Chapter 1: Getting On Course to Your Success: 1-1 College Smart-Start Guide

Chapter 1: Getting On Course to Your Success: 1-1 College Smart-Start Guide

This guide is designed to help students get the most out of college, similar to a user’s manual for a new device.

Introduction

  • Purpose: To provide essential steps for a successful start in college.
  • Action Plan: Complete the following 13 actions within the first week of college.

13 Actions for a Successful Start

1. Learn Your Campus

  • Objective: Familiarize yourself with the campus layout and services.
  • How:
    • Obtain a campus map (online or physical).
    • Take a campus tour (official or self-guided).
    • Ask college employees or experienced students for guidance.
  • Action: Locate and note the location and hours of various services (e.g., bookstore, advising office, counseling office) in Figure 1.1.

2. Locate Your Classrooms

  • Objective: Find and visit each classroom to avoid missing classes.
  • How:
    • Use the registration document to identify classroom locations.
    • Complete Figure 1.2 with course and classroom information.

3. Learn Your Instructors’ Information

  • Objective: Know your instructors’ names, office locations, and office hours.
  • How:
    • Find instructor names on the registration document.
    • If an instructor is listed as “TBA” (to be announced), obtain the name from the department office or the first class meeting.
    • Record instructor information, including office hours, in Figure 1.2.
    • Make an appointment to meet with each instructor during office hours.

4. Study the First-Day Handout (Syllabus)

  • Objective: Understand the course requirements, expectations, and rules.
  • Key Information in Syllabus:
    • Course description.
    • Learning objectives.
    • Homework assignments.
    • Exam schedule.
    • Grading criteria.
    • Course rules and consequences.
    • Website address.
    • Instructor information.
  • Importance: The syllabus is a contract between the instructor and the student.
  • Action: Read the syllabus carefully and ask questions for clarification.

5. Get All Your Learning Supplies

  • Objective: Acquire all necessary tools for deep learning.
  • Deep Learning: Thorough understanding of the subject matter that can be retained and applied throughout life.
  • Essential Supplies:
    • Textbooks (listed in the syllabus).
    • Computer/laptop/tablet.
    • Calculator.
    • Notebooks.
    • Three-ring binders.
    • Notepaper.
    • Pens.
    • Calendars (monthly and weekly).
    • Folders.
    • Flash drives.
  • Action: Purchase textbooks before the first class meeting or, at the latest, by the end of the first week.

6. Create a Schedule

  • Objective: Manage time effectively to complete all assignments and activities.
  • Importance: Essential for tracking commitments and avoiding feeling overwhelmed.
  • Components:
    • Weekly schedule (recurring events like classes and study times).
    • Monthly calendar (due dates for tests, papers, and meetings).

7. Get Comfortable with Campus Technology

  • Objective: Familiarize yourself with the technology required for courses.
  • How:
    • Check the syllabus for technology requirements.
    • Use campus email for course updates.
    • Access online resources.
    • Learn to use the course management system (CMS) such as Blackboard (BB), Desire to Learn (D2L), Canvas, or Moodle.
  • Action: Attend a computer lab orientation or seek help from lab staff or classmates.

8. Manage Your Money

  • Objective: Understand your financial situation to avoid money-related obstacles.
  • Importance: Money problems can lead to students dropping out or becoming overwhelmed.
  • Action: Create a budget to assess your financial situation.
  • Resources: Explore options for financial assistance if needed.

9. Set Goals for Each Course

  • Objective: Define target grades and learning objectives for each course.
  • Action:
    • List each course.
    • Write down the target grade for each course.
    • Write down the most important learning goal for each course.

10. Attend All Classes and Arrive on Time

  • Objective: Maximize learning opportunities by being present and punctual.
  • Importance: Class attendance is essential for deep learning.

11. Participate in Every Class

  • Objective: Engage actively in class to enhance deep learning.
  • How:
    • Complete assignments before class.
    • Ask questions about homework.
    • Answer instructor's questions.
    • Actively participate in activities.

12. Complete and Hand In All Assignments on Time

  • Objective: Stay on track with coursework to reduce stress and enhance learning.
  • Action:
    • List all assignments and due dates.
    • Record due dates on your monthly calendar.
    • Check off assignments as they are completed.

13. Commit to Your Success

  • Objective: Make a firm commitment to dedicate the necessary effort to succeed.
  • Action:
    • Reflect on your experiences in each course.
    • Assess your willingness to do the work.
    • Discuss concerns with an advisor or counselor if needed.
    • Write a commitment statement and post it where you will see it daily.
  • Commitment Statement Example: "I promise myself to give a 100 percent effort every day to every course. Nothing will keep me from achieving success!"