Plebe Advising AA/SS Session

Class of 2019

• Introductions

Welcome!

• Learn your fall semester schedules • Introduce Plebe Academic Handbook • Discuss academic expectations • Review strategies for academic success • Discuss where to go for help • Provide information on USNA’s majors • Questions

Goals for Today

Fall Semester Schedules

• If your fall course lineup still needs to be adjusted, let us know!

• We can even set up an additional meeting just prior to classes – work through your detailers, if needed

• You will each receive a memo – please review and keep … it contains adviser contact info and other helpful notes

Your Schedule

• You may see additional classes listed: – “Supplemental Instruction” classes

(meet one period per week) • XX104: Learning Skills • XS005: Precalc • XS111: Chemistry 1 • XS121: Calc 1 • You may add or drop these classes – see your adviser!

Note however that dropping any of these courses prior to 6-wk requires approval of Prof Schmitt or Dean Waters

– Others (not classes, just schedule bloackers)

• PE Blockers XP___ • Adviser Block XX100A

• Even after the semester begins, classes may be adjusted if needed

• No matter what your current course plan is, you may still choose any of our majors we offer at USNA

More Notes on Your Current Classes

MIDS

• https://mids.usna.edu at USNA

• https://midsweb.usna.edu off the yard access

• Pre-register and register for classes • Get your class schedule • Get your professors’ schedules • Get final exam schedule • Query grades and other academic info • Provide excusals for absences • Compare matrices for majors • Read MAPRs … and more!

What can I use MIDS for?

See Your Schedule in MIDS

Your Schedule May say

STAFF

Lab Time Class

Time Class Room

Lab Room

No scheduled

classes

Days of the Week • M=Monday • T=Tuesday • W=Wenesday • R=Thursday • F=Friday

Schedule Codes

Buildings • CH = Chauvenet • LC = Levy Center • LJ = Lejeune • LU = Luce • MD = Macdonough • MA = Mahan • MI = Michelson • MT = Mitscher (Laboon Center)

• MU = Maury • NI = Nimitz • RI = Rickover • SA = Sampson

Sampson Hall (English, History)

Michelson Hall

(Chemistry)

Chauvenet Hall

(Math)

Luce Hall (Leadership, Seamanship)

Daily Schedule

Pd Duration Pd Duration 1 0755-0845

8 0755-0910 2 0855-0945 3 0955-1045

9 0955-1110 4 1055-1145 5 1330-1420

10 1330-1445 6 1430-1520 7 1530-1620

50 min periods

75 min periods

7th period rarely used (some long labs)

Weekly Schedule (Table View)

• Schedules can change right up to the first day of classes

• Use MIDS to check on your schedule just before classes begin

Caution

• In what building do most Math classes meet?

• In what building do most English classes meet?

• What is one of your 3-hour courses? • What is one of your 4-hour courses? • How many “open” periods do you have in a

week?

Questions about Schedules …

• Available on USNA’s Academics website • The handbook contains very helpful

information, including …

Plebe Academic Handbook

• Academic Calendar – Preregistration – Academic Reserve (Exam) Periods – 6 and 12 week grade submission dates – Registration

• Academic departments, locations and phone numbers,

• Help with academic problems

• Computers – Using MIDS – Getting help or getting it fixed

• Attendance Requirements • Computation of Grades • Academic Honors, Deficiencies, Academic

Board, Special Opportunities • USNA Statement on Plagiarism

• You are expected to be professional toward and responsive to faculty members

• Courtesies in Addressing Faculty members – Military and Civilian Faculty – Address Faculty by their appropriate title –

avoid generic “Mr.”/“Mrs.”/“Ms.” • “Prof”/“Professor” – Assistant/Associate/Full Professors • “Dean” – Assistant/Associate/Academic Dean & Provost • Military Titles

Academic Expectations

• Effort – Be prepared for class (read ahead) – Turn in quality work (neat and on time) – Show interest (even if it may be difficult) – Show respect to professor and classmates

• Communication – About how to make up missed work – About what to do when you need help

Academic Expectations

• On the first day of class, most faculty members will tell you specific expectations

• Pay attention to stated preferences, pet peeves, etc.

• Read each Course Policy Statement for information on – Course objectives, requirements, etc. – Homework Policy – Test Policy – Grading Policy

Academic Expectations

• More competition for your time • Faster pace • Higher expectations

– Analytical or critical thinking skills – Writing skills – Mathematical skills

• Greater freedom (+/-) – More time between quizzes or major assignments – Faculty members expect you to be responsible

Academics at USNA will likely differ from your previous experience(s)

• So many things to do … • So little time … • So what?

Time Management

from https://malenadugroup.wordpress.com/

Typical 4/C Weekly Schedule

NS101

SC111

FP130

SM131 NL110 SM131 SM131

FP130 FP130

HE111 HE111 HE111

SC111 SC111

SC111

SC111

NS101

NS101

NL110

How many hours

should I be studying?

Guideline: 2 hours for each hour in class.

When will I find the time?

Free Periods (10 hrs)

Study Pds (18 hrs)

Weekends (10 hrs)

Physical Mission Period

Home Football Game

Forrestal Lecture

19 hours in class.

Need ~ 38 study hours.

1. Sit in the front row and pay attention in class. 2. Start working hard the very first day. Don't fall behind. 3. Stay awake. Stand if necessary. 4. Review all the assignments before going to class; skim for major points then

read for details. 5. Make sure you grasp basic concepts as you go along. Ask questions about

what you don't understand. 6. Participate in class. Don't let anything go by that you don't understand. 7. Learn from questions asked by others. Pay attention to what is going on. 8. Take good notes in class. Class notes help you understand what the

professor wants. 9. Be sure to copy down problem types and examples given in class. 10. Organize your notes as soon as possible after class. Fill in the blanks. 11. Arrange for extra instruction (EI) if you start falling behind or, as you

become confused. Go at the first sign of difficulty. 12. Study and review with others. Begin your review for exams at least one

week before the exam date. 13. Study subjects you like later than the ones you don't.

Tips for Success at USNA A Baker’s Dozen

• Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Statics, Dynamics, EE, Boats, Steam, Weapons, Navigation….

• Rule 1: Always do your class assignments • Rule 2: Be an active Participant during class

When all else fails, see Rule 1

Technical/Problem Solving Courses

• History, Poly Sci, English, Leadership, Ethics, Naval Science

• SQ3R System – Survey – Question – Read – Recite – Review

Non-Technical Courses

Repeat

• How much should I study? • Where should I study? • What about group study? • Should I take notes? How? • How do I get EI? • How should I prepare for EI? • How should I prepare for tests?

Questions about Study Skills

• Getting in trouble • Getting back out

What if I need help?

from http://www.slideshare.net/Launchyourgenius/16-ideas-on-creativity-and-life-from-dr-seuss

At USNA, an Academic Deficiency is when a midshipman … • has a semester QPR below 1.50 • fails two or more courses in one semester • fails any course after having failed two or more courses previously. • fails to earn a 2.00 in summer school • fails to remove probation. • fails to fulfill any condition as prescribed by the Academic Board as the

result of a previous deficiency • fails to successfully complete all requirements for graduation by the

end of that semester in which you are scheduled to graduate • falls two or more courses behind the number of courses required by

the end of a given semester according to that major's matrix. • fails to achieve the required standards in prescribed summer training • is deficient in physical education at the end of a semester or receives

failing grades in conduct and military performance • fails a remedial course such as HE101, SM005 or HE344

Any one of these conditions triggers an Academic Board (“AcBoard”)

Academic Deficiency

• START EARLY — as soon as you think you need it. • EI — The first resort! Call, email or visit your professor. • Ask other mids — But don’t just copy their work.

• Department Resources:

– Chemistry Resource Center: MI100 – Math Lab: CH130

• Academic Center – Learning Skills Program – “Supplemental Instruction” Classes

(Math, Chemistry, Physics) – Evening Tutoring – MGSP — Group Study led by a mid. A process, not a quick fix. – Writing Center: Nimitz Library

• Chaplains, MDC, Medical

Getting Help

• Classes Begin: 24 Aug • Pre-registration: 12 – 19 Sep

– You must meet with your advisor first to get approval for your spring courses

– We’ll be sending you email and arranging meetings

• You will have time throughout the next few months to learn about – our majors and – other special academic opportunities

What’s Next?

• This is your college education • You will need to work hard but you can

succeed • Your instructors are pulling for you • Get organized, challenge yourself and have

some fun!

Closing Thoughts

Division of Engineering and Weapons

Division of Mathematics and Science

Division of Humanities and Social Sciences

EAS: Aerospace Engineering SCH: Chemistry FLA: Arabic

EEE: Electrical Engineering SCS: Computer Science FLC: Chinese

ECE: Computer Engineering SCY: Cyber Operations FEQ: Economics

EGE: General Engineering SGS: General Science FPS: Political Science

EME: Mechanical Engineering SIT: Information Technology HEG: English

ENM: Naval Arch & Marine Eng SMA: Mathematics HHS: History

ENR: Nuclear Engineering SMO: Operations Research

EOE: Ocean Engineering SOC: Oceanography

ESE: System Engineering SPH: Physics

SQE: Quantitative Economics

USNA Majors

SM221P

Course Numbering

Unique Course Identifier

Typical Variants: P – Plebe A – Additional help S – Honors V – Validators X – International Mids

Division: E – Engineering S – Math & Science H – History / English F – Poly Sci / Econ / Languages N – Pro Dev / Officer Dev P – Phys Ed

Nominal Year: 1 – 4/c 2 – 3/c 3 – 2/c 4 – 1/c

Engineering: A – Aero/Astro C – Computer E – Electrical M – Mechanical N – Naval/Ocean R – Nuclear S – Systems

Math & Science: C – Checmistry I – Computer Sci M – Math O – Oceanography P – Physics

Hum & Soc Sci: E – Econ or English H – History P – Political Science X – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian or Spanish

FALL Calculus I SM121 4-0-4

(4 cr)

Chemistry I SC111 3-2-4 (4 cr)

English I HE111 3-0-3 (3 cr)

U.S. Government FP130 3-0-3 (3 cr)

Seamanship NS101 1-2-2 (2 cr)

Leadership NL110 2-0-2 (2 cr)

P.E. PE101/ PE111

1-0-0 (0 cr)

6 Courses + PE 18 Credits 20 Contact Hrs

Typical Plebe Year

SPRING Calculus II SM122 4-0-4

(4 cr)

Chemistry II SC112 3-2-4 (4 cr)

English II HE112 3-0-3 (3 cr)

U.S. Naval History HH104 3-0-3 (3 cr)

Cyber I

SI110 2-2-3 (3 cr)

P.E. PE102 1-0-0 (0 cr)

5 Courses + PE 17 Credits 19 Contact Hrs

Mathematics (SM)

FALL Pre-Calculus SM005 4-1-4

(4 cr)

Calculus I SM121 4-0-4 (4 cr)

Calculus I SM131 3-0-3 (3 cr)

Calculus II SM122 4-0-4 (4 cr)

Calculus II SM122S 4-0-4 (4 cr)

Multivar Calc w/ Review

SM122X 4-0-4 (4 cr)

Calc III w/ Vector Fields SM221P 4-0-4 (4 cr)

SPRING Calculus I SM121 4-0-4

(4 cr)

Calculus II SM122 4-0-4 (4 cr)

Calculus II SM122 4-0-4 (4 cr)

Calc III w/ Vector Fields SM221 4-0-4 (4 cr)

Calc III w/ Vector Fields SM221S 4-0-4 (4 cr)

Multivar Calc w/ Inf Series

SM221X 4-0-4 (4 cr)

Differential Equations SM212P 4-0-4 (4 cr)

We offer courses in seven (7) languages: • Arabic • Chinese • Japanese • Russian • French • German • Spanish Midshipmen can major in Arabic and Chinese Midshipmen can minor in any of our 7 languages

Languages

Language validation exams will occur during the fall and spring semesters. Some optional language validation exams will be available on 28-29 July for those midshipmen with several other (e.g., SM, HE, etc.) validations who wish to be placed in a higher-level language course during 4/C year.

Grades A=Excellent 90-100 4 Quality Points

B=Good 80-89 3 Quality Points

C=Satisfactory 70-79 2 Quality Points

D=Marginally Passing 60-69 1 Quality Point

F=Failing Below 60 0 Quality Points

Grades

EXAMPLE

GRADE COURSE QPTs HOURS

A SC111 4 4 16

B SM121 3 4 12

A FP130 4 3 12

A HE111 4 3 12

C SI110 2 3 6

TOTAL 17 58 QPR= 58/17= 3.41

Progress Reports: 6 weeks and 12 weeks

End of Semester:

QPR and CQPR assigned; PRT & PE Grades,

Aptitude & Conduct Grades.

CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER

MINIMUM = 15 HOURS

MAXIMUM = APPROXIMATELY 22 HOURS

AVERAGE = 17 HOURS

Credits

Lectures per Week Lab Hours Credits

Chemistry Course -SC111 3 2 4

Calculus I - SM121 4 0 4

Seamanship - NS101 1 2 2