1. Collegiate Communication
Winter 2010
Rose Wedemeyer

2. Today we will:
 Describe and apply strategies to get on course
to your success
 Review Activity: Major Differences between
High School and College
 Identify college customs

3. Activity: Major Differences
between High School and College
 In the space provided, describe how high
school differs from college.
 In pairs, discuss your responses.
 Be prepared to share the top 1 or 2 differences
with the rest of the class.

4. Learning College Customs
 Read the college catalogue
 Seek academic advising
 Know the importance of the syllabus
 Introduce yourself to classmates
 Communicate with your instructors
 Know the importance of your GPA
 Know how to compute your GPA
 Keep track of important dates

5. Read the college catalogue
Academic Policies and Procedures
Academic Probation and Dismissal Policy
Grading Policies
Repeat policy

6. Academic Advising
Know your Advisor
Advising Resource Center-Undecided students
Walk-ins, Appointments, CLAW series
College of Arts & Sciences
Walk-ins & Appointments
School of Business Administration
Walk-ins, Online appointment maker/override request
system, Freshmen group advising sessions
School of Education & Human Services
Appointments
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Appointments
School of Nursing
Appointments & Freshmen group advising sessions

7. Academic Advising
 Make an appointment with your advisor at least once
a year
 Prepare a list of questions prior to your appointment
 If you are a transfer student, take a copy of your
transfer transcript or transfer evaluation
 Understand the requirements for your major and
degree
 Ask questions if you don’t understand a policy or
procedure
 Keep copies of academic records-program plans,
general education requirements

8. Making the most of your advising
appointment
 Understand prerequisites
 Ask about difficult course combinations
 Consider your course
 Review your major selection

9. Making the most of your Financial
Aid Advising appointment
 Print a copy of your Financial Aid award letter to take with you
to your meeting
 Review and understand Satisfactory Academic Progress
 Questions to consider:
 What is my current total percentage of attempted courses
completed?
 Based upon my current ___ semester courses, will I be eligible
for aid for the ____ academic year?
 How many courses can I repeat during the ___ semester and
still be able to ensure meeting the required 67% completion?
 If I drop ___ credits, what will happen to my financial aid?
 Will dropping credits lead me to owing the University money?
If so, how much will I owe?

10. Know the Importance of the
Syllabus
 Serves as a contract
 Course objectives
 Required text and supplies
 Assignments and due dates
 Method for determining grades
 Course rules

11. Introduce yourself to classmates
 In case of absence
 Clarify notes, assignments

12. Communicate with your
instructors
 Notify instructor of anticipated absences
 Schedule a meeting during their office hours
 Topics to discuss:
 Your performance in the course
 Information on your strengths/weaknesses
 Recommendations for improvements you can make
 Specific assignments
 Class content

13. Know the importance of your GPA
 Minimum GPA required to graduate
 Financial aid eligibility
 Intercollegiate sports eligibility
 Scholarships
 Employment
 Minimum 2.5 GPA

14. Know how to compute your GPA
 Calculator on Advising Resource Center
website
 Know impact of repeating courses

15. Keep track of Important Dates
 Last day to add
 Last day to drop without a W
 Last day to officially withdraw

16. Questions?

17.  What is one way you wish college was like
high school?