FSU Success Skills

In Economist’s terms, going to college is called investing in human capital So, every decision you make while at FSU is an investment decision. So, every decision you make while at FSU is an investment decision. Are you making decisions that have a big return, a small return, or a negative return? Are you making decisions that have a big return, a small return, or a negative return? Your decisions today have long-lasting implications and secondary effects. Your decisions today have long-lasting implications and secondary effects.

People you will encounter Faculty Faculty Staff Staff Administrators Administrators Maintenance Maintenance

Faculty Tenured or Tenure-Track Tenured or Tenure-Track –Assistant Professor –Associate Professor –Professor Non-Tenure-Track Non-Tenure-Track –Lecturer –Assistant In, Associate In, Research Associate, etc. Adjunct Adjunct Graduate Teaching Assistant Graduate Teaching Assistant

In my opinion, you should have 4 goals as a student at FSU 1)Get Knowledge & Graduate However, the time at FSU is not all about you Video: Andy Stanley Time-you’re not the point

In my opinion, you should have 4 goals as a student at FSU 1)Get Knowledge & Graduate 2)Form meaningful, mutually encouraging relationships with other students 3)Form relationships with at least three faculty, and probably at least one staff or administrator 4)Make a difference to FSU; make it a better place when you leave than when you came

Time Management There is a cumulative value to investing small amounts of time in certain activities over a long period. There is a cumulative value to investing small amounts of time in certain activities over a long period. Video: Andy Stanley Time-first statement of time Video: Andy Stanley Time-first statement of time Economic principles: Economic principles: Individuals choose purposefully Individuals choose purposefully Incentives matter Incentives matter Think on the margin Think on the margin

Time Management Neglect is cumulative as well. Neglect is cumulative as well. Video: Andy Stanley Time-second statement of time Video: Andy Stanley Time-second statement of time Economic principles: Economic principles: Incentives matter Incentives matter Think on the margin Think on the margin Many choices create a secondary effect Many choices create a secondary effect

Time Management There is no cumulative value to the random things we opt for over the important things. There is no cumulative value to the random things we opt for over the important things. Video: Andy Stanley Time-third statement of time Video: Andy Stanley Time-third statement of time

How to read an academic book Read it from the outside in Read it from the outside in Read the definitions in the margins Read the definitions in the margins Read the beginning section then skip to the ending section Read the beginning section then skip to the ending section Then go back to the beginning and read through the chapter, but don’t read all at once. Read a few sections at a time. Then go back to the beginning and read through the chapter, but don’t read all at once. Read a few sections at a time.

Other keys to success Based upon Based upon My years of teaching college economics, predominantly to freshmen My years of teaching college economics, predominantly to freshmen Scientific research Scientific research John Medina’s book Brain Rules, 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School John Medina’s book Brain Rules, 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School

Other keys to success Exercise boosts brain power Exercise boosts brain power Eat a balanced diet Eat a balanced diet Get regular sleep Get regular sleep You can “do it all” with a balanced lifestyle- exercise, study, work, socialize, sleep You can “do it all” with a balanced lifestyle- exercise, study, work, socialize, sleep

Other keys to success Better attention always equals better learning- put away the distractions Better attention always equals better learning- put away the distractions Multitasking is a myth Multitasking is a myth Studies show that a person who is interrupted takes 50 percent longer to accomplish a task. He or she also makes up to 50 percent more errors. Studies show that a person who is interrupted takes 50 percent longer to accomplish a task. He or she also makes up to 50 percent more errors. Repeat to remember Repeat to remember Make it personal Make it personal

How to flunk out of college Work full time while taking 18 credit hours Work full time while taking 18 credit hours Stop taking your meds Stop taking your meds Put on the "Freshman 15" as fast as possible Put on the "Freshman 15" as fast as possible Never, ever read the syllabus Never, ever read the syllabus Never read from professors or hit a class web site Never read from professors or hit a class web site Always expect a makeup Always expect a makeup Never go to class Never go to class Don’t make friends with anyone in your classes Don’t make friends with anyone in your classes Take a class with your boyfriend or girlfriend Take a class with your boyfriend or girlfriend Alcohol and drugs, then more alcohol and drugs Alcohol and drugs, then more alcohol and drugs Give up, early and often Give up, early and often

Video: Pirates of Caribbean 2-compass explanation Video: Pirates of Caribbean 2-compass explanation

Two questions for you: Where does your compass point? Where does your compass point? Are you making decisions that take you toward that point or away from that point? Are you making decisions that take you toward that point or away from that point?

I wish you much success!