Semester calendars - start now, it's not too late!

One effective time management strategy is to map out all of your major assignments, exams and papers on a monthly calendar at the beginning of the semester.  This helps you see when you will be slammed with exams or papers and when you might be able to work ahead.

As we approach final exams, this would be a good time to either review your calendar or make one for the remainder of the semester.  This will help you plan out your time, get everything done, and ensure that you are ready for finals without having to feel stressed or panicked!

Either get a calendar or construct one on the computer.  Put in the following:

• Regular Exams
• Papers
• Finals
• Projects
• Any major meetings, events or trips

 Now you can start to plan your work for the remaining weeks and be ready for finals.

Good luck!  (But we all know luck is really preparation!)

Mid-term D or F - What To Do!

By now you have received your mid-term grades.  Every school is different - at mine we only record Ds and Fs.  Others may assign A through F while others may not even give mid-term grades.   Whatever the case at your school, now is the time to determine where you stand and make any decisions that are necessary.

If you think you are in danger of failing a course, the first thing to do is talk with your professor.  Find out the following:

• Is there any chance of passing?
• Are you missing any assignments, quizzes or exams that can be made up?
• Is there any chance for extra credit?  (I hate this question and my answer is always "no," but you need to ask!)
• You can also describe how you study for that particular class and ask if the professor can give you any tips.

 If there is no chance of passing, then your decision is between an F and withdrawal (W) from the course.  In both cases you will not receive any credits for taking the course, so if this class puts you under 12 credits for the semester or 24 for the entire year you will need to explore the possibility of summer school.

Generally a W is much better than a F.  The credits and zero quality points will not be calculated in your grade point average (GPA), so it is much easier to get a decent GPA.   An F in a course really lowers your GPA.

The other issue is retaking a required course.  If you withdraw, you could take the course during the summer at an institution closer to your home.   If you fail a course, you generally have to take it again at the same school in order to do a D/F repeat (if that is an option at your school).

NOTE: Be sure to connect with your advisor before making any decisions and find out your school's policies!

Of course, it goes without saying that the best practice is to be working hard and avoid D and F grades!  If you find yourself in this situation, do the best you can to minimize the damage, determine what went wrong, and work in the future to avoid the problem.

Persevere for the Second Half

Welcome back to the second half of the semester.  Many of you have returned from spring break and are ready to start the second half of the semester.  Here are a few things to think about:

• Are you happy with the way things went the first half?
• How were you successful academically?
• How could you improve academically?
• What challenges are there in this second half?  Major papers? exams?
• What plans can you make to successfully meet these challenges?

There is still plenty of time to improve if you are not satisfied with your work so far.  Take advantage of your professors, peer educators, counselors, and others on campus.  They are there for you and want you to succeed.

If things have gone well the first half, resolve to stay the course and maintain a high level of excellence.

One additional challenge in the spring is the weather!  Once it is warm and sunny outside, you will be tempted to skip class.  Don't do it!!  The semester will go quickly and you will have plenty of time to be out in the sun!

Enjoy and stay dedicated!

Spring Break - Relax, Enjoy, Succeed

For many college and universities next week will be Spring Break.  A time to be carefree and relax or to work as many hours as possible to earn more cash for the rest of the semester.  BUT, many of you will have papers to write or exams to study for.  It is guaranteed that you will not feel like studying over break, but it must be done.  How can you fit that into your schedule and still do what you want to do?

Here are some ideas:

• First, get as much done before you go home.  And when you go, be sure to take everything you need!
• Second, before you go home, plan what days and times you will study.  Write it down.  Then stick to the plan.
• Tell some other people at home your plan.  They will help you stay on task.
• Remember that the longer you go without reviewing the material from your classes the more you will forget.  Thus you will have to study even more when you return in order to relearn the material.  Review information from classes about 20 minutes each several times over break.  This will minimize your forgetting.
• It  would also be helpful if you can study in a location that is more academic - perhaps your local Library or Starbucks.

Spring Break is a time to relax and rejuvenate to prepare for the remainder of the semester.  With some careful planning you can do that and also keep up with your studies.

Relax and enjoy!