Course Orientation & Test-Taking Strategy Notes

Total weeks in a semester: $16$ ; effectively $14$ teaching weeks (excluding Thanksgiving and finals).
Week $4$ : midterms begin; any exam after week $4$ is a midterm; midterm grades provide mid-semester feedback.
Important deadlines:
- Add/Drop deadline: $Sept\,8$ ; dropping before yields no transcript; dropping after yields a "W" on transcript.
- Last drop deadline: $Nov\,10$ ; after this you may be stuck with the grade; dropping then yields a "W" and is often recommended if you’re struggling.
Purpose of dates: plan adjustments and decisions about what to keep or drop throughout the semester.

Attendance: no formal attendance policy; but participation points encourage presence.
Participation: $2$ points per class; total possible: $32$ points.
Self-Introduction Presentation: contributes $3\%$ of the grade; scheduled in Week $3$ .
Planning your semester & mapping: $10\%$ of the grade.
In-class activities: dairy bar advice exercise; breakfast club (group activity with photos).
Resume assignment: work with Center for Career Readiness on LinkedIn and resume; due in October.
My UConn Journey: attend two events; write reflections; scheduled later in the semester.
Final project: three questions (about class, learning, and self); two class presentations before Thanksgiving; final class includes a concluding activity.
All assignments will be posted in HuskyCT as we go.

Involvement fair: Wednesday, $Sept\,3$ , on Fairfield Way.
For introverts: there are other ways to get involved; going alone is often better to explore individual interests.
Tip: Don’t go with friends; explore clubs that genuinely fit your interests.

Slides due by Tue $Sept\,2$ ; one slide per person.
Format: one slide that introduces you (images preferred, minimal or no words); you’ll speak for about two minutes.
Delivery: slides can be created in Canva (links may be inaccessible to the instructor) or PowerPoint; export as PNG if needed.
Presentation order: everyone presents; this counts as a 3-point item in the grade.

Semester mapping: plan your schedule and assignments for the semester.
Guest presentations & test-taking strategies: Academic Achievement Center will provide ideas on how to take tests and adjust study habits.
Dinner & advice activities: Dairy Bar session in October; Breakfast Club activity planned for October.
Final-year activities: Nadia and Mary will present; Student Office on November 3; final projects and presentations occur toward the end of the semester.
Final project: three questions—about the class, what you learned, and what you learned about yourself.

Start early for midterms: begin preparing two weeks in advance.
Stay on top of work: college expects proactive management; this course aims to be supportive, not taxing.
Week 4 clarity: by Week $4$ you’ll know whether you’re likely to succeed in each class.
If you’re struggling by Week $5$ , seek help from the appropriate offices (e.g., Academic Support).
Questions are welcome; Mabry and Mehrot are available to help.
This course is designed to be low-key and student-friendly; adjustments can be made if you request them.