Academic Success
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ACADEMIC SUCCESS

 

Shelton State’s Academic Success Team works with students to complete courses and return to academic good standing while also providing additional resources that can aid in degree completion. Our services support students as they develop and practice good habits and skills for academic success and provide strategies and tools for time management, test-taking tips, and test preparation.

Best Practices and Strategies for Success

  • Create a calendar with all upcoming deadlines for assignments, quizzes, or exams. Creating a digital calendar will allow students to connect it using tools such as Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar. It is important that this calendar be checked daily.
  • Prioritize the most important assignments. Prioritizing deadlines that are the most urgent should be considered when managing time. Schedule extra time for long-term projects.
  • Create a to-do list. Create a list of assignments completing shorter assignments first and then moving to more in-depth assignments.
  • Set aside time to study for each course.
  • Remove distractions. Study in a quiet, well-lit place free from distractions. Distractions can include cell phones, television, radio, video games, and even other people.

Video Resource: An End to Procrastination – Archana Murthy (15:55)

  • Remove distractions. Study in a quiet, well-lit place free from distractions. Distractions can include cell phones, television, radio, video games, and even other people.
  • 80/20 RULE: Spend 80% of study time on new information and 20% reviewing previous lessons.
  • Determine the best time of day for studying. Typically, students should plan to study between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Incorporate study breaks when studying. For example, if studying for an hour, take a 10–15-minute break. A purposeful break can help students remain focused on the course when returning to studying.

Video Resource: How a Student Changed Her Study Habits by Setting Goals & Managing Time – Yana Savitsky (5:08)

  • Preview reading assignments before the lecture to identify the main concepts.
  • Keep notes short, but notate key terms, processes, dates, and names. Use abbreviations and symbols. Go back to fill in “gaps” and fully explain the note later when reviewing.
  • Pay attention to key terms or processes that are repeated in the class lecture because they are usually important. Note page numbers to refer to when reviewing notes later.
  • Write clearly and neatly.
  • Stay organized. Use the same notebook for the same course because this will make studying easier.
  • Review notes. Reviewing notes can allow students to discover any questions necessary for clarification.
  • Review notes and readings associated with the test material.
  • Make flashcards using index cards for key terms, concepts, processes, dates, and names.
  • Do not wait until the last minute to start studying. Start reviewing material early, including days before the actual test.
  • Ask the instructor for suggestions or clues as to the format of the exam and what will be covered on the exam.
  • Complete all assignments covering the material that will be included in the exam.

Video Resource: Test Taking Strategies – Collen Brummett (7:20)

Academic Resources

Your academic standing is a measure of how well you are progressing toward your degree.  It is based on your semester or cumulative grade point average (GPA).  Academic standing is determined each semester after grades post.  Students who do not progress satisfactorily may be placed on academic probation. Students placed on probation must meet with the Academic Success Specialist twice per semester to review current academic progress.  If the student does not complete the semester in which they are on probation, then the student may be suspended. A suspended student may appeal the suspension by completing an academic appeal.We know students can improve their academic standing, and we are here to help.

To request an academic appeal, the form and supporting documentation should be submitted using the link below.

 

Academic Appeal Form

Summer 2024 Submission Deadline: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, by 5:30 p.m.

Notification of Appeal Decision: No later than Thursday, May 16, 2024

 

Students with a Student Success Hold must have a success coaching session to have their hold removed. To meet with the Academic Success Specialist, students can schedule an appointment or visit the Academic Success Specialist in Student Services (appointments are preferred).

 

*This process is for academic appeals only. Students submitting a financial aid appeal should contact the Financial Aid Office.

Student Success Quick Takes (Videos)

Transitioning to College

Student Success

Writing and Posting Discussion Posts

New Online Learners

Time Management

Procrastination

Online Learning

Note-Taking

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