How Can It Be This Late? Time Management Tips

Do you ever look at the time and think? How'd that happen, it was only 1:00 ten minutes ago and now it's 4:30?

Time management can be a challenge, what with work, school, study, family, friends, and all the other things that gobble up time... but we found some tips that might help:

• Use. A. Planner. It can be in any form, a notebook will even work. You may have an app for your phone or computer, but it may be best for some to have an actual calendar on paper--a really, really big one. If you write in absolutely everything you need to do, you can keep it right where you'll see it every day, and follow along.

• Take the syllabus from each class and put important due dates on it. You can then plan to have parts of your assignments done in smaller chunks: If an assignment is due on the 20th of the month, then put in 'work on pages 10 to 30' one day, then 'work on pages 30 to 60,' etc. so by the 20th, you've covered everything.
• Make priorities in your days: What absolutely has to get done and by what date, and what can wait till the next week?

• Make your study space comfortable, even inviting. Nobody likes to try and work where there's too much noise, or no space, or no supplies. A stash of snacks in the area will avoid you getting up to find them and getting off task. Messy snacks? Have some hand wipes close so you don't get up to wash hands and wind up watching TV or playing a game.
• And be sure there's enough light!
• Know yourself, and your 'style' of working. Do you work best with no noise, or with headphones on (be honest here). What distracts you too much? What helps you concentrate? You might look for a quiet spot no  one has discovered and make it yours.

• Use even the smallest bits of time to do something. In 10 minutes, you can empty the wastebasket, wipe down a countertop, or clean a sink. You can grab a folder and put all the stuff for tomorrow's classes in there. You can take out your clothes for tomorrow. If you really hurry you could probably even take a shower in 10 minutes. Or, of course, study for 10 minutes on something you always put off.
• You can set a time limit for how long you're going to work on something, whether that's a chore or studying: I'll give this thing 1 hour of my day and no more. Then do it!
• Set timers! You can use a kitchen timer, or of course there are alarm 'clocks' on phones, laptops, tablets, and even watches, often. If you use your phone, put it out of your easy reach, but where you'll hear it. Set the alarm to go off in a certain amount of time, then get to work and wait till you hear it go off. Use timers to wake up in the morning or remind you that you have an appointment or a class.

• And of course, no social media while you're studying. That will all wait, it really will. Talk about a time-waster!
• If you are in a time crunch, and who isn't, don't be shy to tell people you simply do not have time for anything other than study this afternoon (or whenever), and don't feel guilty about it. Learn to say 'no' when you need to. You also need time to rest, and you can say so.
• If you find yourself studying into the wee hours of the night, put a stop to that and be sure you get enough sleep. You won't be absorbing information if you're barely awake.
• Eat some brain-power foods: Nuts, apples, berries, granola, yogurt, raw vegetables--graze away to give you some solid calories (as opposed to candy or chips)
• Drink plenty of water-always have a water bottle by your side.
• Get up and stretch once in a while. Do a simple exercise or walk for five minutes now and then.
• Sometimes, you'll need to be flexible. Situations will come up when you have to switch out your schedule, and that's OK, as long as you're usually following the plan.

How to set a reminder if you have an Iphone: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205890
Android: https://www.wikihow.tech/Create-Reminders-on-an-Android  There are 'outside apps' available as well.  Often the alarm lets you make a note, so you can say "one hour of studying English," or "Lunch break," in case you forget to eat!

A little planning can help you feel less stressed and more in control. Hopefully, some of these tips will be helpful.

 

 

Ruh Roh!! I'm on Probation/Suspension....

You get this letter in the mail that says......

 

You have been placed on Academic Probation or Suspension.

 

What????

 

What does it mean?
To some extent, the college does want you to succeed and do well with your studies towards a degree. Most professors want their students to understand and enjoy the learning process. But, also there is this: Colleges want to be able to point to their completion rate, frankly, and they prefer not to have students who don't care about their education and/or who are doing failing work. Here is Anoka-Ramsey's policy regarding being in good standing academically, from the website: https://www.anokaramsey.edu/about-us/policies-disclosures/policies-procedures/policy-2c1-satisfactory-academic-progress/  If you scroll down you will see the policy regarding suspension.

You are placed on probation or suspension based on both your grades and how many courses you have completed (completion rate). If your GPA is less than 2.0 (C average), you may be placed on probation.


How to avoid it in the first place:

• Be careful not to over-schedule yourself between classes, work, and other activities.
• Track how you're doing: Ask your instructors about your grades at least by mid-term or earlier. You probably know which ones you are struggling with, but it doesn't hurt to check on each class just to be sure-you may be doing better or worse than you think. Make note of your instructors' office hours so you know when you can meet with them.
• If you need some help with tutoring, visit the Academic Support Center and get scheduled with a tutor. Be clear on what you don't understand or need help with.
• Don't try to 'fake' your way through a class.
• Don't assume your class will get you an 'Easy A.'
• Ask your TRIO advisor what you can do to stay afloat.
• Are you putting in enough hours of study? Are you organized? Do you get enough sleep? Are you eating well? Be sure you're doing everything you can to succeed.
• If you are truly struggling, ask your advisor if you should drop the course rather than stay in and possible get an F for your grade. That will stay on your transcript until you re-take the course and get a better grade. However, don't drop a course without checking with your advisor. It can affect your financial aid status.

You will receive a letter from the college if they are placing you on probation. There is at least one form to fill out in order to appeal. Ask your TRIO advisor to assist you with it.

Things the appeals committee might ask, in person or in writing:

• What happened to cause you to be on probation or suspension?
• How has this situation changed, or how have you become better able to handle it?
• What kind of support do you have to pursue your education?
• What will you do if this same stress continues or shows up again?
• Why should we take a chance on you? 

Whether you're talking in person to the appeals folks, or writing a letter to explain your situation, remember these tips:

• Prepare: know what you're going to say, and do your best to be organized with your thoughts.
• If in person, be sure you appear dressed like this meeting means something, because it does.
• Be honest. What happened that sidetracked you?
• Include details. Instead of "It just got to be too much," add that it was because you had a death in your family, or your car conked out and you had no way to get to school reliably, or you broke your leg and couldn't get around as well.
• Tell them how you plan to do better if you get another chance. Have a real plan: I will use my time better. I have transportation all lined up and a back-up person as well. I am dealing much better with my home situation now, and school is my absolute priority.
• Be polite and mature as you write or interact.

 

 

 It doesn't have to be the end of your college education. You can do it!

 

https://www.thoughtco.com/academic-dismissal-appeal-questions-786222

Do You Know How To Fry An Egg?

You probably aced most of your classes in high school, and now you're ready for The Great Adventure aka college. You're learning how to navigate Financial Aid, purchase your textbooks, and get your housing set up.


But, what about the practical side of life? Before you leave home, here are some things that are really helpful to know when there's no parent to help, aka Adulting 101:

• Could you make your own doctor or dentist appointment? Do you know who to call? Do you know how to get a prescription filled? There is often an on-campus clinic; otherwise, you'll have to find somewhere nearby that you can be seen. Check with your parent about what clinic or doctor is covered by your medical insurance, and how that will work. You can't generally just go anywhere you choose, because your medical insurance won't pay for it. Make a list of clinics that work with your insurance.

• Do you have a place where all your passwords for important stuff is kept? There should be another place besides your phone: Phones run out of battery just when you need them, they break, and they get lost. One good idea is to write your passwords down but have a friend keep them.
• Can you check the oil level in your car? Check the tire pressure? Can you change a tire? Would you know what to do if your car conks out? Have a parent or someone show you how to do basic maintenance, and seek out a mechanic that might be a possibility if you need one, close to campus.

BONUS: NEWS FLASH: Did you know you might be able to save on your insurance premiums if you are not bringing a car with you to campus? You don't need full coverage if you won't be driving it, and you can put coverage back on if you go home on break. There can also be reduced premiums if you're going to have your car, but will live in a more rural area (not in the Twin Cities). Ask your insurance agent about these potential savings.

• Can you use an ATM?

• Do you know how to check your bank balance online? Do you keep track of your purchases?
• What would you do in an emergency? For example, if you had a car accident-Do you know where your insurance company's number is? You should have an insurance card in your wallet or in your car. What about a medical emergency? Or, what would you do, or where would you go, if your dorm was unavailable because the water main broke? Or if the power went out?
• Do you know how to do a load of laundry? How to sort colors and whites? How much detergent to use? How to dry clothes? How to fold them? Have someone show you how before you find yourself with no clean clothes.

• Can you make simple food, such as eggs? Mac and cheese from a box? Cook a burger? Follow a recipe? Also, could you make a grocery list to get the stuff to make something? Do you know how to store leftovers safely?  Have someone show you how to do these things. Some 3-ingredient recipes:  https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/genius-three-ingredient-recipes?utm_term=.ttpp7ZgwR#.asPKALvP7

• Do you know what items constitute healthy or healthier eating? Why should you not eat pizza seven days a week? Remember your basic food groups? Have. Some. Fruit. And. Vegetables.

• Can you sew on a button that's loose or has fallen off? It's not hard!!
• Do you know how to clean a bathroom?
• Can you tie a tie? Here's how: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+tie+a+tie&&view=detail&mid=B1000A43D8489DFCB1ACB1000A43D8489DFCB1AC&FORM=VRDGAR
• Can you change the sheets on your bed?
• How will you get up in the morning? Do you have an alarm clock? Or are you going to use your phone? Is it loud enough to make you wake up?

• How does your college communicate important news to you (like campus is closed due to weather, the most hoped-for news): Is it through your campus e-mail? Check it every day!
• If there is public transportation near you, do you know how to use it? How do you get a bus token or pass, and where does the bus take you? How long will it take to get where you're going? Is there a shuttle bus that can take you to and from campus? How does that work?

These are things you might want to consider as you move into adulting: you can do it, and what you don't know, you can learn. Because those that came before you, learned how to adult, and you can, too.