Be A Strong Student

1. Attend Class Like You Mean It 

• Arrive a few minutes early – not late!
• Be present
  • Sit where you will pay attention best
  • Take out your earbuds / remove your headphones
  • Set phone to “silent mode” and put it away
  • On your computer, close out all applications and browser tabs that are unrelated to class
• Ask questions and offer comments when your instructor invites them
• Take notes: for future use and to help you pay attention during class.

2. Plan Your Time

• Typically 1 class hour = 2 out-of-class work hours
• Map out your week: class, studying, homework, commuting, work, social, self-care.
  • Issue parking? Try the Parking Logix Parker Mobile app for real-time parking availability
• Use a calendar for planning your time: Canvas, paper, Gcal, or whatever you prefer
• Time Management is the #1 student challenge – get help!
  • CAST Peer Academic Coaches
  • CAST Workshops

3. Take Care of Your Health

• Prioritize sleep and fresh air
• Attend class hydrated and nourished
• Use your Student Health Center – clinicians provide a full range of services.
• Use the mental health services (CAPS):
  • TAO Connect (guided therapy for stress, anxiety, depression & more)
  • UWill – Online Therapy 
  • 1:1 & group therapy
• Check out the Office of Health Promotion’s groups, workshops & resources on mindfulness, recovery, safer sex & more
• Connect with friends, families, or pets

4. Do the Work (On Time)

• Pre-class homework matters for
  • Final grade
  • Success on papers, tests and projects
• Submitting work after the deadline has consequences, such as:
  • Loss or reduction in credit
  • Inability to succeed with in-class activities
• Unavoidable, unexpected emergency makes you late? 
  • Contact instructor
  • Seek help

5. Seek Academic Help

• • Talk to your professor if you feel lost
  • Look at your professor’s feedback
    • Ask follow-up questions if needed
  • Go to office/student hours
  • See a tutor in CAST (Center for Academic Success & Tutoring) or CWE (Center for Writing Excellence)
  • Contact a librarian for research help
  • Connect with DRC for accommodation needs

6. Deal with Absences Effectively

• Avoid absences: They cost you more than you may realize
• If you are absent:
  • Let your professors know in advance
  • Complete what is due that day anyway!
  • Don’t ask prof, “Did I miss anything?”
  • Get notes from a reliable peer
• For prolonged illness: see Dean of Students

7. Know Your Strengths & Weaknesses

• Do schoolwork where you are most effective (library? cafe? kitchen table?)
• Reserve your best time for studying and school work
  • Night owls? Avoid “wait until morning”
  • Early Bird? Get it done before dinner
• Learn best collaboratively? Set up study groups
• Work well under pressure?  Make sure to set aside time to get the work done.

8. Make Your Own Community

• College is more than just going to class
• Graduates gain as much from the out-of-class experiences as from the in-class experiences
• What to do?
  • Join groups – clubs, teams, events
  • Attend university events
  • Study with classmates
  • Make plans to meet up with school friends when school is out.