General Advising
Counseling
Career Services Center
Health and Special Services
New Student Orientation
Faculty Advising
Academic Advising Calendar
Keys to Success
1. Go to Class
Your instructor may take attendance or give a pop quiz, or give important information about the class or exams. Be there and remember to bring your mind as well as your body.
2. Turn in your homework
Turn it in on time, and type it whenever possible. Appearance matters and the effort put into the assignment is obvious.
3. Talk to your instructor
Let him/her get to know you. If you have questions, ask! Your instructor is teaching the subject because he/she wants to. They care about the subject, and they care that you understand what you are studying. Use his/her office hours.
4. Learn how to study
Studying involves more than staring at your textbook. Learn how to read textbooks effectively, take good notes and use them, and plan your study time. Use the Academic Support Center and tutors early in the term before things start to pile up.
5. Use a time planner
You can use either the Compass, a day-planner, or an electronic planner. Keep it up to date with due dates for papers, tests, quizzes and projects. Be realistic about your time.
6. Learn how to (really) use the Library during your first semester
There are special sessions available every semester, and librarians available to help with your questions. Use them! Check out the Library page on the C.O.D. web site. There are fabulous resources to aid you no matter what project you’re working on.
7. Make a friend on campus
Studies have shown that knowing someone on campus can affect your success at school. Take the initiative to establish a relationship with an adviser, a counselor, an instructor, or a “study-buddy.”
8. Get involved with campus activities
Some of your college education is going to take place outside the classroom as you learn how to organize projects, deal with conflict and make things happen. Take advantage of the opportunities to grow in a rich environment and develop an appreciation of diverse people. Campus activities and contact numbers are listed in the Compass.
9. Take advantage of career exploration possibilities
The Career Center can help with interest assessments, job shadowing, co-op opportunities and search methods. It’s easier to stay in school when you know why you are here.
10. Take care of your health
Getting enough sleep and eating well makes a big difference in your ability to stay awake in class and study effectively. You’ll look better too.
11. CHILL OUT!
Remember to have some fun! Between studying, working and the pressures of life, think about what makes you smile and laugh. Take time for those things too. School can be a wonderful experience if you let it be. Balance courses you HAVE to take with courses you WANT to take and make an effort to smile. Learn to laugh at yourself and situations, but never at other people. Decide to be happy.
Resource Links
STARS
Student Advising Resource System
Academic Advising Calendar
Transfer Tips
Conversion Student Handbook, Second Edition, March 2005
Contact an Adviser
Printed Material
Time Management Grid/Worksheet
Current Student Success Workshops
Keys to Success
