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September 20, 2006
Advising Tip: Learning Resource Centers
One of the biggest differences between successful high school students and successful college students is that the good high school student rarely needs to ask for academic help while the good college student knows that she/he needs help and knows where to find it.
Of course, the academically successful college students make use of their profs' and GSIs' office hours. The successful Michigan student also knows about and takes advantage of the services of the learning resource centers on campus.
If you're in a language course, you definitely should use the Language Resource Center (LRC), 2001 Modern Language Building. The instructors for many language courses hold their office hours in the LRC, and the center has state-of the-art multi media equipment that will help you develop your skills. Also, the LRC has a remarkable collection of international films and access to international television programming: these are great ways for you to hear the language you're learning. There's also walk-in LSA advising available from 1:00-3:00 on Tuesdays.
Another terrific resource is the Math Lab located in B860 East Hall. The Math Lab has free tutoring available in math courses from Math 105 through Math 217, no appointment necessary. Check out the link above. In the Math Lab you'll find GSIs and trained undergraduates who can help you work your way through math problems.
For students in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics, the Science Learning Center (SLC), 1720 Chem Building, offers computer labs, group study alcoves, and reserve and research materials as well as assistance from GSIs. Also, the SLC arranges formal study groups for many science courses. These study groups, led by trained peer leaders, are a popular and productive way to prepare for your science classes. You can see a general LSA advisor on a walk-in basis from 1:00-3:00 on Wednesdays, and a LSA pre-health advisor is available for quick questions from 2:30-4:00 on Thursdays.
Last but not least among the resources that good students take advantage of is the Sweetland Writing Center (SWC) in 1139 Angell Hall. Students can call to make half-hour appointments (764-0429) with Sweetland faculty to discuss writing assignments in any of their courses. Also, students can meet with peer tutors, on a walk-in basis from 7:00-11:00 P.M., with trained peer writing tutors in the Sweetland Peer Tutor Center , G219 Angell Hall. Sweetland also runs the "OWL," the Online Writing Center : students can submit their papers online and get feedback from tutors.
Seeing a tutor, joining a study group, asking for help, these aren't the signs of weakness. These are the indications that a student knows what he/she needs to succeed.
Posted by skassner at 11:30 AM | Comments (0)
September 01, 2006
Advising Tip: First Week Essentials
Enjoy your first week of classes, but remember the essentials.
First Week Essentials
Move In, a new roommate, Welcome Week, book lines, the first home game, first day of class, Festifall,.… And you've only been here a little more than a week.
I'd wager that in the past week, you've met more new people and have had more new experiences than any other time in your life. These first few weeks of the term are exhilarating, and you should enjoy them. Make sure, however, that you don't neglect the personal essentials: try to establish a routine so that you're getting adequate rest and nutrition.
Also, take care of the academic essentials: read over your course syllabi and other handouts that you get from instructors and/or thoroughly checkout your courses' CTools sites so that you understand the expectations for all your courses. Check when your exams are scheduled and assignments are due and enter them in your calendar. Plan “backward”: if you have a paper due at mid-term or the end of the term, set deadlines for yourself when you want to have completed the research and drafts.
You still have time to evaluate your course selections. If you have questions or concerns about a course, talk with the instructor or GSI and/or email your advisor. Remember that, this week and early into next, it's still possible to drop a course and replace it with another. Technically, you can add and drop courses through September 25, but by the end of next week, you want to make sure you clear it with an instructor before adding because it is possible that you will have already missed too much material to succeed in the course.
Also, you have through September 25 to decide whether to take a course pass/fail. If you are considering taking a course pass/fail or if you have other academic questions, email your LSA advisor. Or call 764-0332 to make an appointment with your advisor at the Newnan LSA Advising Center, 1255 Angell Hall. There is also walk-in advising available at the Advising Center from September 5-13 from 10:00-4:00.
Have fun but make sure you take care of business so you're in good shape the rest of the term.
Posted by skassner at 11:24 AM | Comments (0)