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Tips on how to survive University.
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ACADEMIC TURNAROUND WORKSHOP SERIES:
1. Avoiding a Crash! Winter 2012 Faculty of Arts Faculty of Science Student Success Centre
Immediate Objective: Avoiding a Crash!
…Academic Turnaround Workshop 1 (1 in Fall term, 1 in Winter)
Outline Why academic performance matters How to avoid a crash - self-assessment - possible actions - future steps Future Objective: Planning for Success! …Academic Turnaround Workshop 2 (after Winter Term) Material in presented in these workshops draws on the suggestions of previous participants. Please share your knowledge and experience!
WHY ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE MATTERS …the BAD things that could happen, and when
Degree Requirements Minimum C (2.0) GPA on entire 4-Yr degree Minimum C (2.0) GPA in Major Annual Academic Review Includes all courses from the previous Spring to the end of Winter term How big is my GPA Problem?
– How to calculate your Spring-Summer-Fall (pre-review) GPA
Annual Academic Review After Winter 2012, what will happen?
GPA ≥ 2.0: Satisfactory Standing GPA < 2.0 for the first time, but ≥ 1.7: Academic Probation — Normally allowed only once — Academic Probation letter is sent GPA < 1.7, or GPA < 2.0 with a previous probation: Potentially Required to Withdraw (RTW) — Faculties may exercise limited discretion — Either an RTW or Summoning Letter is sent — Special Academic Probation may be possible if… GPA improvement in Winter term Extenuating circumstances i.e. medical situation, personal/family Good prospects for future success
…So, what do these mean?
“Regular” Academic Probation
You continue your studies…
• GPA must be over 2.0 by next Annual Academic Review
• Normally happens only Once in a Degree
• Special conditions typically do NOT apply
• Submitting a Plan for Success is RECOMMENDED
• UNIV 205 often RECOMMENDED, esp if early in program
…So, what do these mean?
Required to Withdraw One year away from the Faculty!
… and normally from the University
Reapplication is necessary
Admission requirements must be met
Therefore upgrading is normally necessary - Open Studies at UofC, normally after one year away
- Transferable courses from other post-secondaries
Special Academic Probation The middle ground
• Student continues on Academic Probation • Definitely only happens Once in a Degree!
1. “Plan for Success” is REQUIRED
2. GPA must be ≥ 2.0 next Annual Academic review (otherwise, RTW)
3. Maximum course load restrictions One (1) course in each of Spring and Summer Three (3) courses in each of Fall and Winter (Faculty may renegotiate Winter if Fall GPA ≥ 3.3)
Note: UNIV 205 may be recommended or required
…So, what do these mean?
HOW TO AVOID A CRASH This is the immediate concern!
(and the focus of this workshop)
Outline of this section
Self-assessment
Possible actions
Future steps
Self Assessment: Why did things go wrong? Some typical problems
Transition difficulties (esp from high school)
Under-committment to classes (e.g., attendance issues)
Over-committment to job, sports, extra-curriculars
Too much or too little University involvement
Extenuating circumstances (BEYOND your control)
- is this ongoing? Resolved? In between?
Etc…
Typical Problems cont’d: Humphrey
Humphrey is in his first semester. In high school he was a good student; he put in little effort and got As and Bs. He lives at home with his parents, who don’t know that his grades have been slipping. His parents immigrated to Canada but Humphrey was born here. Humphrey commutes to school every day for 1 hour each way, and missed several classes this term due to lacking the energy and motivation to go to school. He also got sick for 2 weeks which caused him to miss class. He is taking 5 courses, with the hopes of later getting into Haskayne. Humphrey feels he studies a lot, but tends to find questions on his exams which stump him. To prepare for exams, he goes through his lecture slides and checks the textbooks for reference. Although he goes into exams feeling confident, his results are poor. Humphrey has a high level of anxiety. His personality is naturally very organized and he is always thinking and worrying about all of the tasks that need to get done. Humphrey’s current standing…
What should Humphrey do about these courses…?
MATH 249 MT 1: 27% worth 20%
MT 2: 39% worth 20%
Assignments: 65% worth 10%
Final: worth 50%
What will Humphrey need on the final?
SOCI 201 MT 1: worth 25% …H thinks he got around a C but isn’t sure
MT 2: 42% worth 25%
Essay: 62% worth 10%
In-class assignment 1: unknown
In-class assignment 2: unknown
Final: worth 30%
What will he need on the final?
Possible Actions
No Silver Bullet
1 size does NOT fit all. Each student’s situation differs
… Thus, we can only discuss POSSIBLE actions
… Not all of the actions apply to every student!
The numbers for the whole academic year matter! What is your GPA since last review?
Possible Action #1
Classes and Course Load Course Load – More is not necessarily better!!! Attendance MATTERS! (target = perfect attendance) Course Load Reductions (say to 3 courses) Sharper focus More time for each course Students often want/need full-time status = 3 Courses
Student Loans
Income Tax Students’ Union Perks (Transit Pass, etc.)
Possible Action #2 Student Success Centre Student Success Seminars * (following) Program advising for Arts and Science Academic Development Specialists * (following) Writing Support Services Assistance with Choice of Degree and Major Career counselling and workshops STEPS * (following) 3rd Floor, TFDL 403-220-5881 [email protected] http://www.ucalgary.ca/ssc/
Student Success Seminars (November 2011 –Sampler)
Avoiding a Crash
Nov 07, 2011 06:00PM to 08:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
Learning from Lectures
Nov 08, 2011 05:00PM to 06:30PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
The Study Cycle
Nov 09, 2011 12:00PM to 01:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
Avoiding a Crash
Nov 09, 2011 02:00PM to 04:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
Reading Strategies
Nov 09, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
Oral Presentations
Nov 14, 2011 12:00PM to 01:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
The Study Cycle
Nov 14, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
Study Smarter
Nov 15, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL SSC Boardroom
Getting Involved
Nov 16, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
Problem Solving for Math and Science Students
Nov 17, 2011 12:00PM to 01:30PM TFDL 440C
Show Me the Money
Nov 17, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
Probationary Turnaround Focus Group
Nov 18, 2011 12:30PM to 02:00PM 310 Lounge Taylor Family Digital Library
Exam Prep
Nov 21, 2011 05:00PM to 06:30PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
Avoiding Procrastination
Nov 22, 2011 12:00PM to 01:00PM TFDL 405/403
Probationary Turnaround Focus Group
Nov 23, 2011 01:00PM to 02:30PM 310 Lounge Taylor Family Digital Library
Netetiquette
Nov 23, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
Exam Prep
Nov 29, 2011 12:00PM to 01:30PM TFDL 405/403
Essay Exam
Nov 30, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
Dealing with Test Anxiety
Dec 01, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom
Academic Development Specialists …Offer personalized academic planning and learning support advising.
Book a 1-on-1 session for help in areas such as:
Academic Improvement Planning • Determining your academic strengths and interests • Resolving academic challenges and concerns • Accessing campus support and services
Learning Support and Study Skills Development • Goal setting and time management • Academic reading and note-taking • Tips for test and exam preparation • Information about other university learning support programs
Advising on Scholarships and Awards Applications • Scholarship and award opportunities • U of C programs for high-achieving students i.e. Scholars Academy Program
Academic Decision-Making • Choosing a major • Considering Grad School
To book, go to
www.success.ucalgary.ca under “Academic Advising”
S T E P S Successful Turn-around & Educational Preparation Support
Our #1 goal: to help in your efforts to regain Satisfactory Standing!
1-on-1 meetings with an advisor specializing in helping probationary students to improve their success rates Ongoing support which is individualized for your particular needs Help in areas such as: studying effectively, completing assignments, managing your time, accessing university resources, understanding probationary rules, staying on top of your tasks, staying motivated, thinking about career paths A short assessment of your learning and study strategies Help to develop a portfolio of personalized learning strategies and plan Credit on your co-curricular record if you complete all phases of the program
Spaces limited. Contact ASAP for more information: Dana Truelove Student Success Centre [email protected]
Possible Action #3
Wellness Centre Counselling
Personal, crisis and academic counselling
Assistance with choice of major
Room 370, MacEwan Student Centre
403-210-9355, Extension 1
http://www.ucalgary.ca/counselling/
Possible Actions #4 & 5 Networking
Join a student club in your major
Make use of Optional as well as Required tutorials
Ask questions: in class, after class, in office hours
Form a study group
Etc…
Laptop note taking, or not? Connecting versus disconnecting
Possible Actions #6 & 7 Disability Resources Centre Mandate is to provide a level playing field! MacEwan Student Centre 293 Phone: (403) 220-8237 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.ucalgary.ca/drc/
Career Services Discover (SSC) and achieve (CS) career goals! MacEwan Student Centre 188 Phone: (403) 220-8020 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.ucalgary.ca/careers/
Future Steps Academic Turnaround Workshop 2: Planning for Success
Follow-up (sequel) workshop after Winter
University (UNIV) 205 – Fall 2012
Become an Effective Learner
Side effect: improved learning in other courses
GPA tends to be high
Work is practical and applicable to student’s own life
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Arts Program Information Centre
Social Sciences Building, Room 110
Phone: 403-220-3580
Fax: 403-210-6335
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://arts.ucalgary.ca/undergraduate
Dr. Joelle Welling Associate Dean, Students
Dr. Jim Gaisford Associate Dean, Students
Faculty of Science
Dr. Bart Hicks
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Advising
Phone: 403-220-7780 or 403-220-3443
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://Science.ucalgary.ca/undergraduate
Room: Biological Sciences Building 376D
