CNM Student Success Tips

Effective Student Strategies at CNM

  • Introduction to the Keys to Academic Success

    • The importance of asking questions and utilizing available resources
    • Emphasis on proactive engagement and communication with instructors

  • Tip 1: Ask Questions

    • Importance of having a question-friendly attitude
    • Recommended individuals to ask for help:
    • Advisors
    • Instructors
    • Librarians
    • Tutors
    • Information Technology staff
    • Office staff
    • Other students

  • Tip 2: Utilize CNM's Resources

    • Overview of available resources:
    • Tutoring center
    • Library
    • Student activities and office hours
    • Reminder of academic consequences of absence:
    • A missed class often results in missed work
    • Risk of being dropped from a class, particularly in the early weeks

  • Tip 3: Communicate with Instructors

    • Importance of timely communication if a class is missed:
    • Email or call instructors as soon as possible
    • If prior absence is known, arrange to turn in assignments or take tests in advance

  • Tip 4: Professional Communication

    • Guidelines for professional email writing:
    • Include a clear subject line
    • Use an appropriate tone and full sentences
    • Provide necessary information without unnecessary details
    • Connection to long-term career preparation:
    • Emphasizing professionalism during college can enhance post-graduate success

  • Tip 5: Timely Submission of Assignments

    • Explanation of the difference in responsibility between high school and college regarding assignments
    • Importance of keeping track of assignments outlined in the syllabus:
    • It's better to submit something incomplete than to submit nothing
    • Preparation helps in managing deadlines effectively
    • Understanding instructors' grading scales and assignment weights is crucial

  • Tip 6: Schedule Study Time

    • Concept of time utilization for effective study schedules:
    • General rule: 2-3 hours of homework for each hour spent in class
    • Example of a class structure:
      • For a 1 hour and 15 minute class meeting twice a week, expect 4-6 hours of homework per week

  • Tip 7: Participate in Class

    • Encouragement to engage actively during class:
    • Pay attention, take notes, and not shy away from questions or answers
    • Participation in group discussions and leadership in group work
    • Link to future career skills and personal growth

  • Tip 8: Utilize Office Hours

    • Every instructor holds office hours for student engagement:
    • Opportunity to clarify material, discuss difficulties, and receive feedback
    • Value of building rapport with instructors

  • Tip 9: Embrace Curiosity

    • Understanding college as an educational journey:
    • Despite deadlines, cultivate curiosity about learning
    • Benefits of curiosity:
    • Positively correlated with intelligence and happiness
    • A vital motivator and adaptive quality for the future

  • Conclusion: Adopting the Tips for Success

    • Recap of the 10 strategies for student success at CNM
    • Encouragement and reassurance to students (referred to as "Suncats") for their academic journey