Academic Support
Considerations For Developing A Schedule
TIME - How much time am I going to spend on this class? - How often does it meet?
CONTENT - What's the focus of the course? Is this subject easy/difficult for me?
STYLE - How is the course taught? Lecture/seminar/independent study
REQUIREMENTS - Why am I taking this class? Have I met the pre-reqs? How will I be evaluated? (papers, mid terms, projects, etc)
BALANCE - Mix of General Ed, major, and minor requirements. Type of class - lecture, lots of reading, labs, papers, math/graphic problems
RESPONSIBILITIES - what are my other commitments this term - employment, internships, personal, activities, sports, recreation, family, social ? How am I doing academically? Do I need to focus on raising my g.p.a? Am I making progress on my major and making connections with faculty?
SEQUENCE - will I take time off before the sequence continues? Do I need this course as a prereq. to other courses?
SECONDARY - What is my backup plan if I don't get my first choice?
Some Scheduling Tools
Faculty Advisor - Helps you plan future terms and work toward your academic goals. Will assist you in charting your progress and personalize your options
Registration Booklet - Tells you what classes are offered, when and by whom. Contains important dates and deadlines
College Catalog - Offers descriptions of courses, format, and pre-reqs. Contains general requirement for majors and minors but see your faculty advisors or the department for specifics
Career Services - located on the 3rd floor of Burton Morgan. Gives you great information about career exploration/job trends - May Term
Department Office - Pick up detailed course descriptions and check for old syllabi
Bookstore - Browse for texts used in the course (if available)
FRIENDS - be careful! What was an easy class/professor for someone may not be the same for you! Also, curriculum requirements can change by major and by class year, so be sure to double check with your faculty advisor
Helpful Tips for Registration meeting with Faculty advisors
- Look through your registration packet BEFORE meeting with your faculty advisor.
- Schedule an appointment with your advisor well in advance of registration deadlines.
- Pay attention to schedule book changes and closed courses (check out the Registration Database online to determine closed courses).
- Be mindful of prerequisites and extra fees for certain courses.
Time Commitment For Academic Success
Total Hours in Class ______ X 2 = _____ Hours needed for study
Class Time _____ + Study Time = _____ Academic Commitments
Academic Commitments hours per week _____
Student Org./Involvement hours per week _____
Employment hours per week _____
Social Hours per week _____
= ______ TOTAL (is this realistic?)