FYE 1101 Freshmen Success Strategies In almost all classes, there is a lot of opportunity at the end of the semester. Assignments may be due late in the semester, and you probably have a final exam. In some classes there is an opportunity to make up missed work, or even to replace a low test grade. Make sure you know what your opportunities are in each of your classes, then prepare, prepare, prepare.
Recap Several weeks ago, we talked about the importance of settting goals, setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Ambitious, Adjustable, Relevant, and Timely goals. Why are goals important? We have short-term goals And long-term goals. Do you have any?
GPA Planner We used our web-based GPA Planner to set a goal and to develop a plan for working toward that goal. We encourage you to use this planner frequently. Set your GPA Goal. Develop your plan to achieve your goal. Monitor your actual grades compared to your plan – a plan is not very valuable if you don’t compare actual results to the plan. You may need to adjust your goal at some point, you may need to adjust your plan.
Campus Resources Course syllabus Teachers Fellow students Supplemental Instruction The Learning Center Math Domain Writing Center Student Support Services Counseling Center Freshman Year Navigator In a different class, we talked about a lot of campus resources that we have. Your course syllabus remains a very, very important resource to you. It probably tells you how your final grade will be calculated, whether there are opportunities like having the final exam grade replace an earlier low grade, and – VERY IMPORTANT – when your final exam is. Prepare for your final exam. Talk with your teachers. Talk with fellow students. Go to Supplemental Instruction, or tutoring at the Learning Center.
Time Management We talked about time management, and it’s as important now as it has ever been. You likely have several things due in the next week, and you likely have several final exams to prepare for. Set your priorities – more important now than at any point in the semester. Exam preparation is #1. Create a plan, schedule your time, write it down – when you will study what. Certainly, know your exam schedule – which exam is first, which second, and schedule your time to be prepared for each exam.
MSU Calendars First, let’s make sure we know when our exams are. MSU calendars are available through this link at freshman.msstate.edu
Final Exam Schedule Click on the letter E to go that letter in the index. Then click on “Exam Schedule”
Exam Times !!!! Final exams follow their own schedule. Your final exam in a class is probably NOT NOT NOT at your regular class time. VERY VERY IMPORTANT. It is always possible that a teacher might not follow this exam schedule. CHECK YOUR SYLLABUS!
after the semester ends… We’ve had some really good papers submitted for our final assignment. It is amazing to read about how much so many of you have grown this past year. You have overcome challenges. You have persevered. You’ve had hits, and you’ve had misses. Within two weeks, your freshman year will be over. Can you believe it? Has it flown by? Can you remember high school? When the semester does end, we want to have a plan for the future – future SMART goals. Starting with a class schedule for next fall. If at all possible, register for your classes. The sooner, the better. You may have a hold that you have to clear, so work on that. Contact the Center for Student Success if there is anything they can do to help you get ready for next fall. If you do have an account balance hold, call Account Services and talk with them. See what options you have.
Check your financial aid status. For most people, part of getting ready for next semester is making sure your financial aid is lined up. Financial Aid rules require that every student make progress toward graduation. This is called Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). We have a link to information about SAP on our course web site. You can view your SAP status online via your myState account. Under Financial Aid menu, select Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Overcoming Obstacles/Challenges We have talked a lot this semester about overcoming obstacles and challenges. Many of you – almost everyone in here – talked about obstacles and challenges in their papers. Some of you have talked about the perseverance that you had in sticking with your plan, in not quitting. Although it’s not much of a comfort at the time, in most cases we learn that we really do grow from these experiences. We become stronger. We become more resilient. We get to the point that we believe we can handle anything. And that is important growth in life.
Overcoming Obstacles/Challenges As this Brazilian philosopher says, “I THANK all those who hurt me in the past.” He THANKS them! Because those people taught him ”that pain is not an excuse to quit the fight.” Overcome the pain. Overcome the obstacle. Overcome the challenge.
Your road to success may not be the same road that I travelled Your road to success may not be the same road that I travelled. It may not be the same road your fellow students travel. It may not be the road you thought you would travel. We hope that you will always know that you can count on us to help you. We are on your team, and want you to succeed. In the next two weeks, and in your life ahead.
After-Class Activity (course packet page 14) We have an online activity after each class. Follow the instructions on page 14 to complete tonight’s activity. The activities are due at 11:59pm each Tuesday night. Finally, every Tuesday, we will have an online activity. These are always quite short, and you can even do them on your phone. You can do it immediately after class, before you even leave the room, so you’re sure that you completed it. This is one point each week, so 15 total points of your grade.
If you did not scan your id card… Be sure to come talk to the designated Navigator after class. Attendance is part of the grade in this class. Be sure to bring your id card, and be sure to scan successfully every week.
Course Evaluations Last activity of the semester, course evaluations.