GPS LifePlan

About GPS LifePlan

Created by Century College (MN) in 2006, the GPS LifePlan is a holistic program designed to help students plan for their futures. The program focuses on five areas of development: Career, Education, Finance, Leadership and Personal. In each area, students are encouraged to assess their needs, set goals, and create plans to move them in the direction of achieving their goals. The GPS LifePlan provides a framework/structure to help student's approach goal setting and connects them to resources that can help them achieve those goals. The program contains three components: the GPS website, eFolio (a student owned virtual portfolio) and campus workshops/events. The GPS LifePlan was inspired by Valencia Community College (FL) College Life Map.

After seeing the success of GPS LifePlan at Century College, efforts started in 2008 to share the program with other colleges and universities in the Minnesota State College and University system (MnSCU). Partners from across the MnSCU system came together to review and revise the website. Starting in spring 2008, other schools began using GPS LifePlan on their campuses.

About GPS LifePlan at Minnesota Online:

Minnesota Online Advisors are applying the GPS Life Plan in support of prospective students in setting career goals and designing an educational plan to earn a degree, so students can get their dream job. Along with information provided in the GPS LifePlan, we have assembled resources for students to use throughout their education journey with Minnesota Online. Advisors work directly with prospective students to help validate career choices, find financial resources to pay for college, and begin the transition to college life as an online student.

If you have any questions about Minnesota Online and our use of the GPS LifePlan, please contact mnscuservices@custhelp.com or 1.800.456.8519.


Checklists
Career Checklist

Navigate your CareerPlan by referencing the checklist below.

Have you:

  1. Assessed your values, interests, and skills?
  2. Researched possible career choices?
  3. Created a resume and cover letter?
  4. Activated your eFolio account?
  5. Started the job search process?

Click here to view the GPS LifePlan checklist.

Click here to view the GPS LifePlan list of activities and resources.

Education Checklist

Navigate your EducationPlan by referencing the checklist below.

Have you:

  1. Developed SMART goals?
  2. Decided on a major or program of study?
  3. Assessed your learning style?
  4. Researched study skills and strategies?
  5. Arranged a meeting with an advising professional to select appropriate courses?

Click here to view the GPS LifePlan checklist.

Click here to view the GPS LifePlan list of activities and resources.

Finance Checklist

Navigate your FinancePlan by referencing the checklist below.

Have you:

  1. Established your short and long-term financial goals?
  2. Created a budget?
  3. Explored resources to help you pay for college?
  4. Assessed your debt situation?
  5. Developed a savings plan for the future?

Click here to view the GPS LifePlan checklist.

Click here to view the GPS LifePlan list of activities and resources.

Leadership Checklist

Navigate your LeadershipPlan by referencing the checklist below.

Have you:

  1. Assessed your leadership style?
  2. Completed a personality inventory?
  3. Formed your personal mission and vision statement?
  4. Explored the leadership resources?
  5. Participated in a campus or community activity to help build your leadership skills?
  6. Determined your Carbon Footprint?

Click here to view the GPS LifePlan checklist.

Click here to view the GPS LifePlan list of activities and resources.

Personal Checklist

Navigate your PersonalPlan by referencing the checklist below.

Have you:

  1. Explored the transition to college resources?
  2. Assessed your resiliency and ability to adapt to change?
  3. Established personal fitness goals?
  4. Examined the physical and mental wellness resources?
  5. Researched how to manage healthy relationships?

Click here to view the GPS LifePlan checklist.

Click here to view the GPS LifePlan list of activities and resources.