Are you struggling with your Math or English course? If so, check out the Math Place & the Writing Place.
5 Tips to Manage your Time in College
1. Use your student planner
Before you buy textbooks, lab equipment, or that first round of pizza be sure that you have invested in a student planner. Make sure that it is stylish and fits your personality so that you will use it on a consistent basis. Your planner should be with you every moment of every day that you are at school (and preferably even with you when you’re not!). Think of your planner as your “brain”; once you write something down in it, the task will get done…and you don’t need to have the date or time rattling around in your head any longer.
2. Watch your credit-hours
It’s tempting to succumb to pressure from parents, peers, or professors to take a large load of courses , especially when there are so many interesting topics you want to study and learn about. However, before taking the plunge into a massive number of credits, be sure to think carefully about the time requirements involved.
Typically, a 3-credit hour course requires 3 seated hours in a classroom plus 3 outside hours (study on your own) for each credit hour taken. Therefore, one class can occupy 12 hours of your time! Multiply this by 5 (for a 15 credit hour schedule), and your get 60 hours of occupied time. That’s more than some full-time jobs!
3. Try to work on-campus
Working is an inevitable part of life, but sometimes we can make it more convenient to our lifestyle. Have you checked out the Career Services web page for opportunities available right on campus? Think about how this would limit the commute time involved with working off-campus and perhaps give you the opportunity to study while making a bit of spending money.
Generally, students who are taking a full load of academic classes (i.e., 12 credits) should try to stay around 20 hours of work per week. This is a good rule of thumb to follow when trying to decide how much you should take on while attempting to excel academically.
4. Go to class
This should not be under estimated. GO TO CLASS! No matter how much you believe that all the material you need to know is covered in the textbook or PowerPoint slides you are setting yourself up for a difficult time if you don’t attend lecture. The lecture provides the professor the opportunity to elaborate on information (hopefully previously read) and to give concrete examples of concepts. If nothing else, view the lecture as yet another opportunity to study material that you have previously read and to better prepare yourself for the inevitable test.
5. Get comfortable with your syllabi
You should take the time now to go over your syllabi and list all due dates, tests, projects, and other deadlines in your student planner. This way you won’t have to worry about flipping through your syllabi each day to make sure that you have everything done. This will also allow you to plan your week more effectively since you will be able to see what weeks have many assignments due and what weeks are sparser. You can also take a few moments and see if there are any areas where you might be able to get ahead on some of you work should something come up and you can’t complete everything on a weekly basis.
There is still time to add Methods of Inquiry to your fall 2009 class schedule. This course is a fantastic introduction to your personal learning style, study skills and critical thinking. All students can benefit from enrolling.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EDUCATION!
TAKE THIS COURSE SERIOUSLY AND YOU WILL:
• Predict exam questions
• Think clearly and critically
• Improve your understanding and your grades
• Respond meaningfully to class content and assignments
Registration information for the fall 2009 semester:
M/W 10:00 – 10:50 a.m. registration #215656
M/W 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. registration #126089
T/R 9:30 – 10:20 a.m. registration #429110
T/R 2:00 – 2:50 p.m. registration #316761
Be sure you register for UB’s Methods of Inquiry (GSE 155) course this coming fall semester! GSE 155 is an excellent class about how to approach learning and thinking. Don’t miss this opportunity to take an extremely informative course that will help you approach your studies and improve your grades!
As final exams are approaching, the Methods of Inquiry course asserts that successful students recommend 3 study techniques when preparing for exams. Remember to begin your test preparation early and be sure to utilize these successful techniques and tips.
1. Generate Questions – Turn information that you have to learn from lecture notes, readings, supplementary assignments, and previous tests and quizzes into questions that you need to answer. If you can’t generate questions, you most likely don’t understand the material.
2. Concept Mapping – Take the information that you need to learn and put it into a picture format instead of simply reading the material. You want to be able to SEE the whole picture, how it all fits together, and not see things as random.
3. Create Mock Exams – You need to predict the questions the teacher is trying to ask you. You therefore want to use test preparation that will allow you to practice the kind of questions that you will see on the test.
Ideas for creating Mock Exams:
Source: Ahuna, Kelly H. and Tinnesz, Christine G. (2003). Methods of Inquiry: Applied Critical Thinking. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
UB provides a variety of tutoring assistance for undergraduate students. If you are experiencing academic difficulty, don’t wait! Take advantage of these FREE tutorial services TODAY!
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The Thomas J. Edwards Learning Center offers FREE tutoring in Math and Writing.
The Math Place – 209 Baldy Hall, North Campus
FREE drop-in tutoring service for students where you can bring your problems or questions and the tutors will be happy to help you. Bring your textbook, calculator, and notes. Only students enrolled in the following courses are eligible: ULC147, ULC148, MTH115, MTH121, MTH122, MTH131, MTH141, and MTH142.
The Writing Place - 209-A Baldy Hall, North Campus
FREE tutoring for students who need help with paper organization, perfecting grammar, or receiving feedback on writing. Bring papers, essays, projects, etc., and tutors will assist you.
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The Academic Success Centers offers FREE tutoring in various subject areas with emphasis on classes first-year students take, including chemistry, biology, English, physics, accounting, math and economics. Check out one of these Academic Success Centers TODAY! You do not have to live on campus to use these services:
Blake Center – 167 Millard Fillmore Academic Center, Ellicott Complex
Jones Center – Clinton Hall basement, Governer’s Complex
Clement Study Lounge – Clement Hall 1st floor, South Campus
For more information on the Academic Success Centers visit: www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/housing/academic.php.
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If Free Tutoring is Not Available - Try These Recommendations!
1. Ask your Instructor/TA for extra assistance and regularly attend their office hours.
2. Ask your Instructor/Department for contacts in the major (successful students) who may be able to offer tutoring assistance.
3. Speak with your classmates and form a study group. Especially look for students who love the class.
4. Post signs around the department indicating you are looking for tutoring support.
5. Find a private paid tutor. Contact the academic department where you need assistance and inquire if there is a list of paid tutors to choose from.
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For more information on other tutoring services at UB, visit the UB Libraries at: ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/helpAZ/tutoring.
Caitlin is one of two Graduate Assistants in the office of Student Advising Services who wants to help you! Her advice to fellow UB students on the ABC’s of Spring Semester are:
A is for Agenda
Make sure you are looking over your syllabi and are jotting down all important dates including exams, due dates, class cancellations, etc. Also, know important UB deadlines and cancellations by printing out student calendars that can be found on the Student Response Center web page.
B is for Bills
Did you pay your tuition yet? You can view your account balance on MyUB under Finances. Make sure you stay on top of your other bills, too!
C is for CURCA
CURCA stands for Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities. Check them out and get involved in research and other projects on campus this semester!
D is for Decisions
Have you decided on a major or career path? This is the semester to explore your interests and figure out what you really want to study! See your advisor if you need some help with major decisions.
E is for Email
Check your UB email account on a regular basis as important information from instructors, students, advisors and organizations on campus will use this account. Also, many instructors and staff at UB prefer you to use your UB account when contacting them.
F is for Facebook
Make sure your facebook profile is a good representation of yourself. Instructors, employers, and other students have access to your pages and you want to make a good impression. According to CareerBuilder.com, 63% of hiring managers did not hire someone because of the information they found online!
G is for GPA
Everybody starts the semester with an A in each class. Maintain that A by going to every class, taking good notes, studying well in advance, asking the teacher questions and seeking tutoring if you need more assistance.
H is for Health
Stay healthy! Keep warm in this cold Buffalo weather, be sure to eat a well-balanced diet, exercise at lease 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes and be sure to get enough sleep! Stop by Wellness Education Services for more tips on how to stay healthy this spring.
I is for Internships
There is still time to land an internship for this semester, and it’s not too early to begin looking for the summer and next fall. Visit Career Services for help with internships and jobs.
J is for Joining a Club
UB has over 100 SA Clubs on campus and there is something for everybody. Find something that fits your interests.
K is for kindness
Be nice to people on campus – hold the door for the person behind you, wait for someone to cross the street when you’re driving around campus looking for a parking spot, let someone have your seat on the stampede, or simply smile at people coming your way.
L is for Library Skills Workbook
Have you completed your Library Skills Workbook yet? You need this to graduate, so if you are a senior and graduating in June, make sure you do this soon!
M is for MyPage
Customize your MyPage so it suits your personal needs as a student! There are online tutorials to help you do this.
N is for New Year
When you’re signing your name and date on a paper, don’t forget it’s 2009!
O is for Overload
Don’t overload yourself with too many credit hours or take on too many responsibilities. A good rule of thumb is to stay around 15 credit hours and if you are working part-time, try to keep it around 10 hours a week.
P is for Procrastination
Stop putting things off! Use post-its and make lists of things you have to do today, things that should be done sometime during the week, and any other lists that will help you to not procrastinate.
Q is for Quitting
It’s a new year and it’s time to make a resolution – or two. Kick those bad habits and start this semester off on the right foot.
R is for Resume
Build your resume this semester by improving your GPA, getting involved in research, an internship, an SA club, or volunteering!
S is for Sleep
Make sure you are catching enough zzz’s every night! You’ll laugh, but you should shoot for 7-8 hours every night.
T is for Time
It’s not always easy managing a billion things at once, but it is easy to waste time. Make sure you are aware of your priorities and responsibilities before spending hours using the new application on facebook or trying to master your roommate’s guitar hero!
U is for Undergraduate Catalog
Use the online version of the undergraduate catalog to look up course descriptions, the various academic programs, policies and procedures at UB, and more!
V is for Volunteering
Give a little bit of yourself this semester! You’ll enjoy doing it, and it looks good on a resume. Check out some great opportunities and learn more about how you can volunteer at United Way.
W is for Workshops
Attend Life and Learning Workshops! There are so many workshops in a wide array of topics – check one out this semester.
X is for XLIII
Whether you’re in it for the football or commercials, don’t forget to get together with some friends to watch the Superbowl XLIII on February 1st!
Y is for Yourself
With all your responsibilities and obligations during the semester it can be hard to find some time for yourself, but make sure you are still enjoying some “me time”!
Z is for Zoo
Visit the Buffalo Zoo this semester! Go check out all of the animals, events and more!
Although you may realize the value and importance of a college education, have you ever thought about how your college grades could impact your future? We have provided a list of several articles that addresses the realities of college GPA’s as well as ways in which you can improve your GPA. Be sure that you read the following three articles in preparation for the upcoming Spring 2009 semester!
Reminder: GPA Does Matter!
Strive to obtain excellent, consistent grades and avoid the following possible negative consequences:
Need academic help? Have questions? Contact an Academic Advisor TODAY to assist you!
As we reach the mid-point of the fall semester, NOW is the time to talk with your instructors about your progress in their courses.
If you are a first semester student, your instructors have reported whether you are progressing Satisfactorily (S) or Unsatisfactorily (U) in your classes and an e-mail message has been generated to your UB e-mail account.
While mid-semester evaluations are not grades, nor do they predict your final grades, if you receive an Unsatisfactory (U), it does mean that there may be concerns about your:
Attendance;
Inadequate preparation for class;
Poor study skills;
Adjustment issues;
Or poor performance on tests.
If you receive an Unsatisfactory (U) evaluation or if you have concerns with your current courses, you should do the following at once:
1. Make an appointment with the instructor or visit the instructor during posted office hours to discuss the course and to obtain additional help.
2. Make an appointment with an Academic Advisor. Your Advisor can help you develop strategies to improve your performance.
3. Consult the information about Mid-Semester Review and learn about other success strategies and resources available to you.
If you are considering resigning (R) from a course after speaking with your instructor, make sure that you understand the consequences of course resignation. Changes in your course load may impact your: (1) financial aid; (2) medical insurance eligibility; (3) sequence of required courses; or (4) time to graduation. Prior to resigning, you should speak with an Academic Advisor and Financial Aid.
The last day to resign a course(s) this fall semester is Friday, November 7, 2008 by 11 pm via MyUB or BIRD.
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Do You Identify with these Warning Signs that may Predict Academic Difficulty?*
1) Are you falling behind on assignments?
2) Have you missed several classes recently?
3) Do you feel lost or confused?
4) Are you relying heavily on a friend for help in completing assignments?
5) Do you feel restless and listless, as if something is wrong but you’re not sure what it is?
6) Do you feel constantly tired or spend a lot of time sleeping?
*Source: Adapted from McWhorter, Kathleen T. (2000). Study and critical thinking skills in college. New York, NY: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.
If You Are Experiencing Warning Signs that may Predict Academic Difficulty:
Remember that you are not alone but be sure you utilize these important additional resources to assist you.
As we reach the mid-point of the fall semester, UB’s Student Advising Services is offering several important Student Success Workshops designed to help YOU! Be sure that you take advantage of one of these upcoming Study Skills and Time Management workshops and discover several important tips to help you succeed!
Go to One of these Study Skills & Time Management Workshops and You Will Learn:
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Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Time: 3 pm - 3:50 pm
Location: Room 111 Norton Hall
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Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Time: 4 pm - 4:50 pm
Location: Room 111 Norton Hall
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Date: Thursday, October 30, 2008
Time: 4 pm - 4:50 pm
Location: Room 111 Norton Hall
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Interested in attending other workshops this semester? Be sure and consult the complete list of Student Success Workshops offered through Student Advising Services as well as the Life and Learning Workshops program for more information.
Be sure that you read the Spectrum article by Staff Writer, Katie Fiedler!
Published in the October 15, 2008 edition under Arts & Life, Fiedler highlights that the Key to Effective Studying is Focus.
Fiedler references in the article an excellent UB class called Methods of Inquiry (GSE 155), which helps students prepare for tests, know how to study, and so much more! As you are thinking about class selection for the upcoming Spring 2009 semester, be sure that consider enrolling in GSE 155 today!
