My plan of attack for planning

Hi everyone,

Congratulations on surviving week one! President Buchholdt and I had a fantastic time meeting many of you at Campus Kick-Off and are available frequently in the USUAA Student Government office and hope to meet many more. Our first Assembly meeting is Friday, September 2nd at 3 PM in the Student Union.

By now you should have figured out where your classes are, maybe some key people and places on campus, and how early you need to be in order to get a decent parking spot and still have time to walk to whichever building you had hoped to park by. That is of course, unless you heed my advice.

USUAA Pres and VP at Campus Kick-Off

Tip #2: Go to class

If you've been here for a year or so you've probably figured out that by week 3 or 4, parking becomes less chaotic, and more spots magically appear. Some of that's due to people dropping classes, but the majority comes from the realization that some faculty don't require you to go to class. A change from high school, freshmen slowly catch on to the "You're the manager of your own time" mentality that ultimately lands them in a state of truancy.

It's easy to think that skipping a class here and there won't make a difference, and that you are perfectly capable of catching up on the reading on your own time. However, take it from me -- just because there's no attendance requirement, doesn't mean that attendance doesn't matter. Lecture material is often invaluable, and can't be learned from a textbook, and professors notice the familiar names and faces in their classroom everyday. That familiarity makes a difference in getting help on papers, when you need an extension or advice, and your credibility in general as a student.

Get on top of your schedule.

Not to mention, there's a good chance you may encounter that professor again in the next four years of your education. Besides, once you skip one class, it's easier to skip the next one, and before you know it, you'll have missed two, maybe three weeks of class until suddenly that midterm A or B is nothing more than a pipe dream and you're forced to withdraw from a course you really needed.

Tip #3: Use a planner

Time flies when you're having fun, and the mor e you get involved the easier it is to lose track of upcoming deadlines, tests, and meetings. Syllabi are your friend! Take some time, sit down, spread them out and pencil in all the major dates and deadlines.

That way, when you come to the Student Involvement Fair, September 7th from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Union, you can sign up for events and clubs with schedules you know you can commit to without over-burdening yourself. Whether it's Google Calendar, a student Planner, or your smartphone that keeps you up to speed, planning is your friend. Plan time to study, to eat, and social time that is distinct from study time so you can succeed and get the most out of your busy, but rewarding, college experience.