Untitled - Academic Enhancement - Old Dominion University

Succeeding in theClassroomThe Difference Between HighSchool and CollegeYour Classes:• In high school, every day you proceeded from one class directlyto another. At ODU, you can have hours between classes; classtime varies throughout the day and evening. Some classes areheld on weekends. You may also have a day or two withoutclass.• In high school, most of your classes were arranged for you. AtODU, you will arrange your own schedule in consultation withyour academic advisor. Schedules may seem lighter than theyare.• In high school, your guidance counselor kept track of your progresstoward graduation. In college, you are responsible for this.Obtain and keep a copy of the Undergraduate Catalog. Makesure you use the catalog published in the year you fi rst enrolled.Your Faculty:• In high school, the teacher provided you with informationyou missed when you were absent. At ODU, if you must missclass, professors expect you to get notes from someone else inthe class. Don’t ever ask your professor, “Did I miss anythingimportant?”• In high school, teachers often reminded you of assignments anddue dates. At ODU, professors expect you to read, save andconsult the course syllabus.• In high school, teachers often wrote information on the boardto be copied into your notes. In college, professors may lecturenon-stop, expecting you to identify the important points in yournotes. Good notes and good attendance are a must.Your Study Habits:In high school, you may have studied outside of class as little as0 to 2 hours a week. In college, you need to study at least 2 to3 hours outside of class for every hour you spend in class eachweek. So, 15 credits will equal 15 hours in class with 30-45hours of study each week. That means you’ll spend 45-60 perweek on academics!Your Freedom:• High school was mandatory and free. College is voluntary andexpensive.• In high school, your time was usually structured by others (parentsand/or teachers). In college, you manage your own time.• In high school, you could depend on your parents and teachersto remind you of your responsibilities and help you set priorities.In college, you will be faced with many moral and ethicaldecisions you have not previously faced. You must balance yourresponsibilities and set priorities.Using Your SyllabusA syllabus is a document written by your professor that outlinesspecifi c expectations for the course. It may be distributed onpaper and reviewed during the fi rst day of class or uploadedto Blackboard, ODU’s course management system. The syllabuswill contain the lecture schedule, due dates for assignments andexams, specifi c expectations (such as attendance), grade components,and contact information and offi ce hours for the professor.Tips:• Visit Blackboard a few days before classes begin. Some professorsupload their syllabi early.• Read the syllabus as soon as you receive it. It may help youdecide if the course content and level of diffi culty are appropriatefor you. If not, you can drop the class.• Put due dates for assignments and exams in your planner.• If you have a question about the syllabus, ask your professor.TutoringIf you’re having diffi culty in a class, take advantage of these free,on-campus resources that can help you build your skills and succeedin the classroom.Tutoring Central1500 W. 49th Streethttp://uc.odu.edu/taaTutoring available: Coordinates tutoring for many subjects andkeeps a listing of hours and locationsMath and Science Resource Center146 Oceanography Buildinghttp://sci.odu.edu/msrcTutoring available: College Algebra, Pre-Calculus I, IntroductoryChemistry, General Chemistry, Organic ChemistryWriting Tutorial Services1002 Batten Arts and Letters Building(757) 683-4013http://al.odu.edu/wtsTutoring available: All stages of the writing process for any subject42 Your First Semester