So. How is College Different?

1) Academics

2) Extracurricular Activities

College: Self-Motivation

• It is now YOUR responsibility to go to class, to complete all assignments, and be academically prepared.

• No one is going to hold your hand.

• You’re paying for it, take charge of your own learning.

Chuck Norris would like you to get motivated.

Academics

• Being a student is your full-time job. • Focus on participation in class• Sporadic class schedule• Higher expectations outside of class• Fewer opportunities to earn “grades”

Participation

• Many professors will factor classroom participation into your grade

• Yes, that means you’ll need to talk in class and contribute to the discussion

So when am I in class?

• Typical High School– 7 different hours of class, beginning at 8:00am

and ending at 3:00pm

• Typical College (15 credit hours)– 50 minute classes three days a week– One hour and 20 minute classes two days a week– Three hour classes one night a week.

A Typical College ScheduleMONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY8:30 8:30 8:30 8:30 8:309:30 9:30 9:30 9:30 9:3010:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30

11:30 11:30 11:30 11:30 11:3012:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:301:30 1:30 1:30 1:30 1:302:30 2:30 2:30 2:30 2:303:30 3:30 3:30 3:30 3:304:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30

Blue: open Green: in class

Expectations Outside of Class

• A general guideline is that for every you spend in class, professors will expect you to spend two hours on your own, outside of class

• Reading, studying, doing homework.

Time

• The hardest thing to master as a new college student is “time”

• Academic demands• Social life• First semester is always

the roughest

Battling Procrastination

• Procrastination – the college student’s best friend – FIGHT IT!

• Planning can do wonders– Setting and adhering to a

study schedule means you’ll have time to enjoy yourself

– If you find something that works for you, stick with it.

Is help available?

• YES YES YES! But you must make the effort.– Writing center for help writing papers– Tutoring in various subjects– Communication lab for speeches and

presentations– Go to your professors if you’re struggling, or don’t

understand a concept, they’re very understanding.

The Social Side: Why get Involved?

• It’s fun.• Getting connected to campus increases the

likelihood that you’ll Graduate.• Meet new people and have new experiences.• Happiness. Happy student = better student.

Be a happy puppy!

Athletics

• Varsity sports

• Club Sports

• Intramural Sports

Clubs and Organizations

• Social Greek (Fraternities and Sororities)• Community Service• Religious Student Unions• Campus Media (newspaper, radio, tv)• Cultural Groups• Academic Honor Societies• Special Interest

Part-time Employment

- Spending Money- Help pay for school- Improve your time

management skills- Increase your

responsibility- On campus or off campus