Tips for Student Success

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Freshman Seminar | Coping with College | Myths and Facts | Selecting a Major | More Tips for Success

Freshman Seminar

How to Survive and Learn in College

The Freshman Success Seminar is a program, which helps new full-time students adjust to the college environment. The program consists of two groups of courses designed to meet the diverse needs of our students and enhance their academic capability. The Freshman Success seminar places special emphasis on assisting students in developing their study and time management skills needed for advanced college courses.

Seminar A 6 Credit Hour

For Students who place into ABE reading

Seminar B 6 Credit Hour

Students must enroll in both classes

How Do You Enroll?

Coping with College

Psychology 109: 3 Credit Hours COURSE OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the "Coping with College" course is to empower students to take charge of their own learning, by deepening their understanding and use of learning theory, study skills, and support systems need for college sucess. At the completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Accept personal responsibility for their college experience;
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of their personal learning style and how that interfaces with teachers and teaching styles;
  3. Define active listening and demonstrate five specific listening skills;
  4. List and describe specified method/techniques to
    1. Manage time more effectively
    2. Read with improved retention and flexibility;
    3. Improve their ability to recall information;
    4. Take effective notes;
    5. Prepare for and take examinations;
    6. Present clear, well orgazined written and oral reports;
    7. Set goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
  5. Develop competence in dealing with issues of cultural diversity and how ones "culture" impacts on his/her college carerr;
  6. Identify resources that are available on campus and in the community that can assist with problems related to academics, health, social life, financial aid, and other issues.

Myths and Facts

What can I do wit my major?
Visit: http://choosingamajor.hypermart.net/career.htm There are many options for jobs.

Myth: Fact:
You need an exact match between your major and a future career Though there are some careers that require specific training, such as nursing, engineering, accounting, etc. there are more careers that do not follow from a specific major. In fact, a recent study by the College Placement Council indicated that the majority of college graduates are successfully employed in fields not directly related to their academic majors!
Once you have a major, you must stick with it your entire college career. Over 70% of college students change their major at some point during college.
Job market demand should be the primary determinant of an academic choice. Selecting a major because it is currently "hot" on the market can be dangerous. Though it is important to look realistically at the potential for employment, the job market is difficult to predict. What is in demand when you are a freshman may not be in demand by the time you graduate. You are on much firmer ground when you select a major that truly interests you, and find a way to apply it to a career.
You must pursue certain specific majors in order to prepare adequately for professional schools such as dentistry, law, medicine, and business. Etc... Most professional schools do not require a specific major, as long as you meet certain academic courses. For example, in recent years, liberal arts majors have had greater success with acceptance to medical schools than biology majors.
Your academic major is the primary determinant for your future career success. A college major is not enough to help you prepare adequately for a career. Internships, jobs, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work all contribute to your growth as a well-rounded person, and in developing your skills and abilities. In fact, employers place a very high value on these types of "extra" activities when looking for employment, life.

Nearly half of all graduates change their career plans after they finish college, and the average person changes nearly 8 times in his/her lifetime.


"At the Bachelor's level your College major may not train you for a single, specific job. Instead, it seeks to develop your aptitudes and abilities so that you can use them in the broadest variety of careers. It is important to choose a major which allows your individual talents to flourish. Find a major that fits YOU rather than trying to fit yourself into a major. Undergraduate education is not so much a determinant of what you are to BE, as much as what you are prepared to BECOME."

Sources: College is Only the Beginning, edited by John N Gardner & A. Jerome Jeweler, What Color is Your Parachute, by Richard Nelson Boles; What Can I do With a Major? By Lawrence R. Malnig

Selecting a Major

The Process...

  1. Go to GH 2205 Community Access for Student Achievement (CASA). Check the available jobs and the required degrees and qualifications. Choose one that may interest you for a starting career path.
  2. Take the Careers Choices interest inventory on a computer. Meet with Career Coordinator Doughter Tsailabutie. He can help interpret this inventory and assist you.
  3. Consider your values and future goals. Do you want to stay in your hometown and near family? Select a major related to your interests, values and abilities.
  4. Consider a field where there is a need in your community such as teaching and medical fields and computer microprocessing.
  5. Talk with people who are working in a field that is interesting to you.
    • It is OK to explore, change majors. Just try one and then try another
  6. Meet with your academic advisor to help you make a choice
  7. Voluteer with an organization to try something or to observe a professional.

Remember you can visit the Job Placement Center, Career Exploration and Cooperative education in GH 2205.

Just ask for help on this matter! You are not alone not knowing what major to select.

It is necessary to select a major if you want to apply for Pell Grants or Scholarships.

My ADVISOR

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RM...
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EMAIL...

My FACULTY ADVISOR

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More Tips for Success

  1. GO TO CLASS!
    You might hear that in college, "a person can go to class any time he/she wants." NOT TRUE. Yes, maybe some classes will be boring but not everything in life is interesting and collegiate studies are not a matter of you being entertained. So learn to handle the "grunt work" and then you will demonstrate the pattern of good work habits that can only enhance your achievement. Once in class, pay attention!
  2. UNDERSTAND THAT THE UNIVERSITY HAS RULES, PROCEDURES AND DUE DATES.
    Even if there are more than can be memorized, always have a copy of your Student Handbook and Catalog. Remember that ignorance of what is required is no excuse for failing to perform. Confusion is one thing but ignorance of the rules says volumes. Do not become one who frequently states, "But no one told me..."
  3. ACCEPT CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
  4. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS
    There is nothing wrong with being initially confused. Be patient with yourself!
  5. GET INVOLVED
    Join a club or the Student Senate. Go to the Student Lounge in Gurley Hall for information
  6. A DEGREE IS NOT AN ENTILEMENT, YOU MUST EARN IT.
  7. KNOW YOUR ACADEMIC SITUATION.
    It is best if you find out prior to the withdrawal from class deadline. If necessary, ask your instructor.
  8. ACCEPT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR BEHAVIOR
  9. KEEP IN MIND THAT NOT EVERYONE GRADUATES WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN FOUR YEARS.
  10. INGORE RUMORS.
    Get the facts from a reliable source.
  11. MAKE SURE YOUR INSTRUCTOR KNOWS YOUR NAME AND VISIT THEM DURING OFFICE HOURS
Remember!!!
DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS!!Back to top

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University of New Mexico - Gallup
200 College Road
Gallup
NM 87301
(505) 863 - 7500