Faculty/Staff

Guide to Academic Success

The following outlines how you can be successful both academically and personally. Inside this brochure is a brief list of tips designed to enhance your success during your college years.

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY

Course Syllabus

The syllabus is a contract between you and your faculty that provides the necessary information about:

Course Content
Instructor Expectations
Class Attendance Policy
Office Hours
Tests and Make-up Test Policies

Grades

The grading system is an honor point system used to determine grade point average. Pass/fail grade information and scholastic regulations (including academic probation) are found in the University Catalog.

Academic Integrity

You are expected to submit work in each course based on original thinking. It is your responsibility to maintain ethical academic standards.

Academic Success Tips

Academic assistance is everywhere, but you need to take the first step to get help. Ask questions and check-out resources.

Your professors are a great resource and can help you with subject material, test preparation, career plans, and other concerns you may have. Don't be shy; show your interest, and get to know these important people.
Meet early and frequently with your academic adviser and ask a lot of questions about your program.
Attend and participate in all of your classes. Active involvement is the key to success in your classes.
Read over the syllabus for each class. Determine what needs to be done and what you need to know.
Get organized! Use a calendar or daily organizer and fill in all your due dates for assignments, papers, and exams.
Develop study habits that will make studying easier and more beneficial for you.
Utilize academic resources on campus, such as University library, University Writing Center, academic assistance centers, tutoring services.
Balance your time between classes and activities. If you need assistance with time management, contact the University Counseling Center at 309/298-2453.

Quiet Study Spots

(All phone numbers listed below are area code 309)

Casa Latina: 298-3379
Currens Hall Library (Room 201): 298-1407
Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center: 298-2220
Horrabin Hall Library: 298-1924
Leslie F. Malpass Library: 298-2411
Math Resource Office (Morgan 209): 298-2275
Morgan Computer Lab/Study Lounge (Rooms 124 & 126): 298-2123
Morgan Front Corridor: 298-1828
Sallee Hall Library: 298-1105
Tillman Hall Library (Room 301): 298-1171
University Union (various areas): 298-1941
Women's Center (Seal 320, east wing): 298-2242
Writing Center (Simpkins Hall 341): 298-2815

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Making Choices

Personal responsibility is having the freedom to make choices. During your college years you begin to make choices without the day-to-day influence of your parents. Every choice you make leads you closer to or further away from your goals. The choices you make will influence your success in all areas of your life.

Personal inventory

Examine your life. Are you happy with the way things are? The choices you have made and the action you have taken have brought you where you are today. If you want to make a change in your life, consider changing the choices you make and the actions you take.

Accountability

You are accountable, answerable, and responsible for the life you are creating. It's your life so be in charge of it! Remember, it's you that is making your own choices and the way you think and feel is up to you. Take ownership of your choices, and don't shift the responsibility or blame to others.

Personal Success Tips

There is a direct relationship between your personal behavior and your personal success. Make good choices and be aware of your actions to ensure your success.

Be responsible for the choices in your life.
Be responsible for how you feel and how you think.
Do not blame others for the choices you have made.
Do not depend on others to make you feel good about yourself.
Do a personal inventory of your strengths, abilities, talents, and virtues.
Look for the good in every situation.
Seek out a mentor.
Learn to appreciate different cultures and viewpoints.
Be respectful of others.
Be aware of your choices.
Remember, you are the artist that gets to sculpt your life's direction.