1. First-Year Words Of Wisdom: Advice Drawn from Personal Experience
Prof. Tom Van Dzura
SMC Class of ’89

2. Plan & Organize Your Time & Tasks:
Organize your time & assignments
A calendar (i.e. Day Planner) and “To Do” list
Review & update regularly with your course(s) syllabi
Regularly review/monitor course(s) Canvas site
Organizing your time/assignments can be more than “half the battle”
Formula toward success
Break assignments due into smaller, more manageable tasks
Over sufficient/adequate time
Don’t procrastinate
Don’t try to complete major assignments in one session/sitting

3. Establish & Maintain A Study Routine:
Focus on “short strides, steady pace”….
The semester is a marathon, rather than a sprint
Don’t get behind on work
Tough to dig out and catch up on college-level workload
Stay focused and disciplined on/with routine
Select and designate ideal days/hours for studying & homework
Find your “study groove” and stay with it
The routine may change from semester to semester…it’s OK
Depends on schedule, courses, and activities
Approach each semester as its own entity

4. Engage & Communicate: With Professors & Instructors:
Don’t be afraid or hesitant to ask for help
Take advantage of Office Hours and availability
Demonstrate willingness to do your part and meet half-way
With Fellow Students:
Study groups
Tutoring (through Academic Support)
Support and encouragement
Group or Team Assignments

5. Engage & Communicate (cont’d):
Engage in campus life:
Clubs & Organizations
Athletics
Campus Ministry
MOVE
Find outlets for recreation, hobbies, interests, activities, etc.
Find a healthy and meaningful balance of study (work), leisure, and community