Lists can be a great way to get things done (You can do it!)

Look what I found!!  I knew it existed -- A LIST FOR BEING SUCCESSFUL!!  But, wait a minute, what about the human reality of what this list is asking?

Some of it is common sense but there are things that get in the way; like "get to class."  That is absolutely TRUE!  If you do not go to class you have a problem.  But, what it should say is "Figure out how to wake up when your alarm goes off, and then GET TO CLASS!"  Some of us have got the sleep thing figured out, and the alarm thing figured out, but some of us don't.

So, I am just saying -- READ WITH AN EYE TO WHAT IS NOT SAID, and then by all means let's figure out how to check off the list!!!

A CHECKLIST SUMMARY OF KEY COLLEGE-SUCCESS

PRINCIPLES & STRATEGIES

1. ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT  

    Inside the Classroom:

    þGet To Class—treat it like a job—if you “cut,” your pay (grade) will be cut.

    þGet Involved in Class—come prepared, listen actively, take notes, and participate.

    Outside the Classroom:

    þRead Actively—take notes while you read to increase attention and retention.

    þSpend a Significant Amount of Time on Academic Activities Outside of Class—

         make it a  40-hour work week.

2. UTILIZING CAMPUS RESOURCES

    Capitalize on Academic & Student Support Services: 

    þLearning Center

    þCollege Library

    þAcademic Advisement

    þCareer Development 

    þPersonal Counseling

    Capitalize on Experiential Learning Opportunities:

    þParticipate in co-curricular experiences on campus.

    þParticipate in service-learning (volunteer) experiences and internships off campus.

3. SOCIAL INTERACTION & COLLABORATION

    Interact with:

    þPeers—by joining campus clubs and student organizations.

    þFaculty—by connecting with them immediately after class, in their offices, or

         by e-mail.

    þAcademic Advisors—see them for more than just a signature to register; find an

         advisor you can relate to and with whom you can develop an ongoing relationship.

    þMentors—try to find experienced people on campus who can serve as trusted

         guides and role models.

    Collaborate by:

    þForming Learning Teams—not only last-minute study groups, but teams that

         collaborate more regularly to work on such tasks as taking lecture notes,

         completing reading assignments, editing writing assignments, conducting library

         research, and reviewing results of exams and course assignments.

    þParticipating in Learning Communities—enroll in two or more classes with the

         same students during the same term.

5. SELF-REFLECTION

    þTake Self-Assessment Tests—to gain greater awareness of your interests, values,

         abilities, learning habits, learning styles, self-concept, and personality traits.

   þSelf-Monitor your learning—maintain awareness of how you are learning, what

         you are learning, and if you are learning. 

   þReflect on Feedback—seek information form others (professionals and peers) on

         the quality of your performance and what specifically you can do to improve it.

    þReflect on Your Future—from time to time, take time from the daily grind to look

         ahead, set long-term goals, and develop strategic plans for your major, your career,

         and your life.

≉

The foregoing material has been excerpted and adapted from the following source:

Cuseo, J., Fecas, V. S., & Thompson, A. (2007). Thriving in

     College & Beyond: Research-Based Strategies for Academic

     Success & Personal Development. Dubuque, IA:

     Kendall/Hunt.

I LOVE that it is strategies for THRIVING!!