Checklist for the First Week

Classes start on many campuses this week. There are a few things that if done now will give higher grades for the same effort. The following is a brief checklist of what to get done in the next week:

❏ Read the syllabus for each course.

❏ Get your texts and materials before they are in short supply.

❏ Check to make sure your time management system is up to date–daily planner, monthly or semester calendar.

❏ Map the syllabus deadlines on your daily planner and monthly calendar. Note where there are time crunches.

❏ Make sure your software and hardware meet each course’s requirements.

❏ Check campus COViD-19 notifications.

❏ Register for any accommodations you require, and send notifications to your instructors.

❏ Know your classmates. Google search and social apps are useful here.

❏ Check out your own profile and information on your social apps.

❏ Choose your group members if they are not assigned. Schedule first meetings.

❏ Know your instructors. Check out course evaluations. Check out their areas of interest and research. Check them out on google and social apps.

❏ List your life areas for balance–time for courses, friends, family, maybe a job, and of greatest importance, maintaining your own physical and mental health.

Funny thing, ticking off these tasks as they get done not only increases the probability of a good grade, but it also contributes to that most important last point–maintaining your physical and mental health over the course of the term.

I’ll be working with my clients this term focusing on individual sticking points, whether those be time management, motivation, exam technique, picky instructors, group work . . .

Let me know your sticking points, and let’s see what strategic approaches can be tailored to work for you! [email protected]