Office of Academic Support

“Getting Off on the Right Foot” 
How to Approach the First Four Weeks of the Semester
 By Matt McCluskey, Coordinator of Academic Support

    1) Seek out each of your professors

          -They all have office hours and are available to make appointments.
          -They want to see you and answer your questions.
          -It’s OK to walk in and say, “Hi, I’m ______  in your _________ class and I just wanted to introduce myself”.
          -A first meeting is also a good chance to have a preliminary discussion about written assignments.
          -You may want to talk about specific reading techniques applicable to a certain topic or discipline.

      2) Go to every class and activity

      -There’s no surer route to academic problems than skipping class.
          -If you are legitimately ill, make sure to touch base with your professors and get notes from a friend.  Also, if you are that sick, you need to visit the Health Center.

      3) Find a note-taking system that works for you

      -You need to have a good organizational system for each of your classes.
         -You can visit the Academic Advising Office if you have questions about notebook organization.
          -You may wish to explore the Cornell method, outlining, and mapping techniques for your notebook.
          -Take notes while you read.

    4) Review your notes before and after each class

           -It doesn’t need to be long.  Five to ten minutes of notebook review before and after each class does wonders for comprehension and class participation.

    5) Go to Bed

          -Going to bed on weeknights at 2:30 AM when you have a slew of 8:30 classes is not going to do much for your class participation and attendance.   Plus, no one functions as well when they are regularly getting less than 7 hours of rest per night.
          With a few exceptions, most people do better work when they take full advantage of daylight hours.

      6) Find a study group to compare notes and discuss writing assignments

       -Everyone has their own learning style.   For many people, it is extremely helpful to receive verbal feedback about their work and to explain ideas out loud (e.g., pretending to teach the concept to someone else).  It can also be helpful to discuss and critique one another’s written assignments.

    7) Begin your research papers now

      -Visit the library research staff sooner rather than later
          -Talk about your research ideas with your professors
          -Leave time in your time management plan for revision (at least a week)
          -DO NOT put yourself in a situation where you are pulling repeated all-nighters in   November and December.  Both the quality of your work and your health will suffer.

    8) Read your syllabi

      -Professors put a great deal of work into their syllabi and expect their students to know them inside and out.   Also, syllabi are the most important time management tool you have.

    9) Learn about resources on campus

      -It doesn’t hurt to pay a visit to the QRC, Word Studio, and Academic Advising Office right now to see what each office offers.

    10) Be ready to participate in class

        -Come prepared with questions that the readings raised for you
             -Listen actively to others. 
             -Non-verbal cues are important, too: 
        Make eye contact with the speaker, sit up straight, and take notes.

What are some of the things the Academic Advising Office can offer?

-Access to the peer tutoring program
-Time management, syllabus mapping, and note-taking seminars and tutorials
-John Meagher’s Office (for students with special needs)
-Help with critical reading and writing questions
-Assistance on any general questions you may have

If you have question or comments, feel free to contact me:
Matt McCluskey
Coordinator of Academic Support
X5678 or X5964 and mmccluskey@stlawu.edu