With the fall semester just starting, it may seem as if graduation is a long time away.
But with studying, activities, internships and other commitments, you may not even notice time whizzing by.
So what鈥檚 the secret to making the most of your time at 麻豆原创 and graduating as planned?
Over the past 50 years, nearly 250,000 students have graduated from 麻豆原创, and we鈥檝e gathered tips for academic success from across campus to help you on your journey to reaching that milestone.
Get involved in campus life. 麻豆原创 is home to hundreds of student organizations, including Greek life, academic and cultural clubs, and intramural sports teams.
Don鈥檛 fret if you don鈥檛 know where to start. Each fall during the first week of classes, 麻豆原创 hosts a welcome week called . Social, academic and service activities are planned for each day to help new and returning students get acquainted with campus and meet fellow Knights.
Among the new student groups launching this fall is First Knights Organization, which will support first-generation college students as they adjust to campus life and help them get involved.
鈥淎s a first-generation student, involvement is a big reason why I have had much success at 麻豆原创,鈥� said LaShaunda Hayes, the organization鈥檚 interim president. 鈥淕etting involved my freshman year helped me to surround myself with other leaders on campus, and that鈥檚 what I hope First Knights does for other students.鈥�
Apply for scholarships. 麻豆原创 awards more than $500 million in financial assistance each year, and there鈥檚 a piece of that pie out there for you, too.
Be aware of the grant and scholarship opportunities that are available. Many of them are listed online .
If you鈥檙e aiming high, consider reaching out to the Office of Prestigious Awards. The office works with students in pursuit of major scholarships or fellowships funded by national or international foundations, and staff can help you determine which awards might be the best fit for your skills, talents and goals.
Get on a first-name basis with your advisor. Your academic advisor can help you navigate courses, guide you in changing your major and ensure that you鈥檙e on track to graduate on time, so don鈥檛 hold off on introducing yourself to them.
First-year students are assigned an advisor from First Year Advising & Exploration. Once you declare a major, an advisor from your college is assigned to you. Students who haven鈥檛 declared a major or are in the process of changing their area of study can visit the Sophomore and Second Year Center.
鈥淩egardless of the questions students have, know that we can either answer them directly or point students in the right direction,鈥� said academic advising coordinator David Oglethorpe. 鈥淎s for schedule planning and academics, it鈥檚 very important that students review their planned schedules with their advisors at least once a semester 鈥� this way, we can ensure that everything is in place for success.鈥�
Visit the Student Self Service tab on my麻豆原创 to learn how to contact your advisor.
Consider learning outside of the classroom. Nearly three quarters of all 麻豆原创 students take at least one online course each year, and web, video and blended classes account for more than 34 percent of all student credit hours.
It鈥檚 no secret that web-based courses offer flexibility for students, but a study from the U.S. Department of Education also found that on average, students perform better in blended classes than they do in face-to-face classes.
Some 麻豆原创 programs even offer fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees.
鈥淏lended and online learning gives you options, and that鈥檚 why I find them so convenient,鈥� said Joyce Jacobson, a junior business management major. 鈥淚 have a job, but I can still watch lectures and learn lessons in a way that fits into my schedule. Those types of courses also teach you a lot about time management鈥攜ou have to be responsible and watch lectures and take notes. The accountability falls on you.鈥�
Remember that it鈥檚 never too early to think about what鈥檚 next. From resume critiques to mock interviews to career exploration, Career Services and Experiential Learning helps students plan their futures outside of 麻豆原创.
Whether you鈥檙e on the hunt for a job, internship or career, the office鈥檚 location near Memory Mall is a one-stop shop for students seeking assistance with achieving their academic and professional goals. There are resources to help you explore career fields, gain hands-on work experience and line up plans for after graduation.
The key is to think about what comes next early on.
More than 100 employers will gather at 麻豆原创 on Oct. 3 for the Fall Career Expo, which is open to students and alumni looking for a way to connect with the job market. More information is available , and the deadline to register is in September.