Succeeding Academically: General Guidelines

• Have textbooks and other materials purchased in time for the first class.
  
  
• Attend classes regularly even if attendance is not taken or is not mandatory. You’re responsible for everything that takes place in class even if you’re not there.
  
  
• Regularly refer to your syllabus for each of your classes. Note the topics that will be discussed each day as well as due dates for assignments and exams. Also, find out early in the semester if any of your final exams will be cumulative.
  
  
• Get to know one or two students in every class. If you’re absent, they can communicate important information to you as well as provide you with their notes.
  
  
• Create a good impression. Arrive on time, be attentive and participate in discussions but don’t dominate them. Also, be sure your cell phone is turned off during class.
  
  
• Keep up with the reading assignments in each course. As the semester progresses, the material in some courses becomes more difficult and, at the same time, may also be covered more rapidly. If you get behind, it’s difficult to catch up.
  
  
• Spend time on assignments and start them early. They can have a positive (or negative) effect on your grade.
  
  
• Make a copy for yourself of assignments you turn in to your professors. If any assignment should become misplaced or lost, you will be able to re-submit it without having to re-create it.
  
  
• Know your professors’ office hours. Office hours are often given in the course syllabus and are also posted on office doors. The hours given are times when your professors are available to meet with you.
  
  
• Be familiar with the services and resources your campus offers such as career planning, mentoring, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, advising, special interest groups, etc.
  
  
• Know your grade to date in each of your courses throughout the semester. Some students have a false sense as to what their grades really are, and their final grades in some courses turn out to be lower than expected.
  
  
• Recognize the warning signs of academic difficulty and seek help immediately:
  
  
  • Feeling lost and confused.
  • Numerous absences.
  • Grade(s) below a “C” on assignments and/or exams.
    
    
• Acquire the necessary skills to be successful in your courses (e.g. organizational skills, writing skills, study skills, etc.). Locate specialists, tutors, study groups and others on campus who can help you improve your skills.

Susan Ziegert, University of Wisconsin – Waukesha, College Success Tips