COLLEGE FRESHMEN OUGHT TO KNOW . . . .

1. BEHAVIORS to be encouraged and avoided

• it is important to read introductions in every book in college
• college is very different from high school
• it is your responsibility to question everything, assume nothing
• another change from high school is the diversity of students - don't close yourself off from experiences with any students
• know how to address instructors
• be polite and respectful to members of the college community
• know the importance of the first class meeting - you should be ready
• attendance in class must be carefully considered
• being late to class can be embarrassing and unacceptable
• it is important to take part in activities on campus
• you must be willing to ask for help as soon as you think you need it
• about time management - "plan your work, then work your plan"
• study groups with fellow students is an excellent way to prepare for exams
• successful students realize the importance of keeping informed about what is happening in the rest of the world
• faculty are very serious about their academic disciplines
• take seriousness seriously - work hard to play hard
• whatever out-of-class obligations you have (clubs, sports), your first priority is grades

2. PERSONAL SUGGESTIONS to help make the transition to college life

• the Student Center is a great place to meet but be careful not to spend too much time having fun and hiding from academic studies
• you will be exposed to new experiences that aren't part of the academic schedule
• wearing a watch is critical
• you may be asked to show your student I.D. Card (given by the college)
• sometimes you can help yourself to get into a more productive or creative mood (i.e., by changing your environment for studying)
• it is important to keep track of your personal belongings (keys, books, wallet) at all times
• college New Student Convocation should not be missed
• learn about campus services and how they can help you succeed - successful students learn where to find the people and services that can help them succeed

3. KNOWLEDGE OF SELF - Items to help define the individual

• you need to know yourself in a way that perhaps you never realized
• hopefully, you will have had life experiences that will have challenged your senses and beliefs and required you to think about your own position in life in relation to others
• you ought to have some heroes in your life, people that have qualities or attributes that you admire

4. ABILITIES necessary for college success

• there are certain intellectual abilities that are assumed or even required as you begin college level courses
• good study skills are vital to college success
• which course materials to read and how to read them
• nominative distinction is important - realize the differences between what is and what ought to be
• education is not entertainment - it can be fun and exciting but it is also hard work
• you can practice taking good notes
• that various kinds of tests will be given in different courses (objective vs. essay, unit tests vs. comprehensive final exams)
• know your college campus - starting the first day, orient yourself, explore
• almost all of a college education is based on reading

5. DEFINITIONS AND CUSTOMS in college life

• the degree is what it is all about
• that your advisor actually can be helpful
• definitions to know:

6. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Understanding and respecting your rights and the rights of others

• to understand basic legal rights and responsibilities regarding individuals as students and as educators
• know your Student Code of Conduct - found the in the Student Handbook
• students are responsible for their own lives

7. TIME LINE - Understanding where you're going, what you'll need to get there and when

Written by William Disbro, copyright 1995 by Cambridge Stratford, Limited