1. Making the Grade: Academic Success at Rowan
New Student Orientation:
First-Year Students
August 2018

2. Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success
Welcome
Dr. Rory McElwee
Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success
Christina Terry
Student 2

3. Academic Success at Rowan: A Partnership

4. What was the biggest difference for you
between high school and college?
“The biggest difference between high school and college for me was the independence. When you come to college, you have to take responsibility for yourself and your own actions. You don’t have someone there telling you what to do and when to do it. It is important that you manage your time and prioritize.”

5. Getting to Success Success comes from: See challenges, not obstacles
“Grit” – perseverance
Know when you need help, and seek it out

6. Strategy #1: Know Your Resources

7. Strategy #1: Know Your Resources
Academic Advising
Rowan Success Network
Career Advancement
Tutoring / Coaching
Disability Resources
Study Abroad
Financial Aid
Veterans Affairs
Information Resources
Writing Center
Library
…and MORE!

8. Strategy #1: Know Your Resources
Talk to your professors –
in & out of class
Faculty, staff, and administrators are here for YOU!!

9. Connect with Us!

10. Strategy #2: Be organized
Go to every class, be ready for every class!
Obtain all course materials and use them
Keep up with all readings and homework – study every day!
Use your time wisely

11. Strategy #2: Be organized
Intentional Time

12. Tips for Time Management
Tools to use:
Clock
Daily Schedule
Weekly Calendar
Semester Timeline

13. Strategy #3: Be professional
Check your Rowan
Prepare for letters of recommendation
Present yourself as a professional

14. Communicating Effectively with Your Instructors
What NOT to do:
hey-
i was wondering if ch 5 wuz gonna be on the exam cuz I can’t come next time
hit me back k thx

15. Communicating Effectively with Your Instructors
Better:
Dr. McElwee,
As we discussed on September 20, I was unable to attend class on October 12. I reviewed the presentation on Blackboard and spoke with a member of my study group about the material, but I still have a few questions about Chapter 5. Could I meet with you in your office hours next week to review “Learning: Instrumental and Operant Conditioning”?
Thank you,
Teague Brody-Carney
PSY 01107

16. Strategy #4: Be proactive
Check for transfer/AP credits
Advising at least once per term
Go to the Office of Career Advancement
Pursue internships, study abroad, and research!
Reflect on your learning and make a plan

17. A Rowan University First-Generation College Student
is defined as one whose parents have not received a college degree and/or one who has limited preparation or resources in their immediate family or support network.

19. Strategy #4: Be proactive
Know Your Academic Responsibilities
Academic integrity
Research for assignments:
Scholarly sources
Ask reference librarians and your professors for help
Tutoring center, Writing center
Faculty members may assume that you know about appropriate resources and research strategies – don’t be afraid to let them know what your questions are – they really do want to help. Reference librarians are eager to help you navigate the library and many kinds of information,
Be aware of dates for drop/add, withdrawing from course, etc; speak with your advisor as early as possible if things seem like they are not going well in a course
The syllabus is very important – instructors will assume you know everything in it, and they will hold you to it.

20. Strategy #4: Be proactive
Urgent items to address:
Placement testing
Pay your bill on time
Required health forms
“Alcohol-wise” training for freshmen

21. For Parents: How to best support your student
Know how important you are
Encourage independence:
Listen; Ask questions
Suggest Rowan resources
Both academic and nonacademic adjustment are important
You are very important – you help to create their support structure during this time of transition
Be a coach – cheer them on, but let them learn to navigate themselves; don’t hover; encourage them to take full advantage of Rowan’s many resources (their professors; offices and services such as Academic Success Center (tutoring, disability services); Counseling & Psych Services center; library staff; residential learning staff)
Remind them that the reason we all come to work in the morning – and often stay late at night – is for them – they are never “bothering” us!

22. Welcome to Rowan Class of 2022 – make it happen!

23. transferhelp@rowan.edu We’re Here to Help! questions@rowan.edu
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