Use Your Syllabi, Track Your Grades & Plan Your Semester!

The syllabus you receive in each course is essentially a contract between you and your instructor - you can use it to manage your time, set your priorities and track your grades throughout the semester.

Right now, at the start of the semester, you should:

• Carefully read each syllabus for information about assignments, papers, and tests, and make a note of each in your calendar/time management system.
• Make sure you understand how your grade will be calculated, and which pieces of evaluation (papers, tests, etc) will have the greatest impact on your final grade.
• Check for specific requirements that could affect your final grade (e.g. how class absences count, whether you can hand in papers or assignments late - with no penalty, whether there are 'rewrite' policies that allow you to revise a paper or assignment and resubmit it for a higher grade).

For more information about how to be a savvy student and make use of your syllabi, click here and take note of strategy #4.

Are you realizing that you have a lot of projects/essays/exams due for multiple classes at the same time?  Do you have concerns that you won't be able to manage your time and handle the coursework?  Make an appointment to meet with an advisor before the end of Add/Drop to review your choices and discuss any changes.

You can also stop by the Academic Advising Link to get help.  Our Peer Advisors are there Sunday through Thursday from 4:00pm - 8:00pm.  Stop by the Learning Commons downstairs in the DuBois Library; you do not need to make an appointment.