Module 3.2 Succeeding in College

IMPORTANCE OF THE SYLLABUS One of the best things you can do to make sure you succeed in college is to carefully review each of your course syllabi at the beginning of the semester and then actively use the Syllabus in each class to keep up with assigned reading, assignments, quiz/test dates, and other responsibilities. Students often say "they didn't know" about something when what they should be saying is "I didn't use the Syllabus." Professors include in the Syllabus their grading policies, due dates, assigned reading, quiz and test dates, extra credit policies and all kinds of information about what they want you to do and NOT do in their course.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS STRATEGIES Develop an Academic Internal Locus of Control Strive to develop a sense of control over your academics. Understand that while occasionally a test question, grade or even an entire course is "out of left field" and impossible or unfair, the vast majority of your academic outcomes are completely in your control. You are responsible for your overall academic performance, your GPA and ultimately your career path. It is not luck or chance. College students with an internal locus of control, who believe they are responsible for their academic performance, achieve more academically and overall just do better.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS STRATEGIES Manage Your Time Wisely Be selective in what you dedicate your time to! Use the things you like to do (like playing video games or watching your favorite TV show or whatever you like) as a reward after you have completed an assignment or reading or studying, instead of using these activities to procrastinate. Remember that students tend to procrastinate on the exact work that they should be putting MORE of their time into-- they procrastinate on work they find difficult and/or boring. Students often study what they know and not what they do not know. Do NOT spend the majority of time studying what you already know but instead study what you do not yet know but need to know for your test. Divide large academic tasks or projects into smaller steps and start on these steps. Start early on the first step. Read your course material and read it for comprehension. Don't just zone out and turn the pages. Highlight key ideas, jot down notes, make sure you understand main themes, ideas and concepts. It doesn't do you any go to "read" something if you do not remember anything you read! That's just wasting your own time. Instead actively read-- take notes, highlight, and think about what you are reading so that you are comprehending it! Be an active learner in the face-to-face classroom! Attend your classes. Attend ALL classes. Take notes and review them before the next class.

Strategies for Time Management Time Management is core, fundamental component of stress management. A lack of strong time management leads to stress and poorer job performance. The Mayo Clinic’s Time Management: Tips to Reduce Stress and Improve Productivity The Mayo Clinic’s Time Management: Tips to Reduce Stress and Improve Productivity recommends the following steps be taken to manage your time: Plan each day. Planning your day can help you accomplish more and feel more in control of your life. Write a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top. Keep a schedule of your daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes. Prioritize your tasks. Time-consuming but relatively unimportant tasks can consume a lot of your day. Prioritizing tasks will ensure that you spend your time and energy on those that are truly important to you. Say no to nonessential tasks. Consider your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on additional work. Delegate. Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else. Take the time you need to do a quality job. Doing work right the first time may take more time up front, but errors usually result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall. Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks. Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done. Just Do It!. Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it. Evaluate how you're spending your time. Keep a diary of everything you do for three days to determine how you're spending your time. Look for time that can be used more wisely. For example, could you take a bus or train to work and use the commute to catch up on reading? If so, you could free up some time to exercise or spend with family or friends. Limit distractions. Block out time on your calendar for big projects. During that time, close your door and turn off your phone, pager and . Get plenty of sleep, have a healthy diet and exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle can improve your focus and concentration, which will help improve your efficiency so that you can complete your work in less time. Take a time management course. If your employer offers continuing education, take a time management class. If your workplace doesn't have one, find out if a local community college, university or community education program does. Take a break when needed.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF Taking care of yourself does not mean doing what you want, or cutting yourself some slack or skipping class to sleep. It means making responsible choices and healthy decisions. Two factors: sleep and stress management will contribute to successful learning and performance. Stress Management Helpguide.org, a non-profit resource promoting mental and emotional health, suggests the following steps be taken to help manage stress: Helpguide.org  Identify sources of stress  Look at how you cope with stress and adopt healthy, active coping techniques  Avoid unnecessary stress  Alter the situation when you can  Adapt to the stressor  Make time for fun and relaxation  Adopt a healthy lifestyle Are you feeling stressed? Have you practiced the stress management strategies? If you feel like you need to talk with someone about your stress levels, make an appointment with the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or attend a stress workshop they hold throughout the semester!Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)