Ready, World Ready Competencies Application: Ethical & Professional Engagement, Leadership, Self-Awareness & Growth |
Proof of Portfolio Tool Access |
In-Class Activity |
| Week 6 February 15-21 |
Guest Speaker: Recruiter or Hiring Manager |
Ethical & Professional Engagement, Leadership, Self-Awareness & Growth Collection |
Ethical & Professional Engagement, Leadership, Self-Awareness & Growth Collection In-Class Activity |
| Week 7 February 22-28 |
Career Ready, World Ready Competencies Application: Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving |
Canvas Discussion: Guest Speaker Reflection |
Canvas Discussion: Guest Speaker Reflection |
|
Week 8 |
Professional Networking Tools – LinkedIn and Cougs Connect |
Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Collection |
Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Collection In-Class Activity |
| Week 9 March 8-14 |
Career Ready, World Ready Competencies Application: AI Literacy, Digital & Tech Literacy, Social Complexity |
Proof of Updated LinkedIn or Cougs Connect Profile Current Professional Portfolio (25-50% complete) |
Current Professional Portfolio In-Class Activity |
| Spring Break March 15-19 | |||
| Week 10 March 22-28 |
Resumes |
AI Literacy, Digital & Tech Literacy, Social Complexity Collection |
AI Literacy, Digital & Tech Literacy, Social Complexity Collection In-Class Activity |
| Week 11 March 29-April 4 |
Professional Portfolio Check-In |
In-Class Activity |
|
| Week 12 April 5-11 |
Students Choose: Cover Letters or Interview Practice |
Resume, Reference List, and Overview of Updates |
Resume, Reference List, and Overview of Updates In-Class Activity |
| Week 13 April 12-18 |
Professional Portfolio Draft Collaborative Feedback |
Current Professional Portfolio (50-75% complete) |
Current Professional Portfolio In-Class Activity |
| Week 14 April 19-25 |
WSU Alumni Panel |
In-Class Activity |
|
| Week 15 April 26-May 2 |
Bringing It All Together: Career-Ready, World-Ready Launch |
Canvas Discussion: WSU Alumni Panel Reflection |
Canvas Discussion: WSU Alumni Panel Reflection In-Class Activity |
| Finals Week May 3-7 |
Professional Portfolio |
Professional Portfolio |
Expectations for Student Effort
For each hour of class, students should expect to have approximately two hours of work outside of class.
Grading
Grades reflect the quality of work demonstrated in relation to the course learning outcomes and assignment criteria. I am committed to evaluating all work fairly, consistently, and without bias. If you believe a grading error has occurred, such as an incorrectly entered score or an assignment component that was inadvertently overlooked, you are welcome to request a grade re-examination. To do so, please email the instructor within 7 days of the grade being posted in Canvas and provide a detailed explanation of the concern. I will carefully review the assignment and respond as promptly as possible.
I want you to be successful in this course, and following the course schedule is one of the best ways to support your learning. Assignment deadlines help keep you on track, provide timely opportunities for feedback, and ensure a consistent learning experience for everyone in the class.
All assignments must be submitted in Canvas by 11:59 p.m. on the assigned due date. Because timely submission is an important professional and academic skill, late submissions will be subject to the following grade reductions:
- 10% deduction for assignments submitted within 24 hours (1 day) after the deadline.
- 20% deduction for assignments submitted between 24-48 hours (1-2 days) after the deadline.
- 30% deduction for assignments submitted between 48-72 hours (2-3 days) after the deadline.
- 40% deduction for assignments submitted between 72-96 hours (3-5 days) after the deadline.
- 50% deduction for assignments submitted between 5 and 20 days after the deadline.
- 75% deduction for assignments submitted between 20 and 45 days after the deadline.
- 100% deduction for assignments submitted more than 45 days after the deadline.
Recognizing that unexpected circumstances can arise, each student may request one 48-hour extension on a single assignment during the semester without penalty. To keep all course-related information in one place, please submit extension requests through the assignment comments in Canvas rather than by email.
Please note that, due to end-of-semester grading deadlines, late work cannot be accepted after Thursday, May 6, at 11:59 p.m.
| Type of Assignment (tests, papers, etc) | Points | Percent of Overall Grade |
|---|---|---|
|
Attendance & Engagement |
75 | 15 |
|
Student Information Survey |
15 | 3 |
|
WSU Courses and Experiences Self-Assessment paper |
50 | 10 |
|
Preparing for the Job: Professional Plan for a Particular Job Opportunity |
25 | 5 |
|
Proof of Portfolio Tool Access |
10 | 2 |
|
Ethical & Professional Engagement, Leadership, Self-Awareness & Growth Collection |
30 | 6 |
|
Canvas Discussion: Guest Speaker Reflection |
15 | 3 |
|
Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Collection |
30 | 6 |
|
Proof of Updated LinkedIn or Cougs Connect Profile |
10 | 2 |
|
Current Professional Portfolio (25-50% complete) |
35 | 7 |
|
AI Literacy, Digital & Tech Literacy, Social Complexity Collection |
30 | 6 |
|
Resume, Reference List, and Overview of Updates |
25 | 5 |
|
Current Professional Portfolio (50-75% complete) |
35 | 7 |
|
Canvas Discussion: WSU Alumni Panel Reflection |
15 | 3 |
|
Professional Portfolio |
100 | 20 |
| Grade | Percent | Grade | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| A |
93-100% |
C | 73-76.99% |
| A- | 90-92.99% | C- | 70-72.99% |
| B+ | 87-89.99% | D+ | 67-69.99% |
| B | 83-86.99% | D | 63-66.99% |
| B- | 80-82.99% | F | <63% |
| C+ | 77-79.99% |
Grades reflect the quality of work demonstrated in relation to the course learning outcomes and assignment criteria. I am committed to evaluating all work fairly, consistently, and without bias. As a result, grades will not be rounded.
Attendance and Make-Up Policy
Your presence and participation contribute to your learning experience and to the learning community we create together. Because many course activities involve discussion, collaboration, and reflection, regular attendance and active engagement are important for your success in this course.
Developing habits such as reliability, preparation, communication, and collaboration can also help you prepare for future professional and community responsibilities. For this reason, attendance and engagement are incorporated into CRWR 300.
I recognize that unexpected situations, personal responsibilities, illnesses, and other circumstances may occasionally affect your ability to attend class. To provide flexibility when these situations arise, each student is granted one excused absence without documentation and without penalty.
Arriving late or leaving early may affect your Attendance & Engagement score. Students are responsible for completing Attendance & Engagement activities and contributing meaningfully to class discussions and learning experiences.
Engagement includes being present, prepared, and involved in course activities. To help maintain a focused and respectful learning environment, students should limit the use of phones, computers, and other devices to course-related purposes during class. Students who choose not to participate in class activities or discussions may receive reduced Attendance & Engagement credit.
Please see the Attendance & Engagement assignment in Canvas for complete details and grading criteria.
Academic Integrity Statement
You are responsible for reading WSU's Academic Integrity Policy, which is based on Washington State law. If you cheat in your work in this class you will:
-Be reported to the Center for Community Standards
-Have the right to appeal my decision
-Not be able to drop the course of withdraw from the course until the appeals process is finished
If you have any questions about what you can and cannot do in this course, ask me.
If you want to ask for a change in my decision about academic integrity, use the form at the Center for Community Standards website. You must submit this request within 21 calendar days of the decision.
AI Use only with acknowledgement
Students are allowed to use advanced automated tools (artificial intelligence or machine learning tools such as ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, or Dall-E) on assignments in this course if that use is properly documented and credited. For example, text generated using ChatGPT-3 should include a citation such as: “Chat-GPT-3. (YYYY, Month DD of query). “Text of your query.” Generated using OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com/” Material generated using other tools should follow a similar citation convention.
Community Standards
Engagement in Class and Online Discussions
Discussions will be a key aspect of learning in this course and your active participation will help create a vibrant learning environment for all. As with any course that deals with social ideas, values, or institutions, please approach course materials, lectures, and each other’s contributions with a patient, open mind, as well as a willingness to see from new perspectives, explore the unfamiliar, and honestly engage our own assumptions about how the world works. In this class, there will be no disrespect around issues including, but not limited, gender, sexual identity, religion, culture, disability, race, and immigrant/refugee/ undocumented citizenship status. As your instructor, I am committed to anti-racism and equal access to opportunity, facility, and treatment for everyone, regardless of race, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, sex, physical ability, and/or sexual orientation. WSU believes that freedom of thought, innovation, and creativity are all fundamental characteristics of a community of scholars. To promote such a learning environment, I as an instructor have a responsibility to promote diversity, to invite students to develop a global perspective, and to nurture sensitivity, inclusivity, and mutual respect. Discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated in this course. All students are expected to abide by these shared principles in interactions with the teaching team and with fellow students.
Instructor Interaction
I will make every effort to be available during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pacific Time Zone) and respond to email as quickly as possible. Please reach out via email with questions or if you would like to set up a video or phone conversation to discuss anything in the course.
While I do my best to respond to emails within 24 hours during the week (Monday-Friday), it may take up to 48-hours to receive a response to your message. If 3-4 work days (Monday – Friday) have gone by without a response, please send me a polite reminder email to ensure I’ve received your previous message.
Open Door Policy
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments during the semester or after the semester ends, please come by Student Hours or contact me to arrange a meeting.
Basic Needs Policy
Your safety and wellbeing are more important than anything going on in class. Please feel free to reach out to me if you need to talk. Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing or personal safely is urged to contact the Dean of Students for support. Please notify me if you are comfortable doing so. This will enable me to provide any resources that I can.
Link: WSU Dean of Students
Changes to the Syllabus
As the instructor, I reserve the right to amend or change the course syllabus at any time during the semester. I will notify you if any changes are made to the syllabus.