5 tips for being a successful student

5 Tips for Being a Successful Student at Calhoun Community

College

By Ashley Watts

Be S.M.A.R.T.

• S - Set realistic goals.• M - Manage your time.• A - Ask , ask, ask!• R – Recognize your resources.• T -Try, try again!

S - Set realistic goals...

• Choose a plan of study. (Applied Science, General Studies, certificate program.)

• Define your goals.• Write them down.• Chart a course to

achieve them.• Make adjustments as

necessary.

M - Manage your time...

• Make a schedule and stick to it!

• Be flexible.• Allow for rest, breaks,

and fun!• Develop a study

strategy.• Create a M.A.P. (My

Academic Plan) and adjust it each semester.

A - Ask, ask, ask!

• Don't let pride get the best of you!

• Go to your professors.

• Go to the advising center.

• See the Student Advocate (see resources).

R - Recognize your resources.

• Your instructor can be your greatest resource.• Your syllabus is a resource, read it!• Your textbook is a resource.• Blackboard is a resource.• Resource warning: make sure your source is

reliable!

T - Try, try again!

• Life will throw you curve balls. Expect to make changes.

• PRACTICE makes perfect.

• Don't give up. • Be persistent.

Everyday S.M.A.R.T.s

• Set realistic goals… – Make daily, weekly, and

monthly goals.– Have goals for specific

classes and assignments.

• Manage your time…– Use a planner or calendar.– Make daily to do lists.– Set reminders & alarms in

your phone or email.– Make a weekly study plan.– Get involved with on campus

organizations/activities to add fun and variety to your schedule.

– Use the website/activities calendar to find workshops and events.

• Ask, ask, ask! – Call or email your professor

when you have questions after class.

– Ask others who have take the class.

– Create study groups/sessions with friends and classmates.

• Recognize your resources.– The best resources is to read!

More than likely the information is given to you in black and white… if you are unsure ASK!

• Try, try, again.– Learn from your mistakes!– Ask for feedback on poor

assignments.– Keep adjusting as necessary.

On Campus Resources

Offices/Programs• ADA Office – Dawn Hale, Decatur

Campus (256)306-2635, • Advising Center - Decatur

Campus (256)306-2648; Huntsville Campus (256)890-4770

• Brewer Library & Huntsville Campus Library – Decatur Campus (256)306-2774 , Huntsville Campus (256)890-4774

• Career Services – See advising center for contact information.

• Emerging Scholars Program – (256) 306-2987

• ROADS Program - (256) 306-2870, roads@calhoun.edu

• Student Advocate Office – (256)306-2870, stadvocate@calhoun.edu

• Student Financial Services – Decatur Campus (256)306-2629; Huntsville Campus (256) 890-4794

Campus Labs• Cyber Cafe (Internet Access) --

Huntsville Campus    • Writing Lab – Decatur/Huntsville

Campus• Developmental Mathematics

Computer Lab - Decatur Campus• Mathematics-Science Learning

Center - Decatur Campus• Mathematics Learning Center –

Huntsville

For all available labs, locations, and hours visit:

http://calhoun.edu/current_students/campus_labs_hoursinformation.aspx

Websites

•Academic Skills Assessment Program (ASAP)- Addresses a wide range of concerns with respect to study skills including time management, reading effectiveness, test taking,  memory and comprehension; http://counseling.uchicago.edu/page/academic-skills-assessment-program•How to Study - These videos should help students identify effective and ineffective study strategies so they understand that, although there is no magic bullet, they can learn to get maximal learning out of their study time; http://www.samford.edu/how-to-study/default.aspx•Community College Success— Blog with various tools and tips on succeeding at a Community College from a former community college student who is now a national public speaker; http://www.communitycollegesuccess.com

QUESTIONS?