self-advisement workbook

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STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER FALL 2014 Self-Advisement workbook Helping you achieve your academic goals Welcome to Gordon State College! The Student Success Center’s primary goal is to help you complete your degree as efficiently as possible. Your number one advocate through this process will be your Academic Success Advisor. Your advisor will help you achieve your academic goals in three ways: 1. Assisting you in planning your program of study. 2. Serving as a resource concerning academic policy and regulations. 3. Aiding you in transitioning to college life. In this workbook An overview of important resources and polices Information on the Learning Support program Worksheets to help you plan your academic career Tips on how to have a successful first semester A calendar to help stay organized Although your advisor is the most important resource you have, this workbook is designed to aid you as begin your first semester as a Gordon State College student at your own pace. Think of the Self- Advisement Workbook as the perfect complement to your advising sessions. Feel free to download and print any or all of the following pages. Each worksheet comes complete with PDF form controls so that once it is downloaded you can answer the questions electronically. Whatever you chose to do with the Self-Advisement Workbook, we hope that you find it helpful as you begin your career as a Gordon State College student—welcome!

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Page 1: Self-Advisement Workbook

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER FALL 2014

Self-Advisement workbook Helping you achieve your academic goals Welcome to Gordon State College! The Student Success Center’s primary goal is to help you complete your degree as efficiently as possible. Your number one advocate through this process will be your Academic Success Advisor. Your advisor will help you achieve your academic goals in three ways:

1. Assisting you in planning your program of study. 2. Serving as a resource concerning academic policy and regulations. 3. Aiding you in transitioning to college life.

In this workbook An overview of important resources and polices Information on the Learning Support program Worksheets to help you plan your academic career Tips on how to have a successful first semester A calendar to help stay organized

Although your advisor is the most important resource you have, this workbook is designed to aid you as begin your first semester as a Gordon State College student at your own pace. Think of the Self-Advisement Workbook as the perfect complement to your advising sessions. Feel free to download and print any or all of the following pages. Each worksheet comes complete with PDF form controls so that once it is downloaded you can answer the questions electronically. Whatever you chose to do with the Self-Advisement Workbook, we hope that you find it helpful as you begin your career as a Gordon State College student—welcome!

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Welcome to Gordon State College This section of the Self-Advisement Workbook will give you an overview of important people and policies on campus.

The Role of your Advisor Your advisor will help you with three things:

1. Assisting you in planning your program of study. This includes advice about setting goals, developing career choices, selecting coursework, and monitoring academic progress.

2. Aiding you in transitioning into college life. They will help you navigate the college environment, assist with reaching campus resources, and help with personal concerns.

3. Serving as a resource on academic policy and regulations. They are the people you should go to with questions about academic, behavioral, or financial aid policies.

What you can expect from Advisors: Reasonable hours of availability. Knowledge about program requirements,

career opportunities, institutional polices, and procedures to ensure academic success.

An advocate who will listen. A resource for other services available to you.

Click here to learn more about advisors and how to look up your advisor’s contact information.

The Role of the Advisee—you! Advisors are an important resource on campus, but don’t forget your role in deciding your future. You are responsible for:

1. Planning your program of study. Although your advisor will aid you, it is your responsibility to plan your academic career and set your own goals.

2. Transitioning to college. You are responsible for understanding that college is not high school, exploring the college experience, as well as enjoying the privileges and responsibilities of academic life.

3. Understanding academic policy. Advisors will answer any questions you might have, but it is up to you to know academic rules, abide by those rules, and understand the consequences of violating them.

What your advisor expects from you: To read and understand academic

policies/procedures. To maintain scheduled appointments and to

come prepared for advisement sessions with completed forms.

To report any academic difficulties, program, or career changes.

Click here to learn more about Gordon State College’s general policies.

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Tips for Success

The official form of communication at Gordon State College is Gordon email. Check email frequently and create a folder where you can save the important documents that are sent to you. Not sure how to access your email? Find directions here.

Check with your advisor before changing your schedule and always adjust hours at your job before registering for classes.

Read your syllabi, taking careful note of the academic, attendance, recordkeeping, and grading polices. Always ask your professor policies if you don’t understand.

Learn how to calculate your grades and GPA.

How to Earn Success If you are having trouble succeeding in your class, make sure you talk, seek, locate, join, and make: Talk with your professor if you are unsure about

your progress. Seek free academic tutoring in the Student Success

Center. Locate a note-taking partner in-case an unavoidable

circumstance prevents you from going to class. Join a study group or form one yourself. Make an appointment with the Student Success

Center’s time-management and study skills specialist, Maria Cezus.

Tutoring for Success The Student Success Center, located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center, offers free walk-in tutoring for writing, math, science, history, and Spanish. Statistically, Gordon State College students who seek tutoring three or more times over a semester are more likely to pass their classes.

With the exception of a few professional tutors, the SSC team is comprised of peer tutors. This means they are students who face the same day-to-day struggles as you do, but happen to have done well in the

classes they are tutoring. There is no need to feel intimidated!

General tutoring hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Visit the Student Success Center’s web page or facebook page for more information about tutoring.

Early Alert Interventions In community colleges nationwide 50% of all students drop out after their first year of college. In all colleges, 40% of students will leave without a degree, and of those 75% of them will leave within their first two years. Because of this, Gordon State College has instated an Early Alert intervention program. There are three triggers that professors look for during the first four weeks of each semester: poor attendance, poor grades, and poor participation.

If these triggers are evident in a first year student, the professor will refer that student to the Director of the Student Success Center. These students will then be required to attend a meeting with a Student Success Center advisor to discuss the reasons for their referral, set academic goals, and create a plan of action.

GFYE: Gordon First Year Experience This course is open to everyone and mandatory for

students with one or two Learning Support requirements. It is designed to help first year students make a successful transition from high school or the work

force into college. The topics in the class range from academic

literacy, to awareness of campus resources, and even cover college-

related attitudes and practices.

GSC created the GFYE program because students with Learning Support

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requirements are more likely to drop out after their first year—in fact, until recently 50%, of these students did so. Students who have completed the GFYE class, however, are far less likely to leave college after their first year. The first year dropout rate for those who completed the class is only 30%!

The Gordon First Year Experience course does not count toward your GPA but does affect financial aid eligibility.

GPA: Grade Point Average The following grades are used in determining grade point average:

Letter Grade Numerical Equivalent Description A 4.0 Excellent B 3.0 Good C 2.0 Satisfactory D 1.0 Passing F 0.0 Failing

WF 0.0 Withdrawn Failing

To learn more about GPA and how it is calculated, visit the Registrar’s GPA Calculator.

SAP: Satisfactory Academic Progress Effective summer 2011, financial aid distribution is linked to a Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. Your SAP is based on your entire college transcript even if you have attended more than one institution. SAP is calculated by the Registrar’s Office at the end of each semester when final grades are posted. There are three statuses associated with SAP:

• Satisfactory • Warning status: used if after a term of

attendance you fail to satisfy the academic progression standards. You will be allowed to keep financial aid for the next term.

• Non Satisfactory Progress (N): will disqualify you for further financial aid. You may, however, appeal SAP Non Satisfactory Progress twice during your academic career at GSC. If this is your status and it is a mathematical impossibility to improve your progress, you will not be allowed to appeal.

There are two factors that go into determining your SAP: GPA (Qualitative) and Pace (Quantitative).

GPA standards are as follows:

Total Hours Attempted Minimum Cumulative GPA 1-15 1.40

16-30 1.60 31-45 1.40 46-59 1.90

60 2.00

Pace standards dictate that students must successfully complete 66% of the courses they enroll in at the beginning of each academic year. Grades of A, B, C, or D count as successful completion, but grades of F, WF, I, U, IP, or V do not. If a student receives all Fs or WFs during a semester, they may be assigned Non Satisfactory Progress and immediately lose eligibility for financial aid. Students with all Ws may be placed on SAP Warning.

For more information on this policy, please see the Financial Aid’s website.

MORE ON ACADEMIC POLICES Academic polices can be overwhelming. If you have questions about the policies described in this workbook or want to know more about other Gordon State College’s policies, there are many resources available to you.

• Your academic advisor will answer any questions you might have

• The department related to the policy will be able to provide more information

• The Gordon State College website is full of useful information

• Look up the policy in your academic catalog

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Learning Support Status and Classes The following information covers the criteria for determining Learning Support Status as well as the course descriptions for the LS program. All of this information and more can be found on the Gordon State College website.

Course DescriptionsENGL 0098 Learning Support Composition Lab (COME entrance score of 44 – 64; or COMR entrance score of 68-77: or ENGL 099) Corequisite: ENGL 1101 Credit Hours: (0-2-1) for institutional use only A lab-based tutoring course designed to provide just in time remediation for students – strengthening their English composition skills through a comprehensive review of grammar and sentence structure – in tandem with enrollment in ENGL 1101.

ENGL 0099 - Pre-College Composition (COME entrance score of 32-43; or COMR entrance score of 62-67: or both COME below 65 AND COMR below 78) Credit Hours: (3-0-3) for institutional use only This course is designed to help students develop and strengthen the composition skills that are needed to enter English 1101. The course includes assignments in the language-based processes of reading, writing, and discussion, as well as critical thinking. It stresses the rules and conventions of standard written English and provides

extensive practice in writing a variety of types of compositions. Students may exit the course by earning a minimum grade of “C”, passing 3 in-class essay writings, and passing the writing sample exit test.

GFYE 0097 - Gordon State College First-Year Experience Credit Hours: (1-0-1) for institutional use only This course is required for all students entering Gordon College with Learning Support requirements (Math, English (writing), or Reading) and optional for all other students. An introduction to college life and responsibilities meant to assist freshmen in making a successful transition from high school to college. The course emphasizes the programmatic development of academic literacy (improving study, time management, and interpersonal communication skills), enhancing awareness of college resources and policies, encouraging participation in the college community, and addressing college-related attitudes and practices. Students who are required to take the course must pass with a “C” or better, and they must repeat the course each semester of enrollment until they achieve a “C” or better.

MATH 0097 - Beginning Algebra (COMM entrance score of 20-30)

Assigned Learning Support Classes Based on Compass Entrance Scores

COMPASS COURSE(S)

Reading COMPASS 62-77 AND

English COMPASS 32-64

ENGL 0099

Reading COMPASS 62-67 ENGL 0099 Reading COMPASS 68-77 ENGL 0098 / ENGL 1101 English COMPASS 32-43 ENGL 0099 English COMPASS 44-64 ENGL 0098 / ENGL 1101

Intended non-STEM Majors Math COMPASS 20-30 MATH 0097

Math COMPASS 31-41 MATH 0998 / MATH 1001

Intended STEM Majors Math COMPASS 20-30 MATH 0099 Math COMPASS 31-41 MATH 0999 / MATH 1111

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Credit Hours: (3-0-3) for institutional use only A course designed to help students learn the basic algebra skills and other topics necessary for Quantitative Skills and Reasoning. It is a study of elementary algebra, which will include real number sets, set operations, linear, quadratic and exponential functions and their graphs, and introductory probability and statistics. Students may exit the course by earning a minimum grade of “C.”

MATH 0099 - Intermediate Algebra Prerequisite: COMM entrance score of 20-30 Credit Hours: (3-0-3) for institutional use only A course designed to help students learn basic algebra topics to prepare them for college algebra. It is the study of elementary algebra, which will include the set of real numbers, linear sentences, linear functions and their graphs, and operations and factoring with polynomials. Students may exit the course by earning a minimum grade of “C.”

MATH 0998 Algebra Assistance / Quantitative Skills and Reasoning Prerequisite: MATH 0097 or COMM entrance score of 31-41: Corequisite: MATH 1001 Credit Hours: (0-2-1) for institutional use only A course designed to help the student simultaneously address a learning support mathematics requirement and complete an Area A mathematics course, MATH 1001. Covers polynomial, rational, and radical expressions and sentences, linear and quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and statistical reasoning.

MATH 0999 Algebra Assistance / College Algebra Prerequisite: MATH 0099 or COMM entrance score of 31-41: Corequisite: MATH 1111 Credit Hours: (0-2-1) for institutional use only A course designed to help the student simultaneously address a learning support mathematics requirement and complete an Area A mathematics course, MATH 1111. Covers polynomial, rational, and radical expressions and sentences, polynomial functions and their graphs, and simultaneous systems of equations.

STAR 0098 - Students Taking Academic Responsibility for College Success Credit Hours: (1-0-1) for institutional use only This course is designed to teach strategies for creating success in college and in life through increased self-awareness and enhanced commitment to life-long learning. Topics include personal responsibility; self-motivation; goal-setting; priority management; learning styles; decision-making; engaging the academic community; interpersonal communication; note-taking and other study skills; test-taking strategies; stress reduction strategies; critical thinking; problem-solving; and the power of positive thinking. Readmitted students returning from academic suspension must complete this course. Please note, however, that students returning from Learning Support suspension are NOT required to enroll in STAR 0098.

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Courses Approved for Students in Learning Support The following is a list of college courses available to students in the Learning Support program. Please keep in mind that some music courses require permission from instructor. Students enrolled in Learning Support courses must enroll in the GFYE (Gordon First Year Experience) class in their first semester. Students will not be able to register for approved classes with prerequisites.

Reading Only

English and Reading

Reading and Math Math Only English Only English and

Math ARTS (All) BIOL 1011 BIOL 1050 BUSA 1105 BUSA 2101 BUSA 2106 COMM 1500 CRJU (All) EDUC 2401 GEOL (All) GFYE 0097 MATH (All below 3000 level) MUSC (All) * PHED (All)

ARTS (All) BIOL 1011 BIOL 1050 BUSA 1105 BUSA 2101 BUSA 2106 COMM 1500 CRJU (All) EDUC 2401 ENGL 0099 GEOL (All) GFYE 0097 MATH (All below 3000 level) MUSC (All) * PHED (All)

ARTS (All) BIOL 1011 BIOL 1050 BUSA 1105 BUSA 2101 BUSA 2106 COMM 1500 CRJU (All) EDUC 2401 GEOL (All) GFYE 0097 MATH 0097 MATH 0099 MATH 0998 MATH 0999 MUSC (All) * PHED (All)

ANTH 1102 ARTS (All) BIOL 1011 BIOL 1050 BIOL 1111 BIOL 1112 BIOL 2210 BIOL 2211 BIOL 2225 BIOL 2235 BUSA 1105 BUSA 2101 BUSA 2105 BUSA 2106 COMM 1110 COMM 1500 CRJU (All) EDUC (All below 3000 level) ENGL (All below 3000 level) FRENCH (All) GEOL (All) GFYE 0097 HIST 1121, 1122 HIST 2111, 2112 HIST 2183 HSIA 2000 HUMN (All) HUSV 2101 LIBR 1001 MATH 0097 MATH 0099 MATH 0998 MATH 0999 MUSC (All) * PHED (All) PHIL 2010 PHIL 2020 POLS (All) PSYC (All below 3000 level) SOCI (All below 3000 level) SPAN (All) THEA 1000 THEA 1100

ACCT (All) ANTH 1102 ARTS (All) BIOL 1011 BIOL 1050 BIOL 1111 BIOL 1112 BIOL 2210 BIOL 2211 BIOL 2225 BUSA 1105 BUSA 2101 BUSA 2106 BUSA 2120 COMM 1500 CRJU (All) CSCI (All) ECON (All) EDUC 2401 ENGL 0099 GEOL (All) GFYE 0097 HUMN (All) MATH (All below 3000 level) MUSC (All) * PHED (All) POLS 1101 POLS 2201 PSYC 1100 PSYC 1101 SOCI (All below 3000 level) THEA 1000 THEA 1100

ANTH 1102 ARTS (All) BIOL 1011 BIOL 1050 BIOL 1111 BIOL 1112 BIOL 2210 BIOL 2211 BIOL 2225 BUSA 1105 BUSA 2101 BUSA 2106 COMM 1500 CRJU (All) EDUC 2401 ENGL 0099 ENGL 0998 GEOL (All) GFYE 0097 HUMN (All) MATH 0097 MATH 0099 MATH 0998 MATH 0999 MUSC (All)* PHED (All) POLS 1101 POLS 2201 PSYC 1100 PSYC 1101 SOCI (All below 3000 level) THEA 1000 THEA 1100

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Important Information for Learning Support Students The mission of the Learning Support program is to provide assistance to students who have difficulties in the areas of reading, mathematics, and/or English (writing). The goal of Learning Support is to assist students in achieving entry-level college proficiencies so that they may successfully complete their personal academic goals. 1. Learning Support requirements are determined by one or more of the following:

• SAT/ACT scores • Required High School Curriculum (RHSC)

deficiencies • COMPASS placement scores

2. Each semester of enrollment, a student must register for required LS courses.

3. A student must pass Gordon College First-Year Experience (GFYE 0097).

4. Some students must begin in MATH 0097. (See “Courses Approved for Learning Support” sheet for cut-off scores.) Students who fail the first level of the two-level sequence in two attempts will be placed on LS suspension for one year. Students who do not complete the LS math sequence in three attempts will be placed on LS suspension for one year.

5. Students will be allowed two attempts to complete LS English and/or reading. Students who do not complete the requirement in two attempts will be placed on LS suspension for one year.

6. LS attempts are cumulative within the University System of Georgia.

7. Read each course syllabus carefully. A student needs to become familiar with each instructor’s:

• Contact information • Email address • Office hours • Textbook and required materials • Web-based course components • Course calendar • Assignments and exam dates • Grading criteria

• Attendance policy

8. Purchase textbooks immediately after attending the first session of each class.

9. If a student has difficulties in any classes, he must seek help immediately. Besides seeking the help of the professor, also get help from the Student Success Center—located directly above the bookstore. The SSC is not just for Learning Support students. This is some of the help which a student will find there:

• Writing Tutors support students in all aspects of the writing process.

• The Math Tutors offer help to students in all the math courses offered at Gordon College.

• The Science Tutors offer help to students in their science classes.

• Success workshops are offered on an ongoing basis throughout the semester.

• Maria Cezus, time-management and study-skills specialist holds free consultations throughout the semester.

10. If a student wants to withdraw from a class, it must be done through the Registrar’s Office. If a student withdraws before midterm, he will receive a W (Withdraw). A student enrolled in LS courses and in college-level courses may not withdraw from LS courses, unless he also withdraws from all college-level courses. (If the student remains in at least one LS course, he may also remain in a one-credit-hour physical education activity course and/or a one-credit-hour music performance course.)

11. If a student stops attending a class, he will receive a WF (Withdraw Failing) as a grade.

12. Final exams are given on the last day of class for the semester.

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13. Final exams for college-level classes are given during final exam week. The exam time will more than likely not be at the same time or on the same day the usual scheduled class. The Final exam schedule can be found on the Gordon website.

14. Become familiar with Gordon College’s rules and regulations found in the Academic Catalog. These include:

• Change of Schedule during Drop-Add • Withdrawal from classes • Attendance Policy • Enrollment Verification • Grading System and GPA • Repeating of Courses • Academic Renewal • Student Bill of Rights • Grade Appeal Process • Academic Dishonesty Policy

15. Students with any type of financial aid – Pell, Student Loan, HOPE scholarship, etc. – may lose aid, if they do not pass their required courses each semester.

16. In addition to affecting financial aid status, failing a LS course has other serious consequences, including insufficient academic progress and a possible one-year suspension from all schools in the University System of Georgia.

17. A student can contact the financial aid office or go to www.nslds.ed.gov in order to see how much and what kind of financial aid he has received.

18. If a student applies for financial aid and it does not come in by the payment deadline, he will have to pay for the classes and receive the reimbursement check later.

19. Schedules of students who do not meet the payment deadline will be dropped.

Before classes begin, be sure you have done the following: Logged into Banner Web

Checked your housing, if you are living on campus

Have your schedule of classes

Logged into your Gordon email

Received your Student ID

Received your Parking Permit

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Academic Self-Advisement This worksheet is designed to help you reflect on anything that might have prevented you from performing well academically in the past.

Name: Date:

Student ID: 929 High School GPA/Rank:

Major: Degree:

Other Areas of Interest:

Academic Advisor: Semester:

Below are several categories that may have impacted your previous academic performance. Please read each item and consider it carefully. The information may be used by your academic advisor to assist you. Factors that may have affected my academic performance during (check all that apply):

☐ High School ☐ Fall Sem. 20 ☐ Spring Sem. 20 ☐ Summer Sem. 20 Academic □ Ineffective Study Skills □ Insufficient High School Preparation □ Undeveloped time management □ Difficulty of courses □ Inability to understand course material □ Possible learning disability □ Missed classes □ Other: Family/Social Adjustment □ Adjustment to GSC □ Adjustment to Barnesville □ Separation from home, family, friends □ Housing or roommate issues □ Home or family issues □ Loneliness □ Childcare issues □ Other:_____________________________

Major/Career □ Uncertain of/unhappy with major □ No clear career goals or plans □ Not sure why I’m in college □ Unsure of skills and abilities □ Interested in a major not offered at GSC □ Other: ____________________________ Personal Issues □ Financial difficulties □ Physical illness, injury, or health problems □ Pressure, stress, tension, or anxiety □ Lack of motivation □ Too much time spent working □ Too much time spent socializing □ Legal Issues □ Transportation issues (i.e. car trouble, distance, etc.) □ Loss of friend or family member □ Other: _____________________________

Rank the top 3 factors that influenced your most recent academic performance: 1. 2. 3.

(Adapted from Armstrong Atlantic State University)

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Academic Success Plan This is your opportunity to set a goal for the upcoming semester. Be sure to discuss your plans with your academic advisor during your next meeting.

Name: Date:

Major: GCID: 929

Academic Advisor: Semester:

My goal this semester is to achieve a semester GPA of at least:

I understand that I must take the following actions this semester which are essential for all students seeking academic success:

Attend all classes except in cases of emergency or illness. In these cases, I will notify my instructors immediately and develop a plan with them as soon as possible to make up any missed assignments.

Keep track of my grade progress in all my classes on a continual basis. Meet with my instructor or tutor immediately for assistance if a grade on any assignment or test is below a "C" Meet with my Academic Advisor at least once during the semester and immediately for assistance if anything

occurs that may affect my academic-success. Utilize Gordon State College resources to assist me.

I will take the following specific actions to address the top 3 factors that impacted my academic performance:

1.

2.

3. I will utilize the following resources as recommended to address the factors that impacted my performance last semester (to be completed during follow-up meeting):

Department: Location: Contact Number: __ Student Success Center Student Center-2nd Floor 678-359-5156 __ Counseling & Accessibility Services Student Center-2nd Floor 678-359-5585 __ Registrar’s Office Lambdin Hall- 1st Floor 678-359-5022 __ Financial Aid Office Lambdin Hall – 2nd Floor 678-359-5990 __ Business Office Lambdin Hall – 2nd Floor 678-359-5010 __ Other:

I understand the consequences of not obtaining a _____ GPA at the end of this semester and will take action to follow this Academic Success Plan.

Advisor Initials: Student Signature

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Two Year Academic Advisement Plan Use this worksheet to keep track of the academic plan you make with your advisor by filling in this worksheet.

Semester: / Appointment # 1 2 Name: ID#: 929 Current GPA:

Major: Secondary(?): Degree Sought: 1st Semester Attended: Total Hours Attempted: Earned: Date of Appt.: Time: Follow up appt.:

Learning Support Requirements Course Required Completed Hours

ENGL 0099 3 ENGL 0098 1 MATH 0097 3 MATH 0998 1 MATH 0099 3 MATH 0999 1 GFYE 0097 1

First Year Courses Fall Spring Summer (Optional)

Course Grade Hours Course Grade Hours 1st Session 2nd Session

2nd Year Courses Fall Spring Summer (Optional)

Course Grade Hours Course Grade Hours 1st Session 2nd Session Topics Discussed (check all that apply): Please Read: ☐ Program Requirements Notes: The purpose of this advisement plan is to make you aware of the required

guidelines for your selected program, to establish required courses and options for the core program, and to enable you to make decisions appropriate for advancement into the program. Please note that future course enrollment is contingent upon your academic performance.

Please sign if you understand the information provided to you.

☐ Financial Aid ☐ Academic Standing ☐ Change of Major ☐ Other (Specify) Student Signature:

Revisions (include dates and comments):

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Semester Academic Advisement Worksheet This worksheet will aid you in discussing classes for the upcoming semester with your advisor.

Student Name: ID#: Student Signature: Advisor:

Courses Schedule Suggested Courses

(Completed by advisor) CRN’S (completed by student) Class Days

(completed by student) Class Times (completed by student)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Advisor Signature: Date:

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Planning a Schedule Worksheet It can be hard to pick classes that don’t have conflicting meeting times. This worksheet will help keep track of when your classes meet. Using the schedule search or class listings for the intended semester of study, plan a schedule that suits your needs and availability as discussed with your advisors or in an advisement session. Fill in information according to the example below. Sample Schedule:

CRN Course Day & Time Location Hours Professor Notes 555 BIOL 1111 9:30-10:45 TR RUSS 208 4 556 Lab 11:00 – 12:50 T 111 ENGL 1111 9:00-9:50 MWF ACAD 114 3 313 MATH 0099 8:00-8:50 M-R IC 117 4 775 HIST 1121 3:00-3:50 MWF RUSS 207 3 223 PHED 1010 Online TBA 3 Check schedule for info

To assist you in planning your schedule, you may wish to block off days and time of planned courses. This will give you an overview of how your week will look. Be certain to plan times for breaks, including lunch or dinner. DAY Monday 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Tuesday 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Wednesday 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Thursday 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Friday 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ____________________________ __________________ ________________ __________ _________ Name Intended Major Degree Semester Year My Schedule:

CRN Course Day & Time Location Hours Professor Notes

My Schedule: Monday 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Tuesday 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Wednesday 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Thursday 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Friday 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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10 Aspects of Learning and Study Strategies Most students need to make significant changes to their study habits once they enter college. College students are confronted with larger quantities of information which can make preparing for a test a major challenge. There are 10 general areas related to learning and study strategies that you should be aware of in order to best prepare for courses.

Anxiety Anxiety can be related to attending college in general (pressure from parents and family), or nervousness about college in general due—pressure from parents and family, for example—or nervousness about an upcoming test or examination. Students that are anxious are typically unable to focus in class.

Attitude Having a positive attitude and being able to understand reasons for your attitude changes are important to your overall success. You will have classes that you feel are unrelated to your studies or you may have a class that you are passionate about, but the amount of time you study does not match your exam grade. Maintain a positive attitude.

Concentration The ability to concentrate can significantly impact your college career and academic success. Students often have trouble concentrating when studying alone, taking notes during lecture, or sometimes even when taking a test. Learn concentration strategies to improve test scores.

Information Processing Information processing, or how one understands subject matter, is another critical component of learning and study strategies. How you process information impacts your ability to remember information, take notes, test preparation, and so on. Students’ learning styles vary, but knowing how you learn best is key to being successful. Become knowledgeable about your own learning styles to succeed academically.

Motivation Students are motivated by different things. Sometimes the motivation is getting money from a grandparent if they have As or Bs in their first semester—this is external motivation. Sometimes the motivation is internal, meaning a student wants to be successful because it is a lifelong personal goal. Perhaps they want to be an occupational therapist or teacher for example. Learn what motivates you and create a plan to accomplish your goals.

Selecting the Main Ideas Many students have trouble selecting main ideas when taking notes in a lecture class. Selecting these ideas can also be difficult when reading course materials where everything seems to be important. Learn how to pick out main ideas to prepare better for courses.

Self-Testing Self-testing is really about the actual steps you take to prepare for a quiz or test. Many students are unsure about how to best prepare and often ask, “should I make note cards or create a study guide? Do I just re-read the chapters? Should I read over my notes?” There are various ways to self-test, including creating true-false, short answer, matching, essay, multiple choice, or fill in the blank questions.

Time Management “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” This should be every student’s mantra! Students who do not plan how they will spend their time, will no doubt experience repeated periods of stress, and sometimes even miss final exams! Time management is critical before the semester begins, during the semester, and every week in between. Time management will help you better understand where your time is going, how to make better use of your time, and how to plan a study schedule for midterms and final exams.

Want to learn more about these aspects

of learning and study strategies? Make an appointment with Mrs. Maria Cezus, time-management

and study-skills specialist today in

the Student Success Center.

Page 16: Self-Advisement Workbook

Campus Resources Below is a list of campus resources that are available to all Gordon State College Students—free of charge!

Student Success Center gordonstate.edu/successcenter Student Center room 235 678-359-5156

The Student Success Center’s mission is to help any student succeed both academically and personally. To that end, the SSC offers many services:

Free, walk-in tutoring for math, writing, science, history, and Spanish Maria Cezus, time-management and study-skills specialist The Career Counseling Center Student Success workshops covering a variety of topics, such as note taking skills, technology use, and

personal development strategies Four student success advisors

Counseling and Accessibility Services gordonstate.edu/studentlife/counseling.asp Student Center room 212 678-359-5585

Gordon State College Counseling and Disability services is staffed by three professional counselors and offers free resources to students, including life adjustment counseling, career counseling, and disability services such as approving test accommodations. They also host workshops to help students transition smoothly into college life.

Testing Center gordonstate.edu/testingcenter/ Student Center room 234 678-359-5138

The Gordon State College Testing Center provides testing for CLEP, DSST, GACE, and also proctored testing for students who qualify for accommodations through the Counseling and Disability Services Office.

Hightower Library http://www.gordonstate.edu/library/ 678-359-5076

Hightower Library presently houses approximately 102,757 books, 27,417 electronic books, 9,637 microfilms and 4,785 audio-visual materials, as well as numerous maps, charts, and archival materials. Students, faculty, and staff have access to all eligible circulating materials at all USG libraries through a Universal Catalog and GIL Express. The library currently subscribes to 48 print magazines and newspapers and has available over 8,000 full text online journals in GALILEO. With its 2,964 average weekly attendance and over 13,500 circulation transactions during the 2009 school year, Hightower Library is an integral part of Gordon State College life. In addition, the library’s website is full of useful guides and tutorials and information about their hours of operation.

Academic Computer Labs http://www.gordonstate.edu/library/ 678-359-5076

There are Academic Labs across campus with computers for student use. Each computer has access to the Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat, free of charge. You can find a lab in Academic Building 109, Instructional Complex 107, the first floor of the library, the Student Success Center, and in each of the three residence halls.

OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS:

Office of Residence Life

Gordon State College email

Learning Support Program

Gordon Banner Web

Class Schedule and Registration Information

Campus Directory

Online Academic Catalog

List of Degrees and their Requirements

Further information about Student Life and Services

Research paper calculator

Course load calculator

Can’t find a location on campus? Take a

look at Gordon State College’s interactive

map.

Page 17: Self-Advisement Workbook

Student Health Center gordonstate.edu/healthcenter Gordon Commons C 678-359-5476

The Student Health Center, located in one of the campus dorms, provides basic health services such as treatment of minor illness and injury, over-the-counter and prescription medications, referrals, and education or support regarding personal health and wellness issues. Visit their web page for more details.

Registrar’s Office gordonstate.edu/departments/registrar/ 1st floor of Lambdin Hall 678-359-5022

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for keeping the permanent records for students. From the department website you can access important forms such as the graduation application, student petitions, or transcript requests.

Financial Aid Office gordonstate.edu/FinancialAid/ 2nd floor of Lambdin Hall 678-359-5990

Getting financial aid is a complicated process. If you have questions about who qualifies, the types of aid offered, or when to apply, drop by this office or browse their website for more information.

Business Office gordonstate.edu/departments/businessoffice/ 2nd floor of Lambdin Hall 678-359-5010

Tuition and fees can be a stressful part of the college experience, but the Business Office is available to answer all your questions about the payment process, important deadlines, and financial aid refunds .

Alumni Hall Fitness Center gordonstate.edu/recreation/ The Alumni Memorial Hall Gymnasium houses a basketball court, a weight room, and dressing facilities. They are open to students Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 7:30 am to 6 pm, and weekends from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Page 18: Self-Advisement Workbook

Suggested Questions for Advisement Meetings The following are general advisement questions that are frequently asked. The advisement area on the Success Center page could offer short responses to some of these questions to get you started.

Advisor Q: Who is my advisor? Q: How often and for how long am I required to see an advisor? Q: How do I meet with my advisor? Q: Why do I need to see my advisor? Q: What should I bring to an advisement session? Q: What is discussed during an advisement session?

Appointment Q: How do I schedule an appointment? Q: What do I do if I need to change my advisement appointment? Q: What do I need to have when I arrive for my appointment? Q: What do I do if I am late for my appointment? Q: Where do I find an advisement sheet?

Registration process Q: When do I register for classes? Q: What is early registration? Q: Why do I get a pre-requisite error message when I try to register? Q: When is the Drop/Add period? Q: How do I drop a course I do not want to take and add a new one? Q: What if the class I want to add is closed? Q: How do I Withdraw from a course? Q: Where do I go to take care of holds so that I can register? Q: When will courses I need be offered? Q: Where do I find online courses?

Academic Standing Q: Can I have more than one degree? Q: What is my catalog year? Q: How do I change my major? Q: What happens if I withdraw from a course? Q: What if I stopped attending class because of a problem at home? Q: If I withdraw from a class, will I still have full time status? Q: Does dropping a class affect my school standing? Q: What is Academic Probation? Academic Suspension?

Learning Support Q: Why do I have Learning Support requirements? Q: What is Learning Support Suspension?

Financial Aid Q: What is Satisfactory Academic Progress? Q: Does dropping a class affect my financial aid? Q: Can I regain financial aid after I lose it?

Page 19: Self-Advisement Workbook

(Modified from article published by Woodburn Press)

The Ten Steps to Getting Good Grades in College Follow these steps and you will be well on your way to a successful academic career!

STEP ONE

Attend Every Class learn more

STEP TWO Be Organized learn more

STEP THREE Manage Your Time Well

learn more

STEP FOUR Be Successful in Class learn more

STEP FIVE Take Good Notes

learn more

STEP SIX Read for Comprehension

learn more

STEP SEVEN Study Smart

learn more

STEP EIGHT Be a Good Test Taker

learn more

STEP NINE Reduce Test Anxiety

learn more

STEP TEN Use Available Services

learn more

Page 20: Self-Advisement Workbook

Tips for the Registration Process

1. Know when early registration begins. You will have a time ticket to register; a time ticket gives you a specific day and time that you are first eligible to register. If you have forgotten your time ticket, look in Banner on your menu for Student. Click Registration and the time ticket should appear.

2. You can review registration information using the following link: http://www.gordonstate.edu/schedule/index.asp A spring schedule of classes, spring calendar, spring final exam schedule, and search engine is also available at that site.

3. You cannot register if your time ticket has not yet occurred, if you have a HOLD on your Academic Summary (ex. Convocation hold), if I have not unlocked your account for failure to attend advisement, or if you are ineligible for a particular course.

4. If you are a pre-nursing student, then you may wish to review information pertaining to the nursing program using the following link: http://www.gordonstate.edu/nursing/ Also for pre-nurisng students, information concerning the dismissal of the CNA requirement is listed on the following link: http://www.gordonstate.edu/nursing/admission.asp

5. To register for a Biology lab class, remember to provide the CRN numbers for both lecture and lab.

6. If a class that you need or want is closed (0 for availability), then you want to watch the schedule in case someone drops the course and it becomes available.

7. If you attempt to register for a class and receive a Registration error, try to figure out the error before you call. You may have inadvertently tried to register without meeting course prerequisite requirements (check academic catalog description of the course), or you may not have included its co-requisite requirement (ENGL 0999 and MATH 1111 OR BIOL 1111 without a lab).

8. Keep refreshing your screen. Students drop and add on a continual basis. It is not unusual to have an opening appear a minute after there was 0 availability. By the same token, if you observe an availability of 1 in a course that you need, then IMMEDIATELY register for that course.

9. If you register for a course and later find out that you are ineligible, then DROP the class immediately so that you have time to find a replacement BEFORE the school drops the course for you. (ex) You thought that you were passing ENGL 0099 but you made an F% or IP% instead. i.e. NO ENGL 1101, HIST, CHEM, etc.

10. If you want a combination LS class, then please check with either the Director of Learning Support or with an Academic Advisor. You cannot register yourself for one of the hybrid courses.

11. Finally, please notify me if you register for a course not recommended by me. Your choice may be okay, but then again, you may be making a mistake. VERIFY.

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Academic Calendar Download this calendar by clicking “Share” below and type in important dates to help you stay organized over the next two semesters.

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