This is a short one, just to help boost your self-esteem mid-semester:
High expectations from others like professors and advisors have a positive impact on the success of first generation and low income college student. So does holding yourself to high expectations.When you expect yourself to succeed, it often gives you the mental and emotional boost to achieve your goals.
Don't underestimate yourself and your ability to succeed as a college student. You deserve to be in college and have earned it. Have a great day of academic achievement!
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
How to deal with a professor you don't like
We've talked about dealing with professors that you suspect hate you, but what can you do when you don't like the professor? This can be a professor you disagree with on some topic or one with a personality you just don't get along with.
But, it's your professor. Your grade and well-being as a college student count on you making it work. Here are 4 tips to help you deal with a professor that you don't like:
Think about it. Figure out what it is, specifically, that you don't like about the professor. Is it a matter of teaching style, personality, attitude, or something else? Once you know what it is, think about ways you can minimize it.
Stay positive. Focus on the things you do like instead of dwelling on how much you dislike the professor. Is the subject interesting, do you like the textbook, are the assignments cool? Just find something besides the professor to focus your positive energy on.
Seek and you shall find. Look to other sources of information, like old test or teaching assistants, to supplement what you are getting from the professor. knowing you don't have to rely solely on a professor you dislike will help.
Don't go it alone. Another great tactic to help you stay on your academic game is creating a study group with your classmates. Again, having other sources of information will be to your benefit when dealing with a professor you dislike.
You can't always control whether or not you like a professor, but you can control how you approach the situation.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
But, it's your professor. Your grade and well-being as a college student count on you making it work. Here are 4 tips to help you deal with a professor that you don't like:
Think about it. Figure out what it is, specifically, that you don't like about the professor. Is it a matter of teaching style, personality, attitude, or something else? Once you know what it is, think about ways you can minimize it.
Stay positive. Focus on the things you do like instead of dwelling on how much you dislike the professor. Is the subject interesting, do you like the textbook, are the assignments cool? Just find something besides the professor to focus your positive energy on.
Seek and you shall find. Look to other sources of information, like old test or teaching assistants, to supplement what you are getting from the professor. knowing you don't have to rely solely on a professor you dislike will help.
Don't go it alone. Another great tactic to help you stay on your academic game is creating a study group with your classmates. Again, having other sources of information will be to your benefit when dealing with a professor you dislike.
You can't always control whether or not you like a professor, but you can control how you approach the situation.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Should high school stuff come off your resume?
A reader write:
The simple answer, like all my other resume advice, is that it depends. Once you are in college, you don't have to list your high school diploma or GED under education because it is assumed. For the most part, once you are in college you shouldn't really have any high school experience left on your resume either--even if those experiences were "really cool stuff."
When you are a freshmen or sophomore, it's not a big deal to still have some high school stuff on your resume, but you should be making an effort to get more college experiences on your resume. By the time you are a junior or senior, there should be absolutely no high school left on your resume.
Of course, there are always exceptions to these rules. High school experiences that are really relevant to whatever you are applying for can stay on your resume. For example, if you volunteered at a youth recreation center for three years in high school and are applying for a summer youth recreation camp position as a college junior, it would be appropriate to leave the high school experience on your resume.
You can tell your roommate that she is both right and wrong on this one.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
"I'm a sophomore this year and I need to update my resume for a scholarship application. I did some really cool stuff in high school, but my roommate says it shouldn;t be on my resume anymore since I'm in college. Is she right?"
The simple answer, like all my other resume advice, is that it depends. Once you are in college, you don't have to list your high school diploma or GED under education because it is assumed. For the most part, once you are in college you shouldn't really have any high school experience left on your resume either--even if those experiences were "really cool stuff."
When you are a freshmen or sophomore, it's not a big deal to still have some high school stuff on your resume, but you should be making an effort to get more college experiences on your resume. By the time you are a junior or senior, there should be absolutely no high school left on your resume.
Of course, there are always exceptions to these rules. High school experiences that are really relevant to whatever you are applying for can stay on your resume. For example, if you volunteered at a youth recreation center for three years in high school and are applying for a summer youth recreation camp position as a college junior, it would be appropriate to leave the high school experience on your resume.
You can tell your roommate that she is both right and wrong on this one.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Keep your contact info updated
Have you moved, gotten a new phone number, or changed your name recently? Did you let your college know that? This is one of those things that I think should go without saying, but then I find a lot of first generation and low income college students do not keep their contact information updated with their school.
You really should keep your college up to speed with your current contact information. You could be missing out on valuable information because your school cannot reach you.
Colleges may need to contact your regarding your student record or notify your about events and awards. For whatever reason your school needs to reach out to you, they need to have the most up-to-date information to do so.
Bottom line: any time your contact information changes, make sure you update it with your school.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
You really should keep your college up to speed with your current contact information. You could be missing out on valuable information because your school cannot reach you.
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| Photo credit: http://echealthinsurance.com/ |
Colleges may need to contact your regarding your student record or notify your about events and awards. For whatever reason your school needs to reach out to you, they need to have the most up-to-date information to do so.
Bottom line: any time your contact information changes, make sure you update it with your school.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Monday, February 21, 2011
What you need to know about FERPA
As part of my new job, I had to complete a training on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, known as FERPA. Have you ever heard of it? Basically, FREPA is the federal law that protects your student records and information, and who has access to it.
As a first generation and low income college student you familiarize yourself with FERPA so that you know your rights. Here is what you should know about FERPA:
That's not an option. Colleges that receive any funding from the federal government must follow FERPA. This includes private and for-profit institutions, too.
Age is just a number. No matter how old you are, once you're in college FERPA applies to you. As a college student, FERPA applies to you whether or not you are over 18.
That's okay. Schools are allowed to share your "directory" information without your permission. This includes your full name, home and school address, phone number, birthday, birthplace, and any awards or honors. If you don't want your directory information shared, you have the right to request your information be kept confidential.
Sharing is not caring. Anything in your student record beside your directory information is considered to be confidential, things like your grades, class schedule, registration status, and disciplinary actions. For the most part, this information cannot be released without your written permission, even to your parents.
Exceptions to the rule. There are certain circumstances when schools can release your information, like when they're under lawful subpoena, sharing it with another school you have applied to, or are being audited by the federal government.
Keeping it on campus. The other reason a school might share your information is when campus officials have a legitimate educational interest for your benefit to share it with other campus officials. For example, when the financial aid office has to confirm you are enrolled full-time with the registrar for an on-campus scholarship, both offices (and the officials in them) have the right to share your information.
Annual notification. The school has to notify you every year about your rights under FERPA. How they do it is up to the school, which means it could be anything from a letter, an online announcement, ad in the school newspaper, or even skywriting at the big homecoming game. But, the school does not have to notify you personally, just make an attempt that is likely to reach most students.
It is your right as a student to know what's in your student records as well as understand who does and doesn't have access to your information. You can thank FERPA for that.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
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| Photo credit: http://s2.hubimg.com/ |
As a first generation and low income college student you familiarize yourself with FERPA so that you know your rights. Here is what you should know about FERPA:
That's not an option. Colleges that receive any funding from the federal government must follow FERPA. This includes private and for-profit institutions, too.
Age is just a number. No matter how old you are, once you're in college FERPA applies to you. As a college student, FERPA applies to you whether or not you are over 18.
That's okay. Schools are allowed to share your "directory" information without your permission. This includes your full name, home and school address, phone number, birthday, birthplace, and any awards or honors. If you don't want your directory information shared, you have the right to request your information be kept confidential.
Sharing is not caring. Anything in your student record beside your directory information is considered to be confidential, things like your grades, class schedule, registration status, and disciplinary actions. For the most part, this information cannot be released without your written permission, even to your parents.
Exceptions to the rule. There are certain circumstances when schools can release your information, like when they're under lawful subpoena, sharing it with another school you have applied to, or are being audited by the federal government.
Keeping it on campus. The other reason a school might share your information is when campus officials have a legitimate educational interest for your benefit to share it with other campus officials. For example, when the financial aid office has to confirm you are enrolled full-time with the registrar for an on-campus scholarship, both offices (and the officials in them) have the right to share your information.
Annual notification. The school has to notify you every year about your rights under FERPA. How they do it is up to the school, which means it could be anything from a letter, an online announcement, ad in the school newspaper, or even skywriting at the big homecoming game. But, the school does not have to notify you personally, just make an attempt that is likely to reach most students.
It is your right as a student to know what's in your student records as well as understand who does and doesn't have access to your information. You can thank FERPA for that.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Double check your student records
Ensuring the accuracy of your student records is your responsibility as college student, a responsibility you might not be aware of as a first generation or low income college student.
You can find out what is in your student record by checking with your school's registrar or bursar or the online grades system. You should have access to everything in your own file unless it involves another student.
The easiest way to make sure everything is correct is to keep all syllabuses, returned graded work, and tests. Whenever you get an assignment or test back, make sure the grade is right. Use all that to keep track of what your grades should be throughout the semester or quarter. Every time official grades come out, make sure you verify that the grades on your transcript are accurate.
And if your grades aren't what they should be, you will have all the evidence to help get your grade changed to be correct. Be sure to check the procedure for grade changes at your school and follow it. Most schools have a specific time frame for when you can request changes to your record, so make sure you follow through as soon as possible.
Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure your student record is accurate. so make sure you make sure.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
You can find out what is in your student record by checking with your school's registrar or bursar or the online grades system. You should have access to everything in your own file unless it involves another student.
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| Photo credit: http://www.inkity.com/ |
The easiest way to make sure everything is correct is to keep all syllabuses, returned graded work, and tests. Whenever you get an assignment or test back, make sure the grade is right. Use all that to keep track of what your grades should be throughout the semester or quarter. Every time official grades come out, make sure you verify that the grades on your transcript are accurate.
And if your grades aren't what they should be, you will have all the evidence to help get your grade changed to be correct. Be sure to check the procedure for grade changes at your school and follow it. Most schools have a specific time frame for when you can request changes to your record, so make sure you follow through as soon as possible.
Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure your student record is accurate. so make sure you make sure.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Don't feel pressured to drink in college
A lot of movies and news media attention given to college life focuses on alcohol use and abuse, including binge drinking and high-risk drunken antics. For a lot of first generation college students, this creates an expectation that college should involve drinking.
But it doesn't have to. College students tend to overestimate how much their peers are drinking and feel pressured to keep up with that mistaken assumption. Don't feel pressured to drink in college or give into a negative peer environment. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to drinking in college:
Not everyone is doing it. Don’t overestimate how much other students are drinking. Many college students drink two drinks or less when they party.
Know what’s at stake. You have rights and responsibilities when it comes to your conduct. Alcohol-related offenses can result in disciplinary action such as being kicked out of student housing or even being kicked out of college, so always understand the consequences of your behavior. And this may include both on- and off-campus behavior because it is common practice for city police to share student violations with campus authorities.
Avoid a party foul. If you decide to have a party, know that hosts are held accountable for their guests' conduct and safety. Make sure you responsibly control any service and drinking of alcohol, and don't let anyone drive drunk. Also, respect your neighbors’ rights and quality of life by informing them about your plans and keeping the ruckus down.
Be true to yourself. If you feel that you have to drink to have fun, that is a problem that you should get help to deal with. If you feel uncomfortable because friends are pressuring you to drink, that is also worth talking to someone about. Drinking should always be your personal choice made free of pressure, either from yourself or others.
Step up and educate yourself. If you find yourself in a situation where others are drinking irresponsibly, take personal responsibility for helping with a possible emergency. This means knowing your campus and community resources and using them when needed. Life and safety issues take top priority over the fear of getting in trouble.
Always drink responsibly, if you choose to drink. Remember, if you are going to party, party safely.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
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| Photo credit: http://images.paraorkut.com/ |
But it doesn't have to. College students tend to overestimate how much their peers are drinking and feel pressured to keep up with that mistaken assumption. Don't feel pressured to drink in college or give into a negative peer environment. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to drinking in college:
Not everyone is doing it. Don’t overestimate how much other students are drinking. Many college students drink two drinks or less when they party.
Know what’s at stake. You have rights and responsibilities when it comes to your conduct. Alcohol-related offenses can result in disciplinary action such as being kicked out of student housing or even being kicked out of college, so always understand the consequences of your behavior. And this may include both on- and off-campus behavior because it is common practice for city police to share student violations with campus authorities.
Avoid a party foul. If you decide to have a party, know that hosts are held accountable for their guests' conduct and safety. Make sure you responsibly control any service and drinking of alcohol, and don't let anyone drive drunk. Also, respect your neighbors’ rights and quality of life by informing them about your plans and keeping the ruckus down.
Be true to yourself. If you feel that you have to drink to have fun, that is a problem that you should get help to deal with. If you feel uncomfortable because friends are pressuring you to drink, that is also worth talking to someone about. Drinking should always be your personal choice made free of pressure, either from yourself or others.
Step up and educate yourself. If you find yourself in a situation where others are drinking irresponsibly, take personal responsibility for helping with a possible emergency. This means knowing your campus and community resources and using them when needed. Life and safety issues take top priority over the fear of getting in trouble.
Always drink responsibly, if you choose to drink. Remember, if you are going to party, party safely.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Anna Howard Shaw Day!
February 14th is not just Valentine's Day, it is also Anna Howard Shaw Day. This day honors the leader of the US women's suffrage movement and first female Methodist minister. Some feminists even celebrate Anna Howard Shaw Day as an alternative to Valentine's Day.
Anna Howard Shaw Day gained some attention last year when an episode of 30 Rock not only mentioned it but was named after it.
Why should you care about Anna Howard Shaw Day? Because as a first generation or low income college student, it is important to learn about yourself and others. This includes learning about holidays and events that you don't celebrate yourself. You might just find a new tradition to embrace.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Anna Howard Shaw Day gained some attention last year when an episode of 30 Rock not only mentioned it but was named after it.
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| Photo credit: http://images1.memegenerator.net/ |
Why should you care about Anna Howard Shaw Day? Because as a first generation or low income college student, it is important to learn about yourself and others. This includes learning about holidays and events that you don't celebrate yourself. You might just find a new tradition to embrace.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Can I record lectures?
A reader writes:
Get the OK. Double check your school's policies on recording lectures and always, always, always ask the instructor's permission first.
Get the right equipment. If you are going to buy your own recording device, get something that meets your needs and fits your budget. Also check if your campus offers any recorder check-out services before you buy one. You can also see if something you already own can do the job, like an mp3 player or laptop capable of recording; Once you have your recorder, make sure that you know how to use it well before bringing it to class to avoid any technical difficulties.
Use it wisely. Listen to recorded lectures when you are reviewing your notes and use them to fill in any blanks you may have missed the first time. It is also handy to keep track of when key topics come up in the recording and mark the time in your notes.
Recording lectures is a great study option, especially if you tend to learn things better from hearing it or feel like you are missing information during lectures. Happy recording!
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
"I've seen other students using recorders in lecture. Whats that all about? Can I record lectures? What would I do with the recordings and would it help me?"Recording lectures is a great study tool for folks who learn best by hearing things or want to review the lecture later. Here are a few other things to keep in mind when you want to record lectures:
Get the OK. Double check your school's policies on recording lectures and always, always, always ask the instructor's permission first.
Get the right equipment. If you are going to buy your own recording device, get something that meets your needs and fits your budget. Also check if your campus offers any recorder check-out services before you buy one. You can also see if something you already own can do the job, like an mp3 player or laptop capable of recording; Once you have your recorder, make sure that you know how to use it well before bringing it to class to avoid any technical difficulties.
Use it wisely. Listen to recorded lectures when you are reviewing your notes and use them to fill in any blanks you may have missed the first time. It is also handy to keep track of when key topics come up in the recording and mark the time in your notes.
Recording lectures is a great study option, especially if you tend to learn things better from hearing it or feel like you are missing information during lectures. Happy recording!
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
How to start a study group
I am a big fan of recommending forming study groups as a great academic tool for first generation and low income college students. Study groups give you the opportunity to really understand the class material and build relationships with your classmates. Study groups are awesome.
But, I realize, you may not know how to go about starting a study group of your very own. So here are a few tips for you to get a study group started:
Put the word out. First, you have to let your classmates know that you are starting a study group. You can create a sign up sheet and pass it around class, talk to your friends in the class or major, post to your class' website or email listserv, make an announcement before lecture or discussion (with instructor's permission), or ask the instructor to make announcement on your behalf.
Logistics, logistics, logistics. Get available times and contact information from your study group members and set a time for everyone to meet. Arrange to reserve a room or space on campus or at a convenient local spot. Let everyone know when your first meeting will be and to bring study material like textbooks, notes, or lecture recordings. , decide on how often to meet
Get on the same page. At your first study group session, talk with your study group to agree on how often the group will meet, how the group should function, and what roles people want to take on. Roles might include leader, organizer, moderator, and notetaker. Also make sure you talk about expectations, accountability, and commitment to the study group.
Nip it in the bud. In any group setting, problems might arise like a lack of attendance, preparation, or motivation. Whenever issues like these come up, make sure to openly discuss it with the group so everyone can benefit from the study group.
Don't go it alone. Study groups are great to bounce ideas off of each other, but you may come to an impasse sometimes or may not collectively understand a particular topic. If this happens, go to the instructor when the group disagrees about course material or are all confuse. The instructor is the ultimate authority when it comes to class material.
Have a great day of academic achievement with your study group.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
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| Photo credit: http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/ |
But, I realize, you may not know how to go about starting a study group of your very own. So here are a few tips for you to get a study group started:
Put the word out. First, you have to let your classmates know that you are starting a study group. You can create a sign up sheet and pass it around class, talk to your friends in the class or major, post to your class' website or email listserv, make an announcement before lecture or discussion (with instructor's permission), or ask the instructor to make announcement on your behalf.
Logistics, logistics, logistics. Get available times and contact information from your study group members and set a time for everyone to meet. Arrange to reserve a room or space on campus or at a convenient local spot. Let everyone know when your first meeting will be and to bring study material like textbooks, notes, or lecture recordings. , decide on how often to meet
Get on the same page. At your first study group session, talk with your study group to agree on how often the group will meet, how the group should function, and what roles people want to take on. Roles might include leader, organizer, moderator, and notetaker. Also make sure you talk about expectations, accountability, and commitment to the study group.
Nip it in the bud. In any group setting, problems might arise like a lack of attendance, preparation, or motivation. Whenever issues like these come up, make sure to openly discuss it with the group so everyone can benefit from the study group.
Don't go it alone. Study groups are great to bounce ideas off of each other, but you may come to an impasse sometimes or may not collectively understand a particular topic. If this happens, go to the instructor when the group disagrees about course material or are all confuse. The instructor is the ultimate authority when it comes to class material.
Have a great day of academic achievement with your study group.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Inspire other first generation college students
Recently, a wise colleague of mine posted this as his Facebook status: "If your the first in your family to attend college, don't let it stop there...keep the dream going....inspire others." He is so right. Reach out and inspire someone else!
Think about all the people that helped you get to where you are now and the things they may have done. After saying thank you to those folks, think about how you can influence the next generation of first generation college students. Become a mentor or volunteer in your community.
Have some pride and do something to spread the fortune you have experienced to become the first one in your family attend college. You use experience for awesome.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
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| Photo credit: http://weallneedinspiration.com/ |
Think about all the people that helped you get to where you are now and the things they may have done. After saying thank you to those folks, think about how you can influence the next generation of first generation college students. Become a mentor or volunteer in your community.
Have some pride and do something to spread the fortune you have experienced to become the first one in your family attend college. You use experience for awesome.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Have your student ID card at all times
Today was my first day at a new job working with first generation and low income college students. I was not able to get my staff ID card, so there is a bunch of stuff I wasn't able to take care of today. Feeling this frustration reminded me of a handy piece of advice for students: Have your student ID card on you at all times.
Think of your student ID card as your passport to college life. At most campuses your student ID card allows you to access campus spaces like residence halls and libraries and certain resources like a campus gym. Your student ID card might be your bus pass, meal ticket, or debit card. You might need it to prove you are a student. You might even be able to get discounts at stores and restaurants using your student ID card.
If you are not sure what you can use your student ID card for, ask a campus advisor or check out your school's website. You might be surprised by what you can do with your student ID card.
When in college, its a good move to always have your student ID card on you. Don't leave home without it.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
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| Photo credit: http://www.brentwood.k12.mo.us/ |
Think of your student ID card as your passport to college life. At most campuses your student ID card allows you to access campus spaces like residence halls and libraries and certain resources like a campus gym. Your student ID card might be your bus pass, meal ticket, or debit card. You might need it to prove you are a student. You might even be able to get discounts at stores and restaurants using your student ID card.
If you are not sure what you can use your student ID card for, ask a campus advisor or check out your school's website. You might be surprised by what you can do with your student ID card.
When in college, its a good move to always have your student ID card on you. Don't leave home without it.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Happy Black History Month!
February is Black History Month in the United States and Canada, and that means its time for remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
One of the best parts of college is learning about yourself and others, so I highly recommend attending at least one Black History Month program or event for every first generation and low income college student, no matter what your ethnic or cultural background is. Many college campuses host activities and programs to commemorate Black History Month, so look out for events at your school.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
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| Photo credit: http://www.aclib.us/ |
One of the best parts of college is learning about yourself and others, so I highly recommend attending at least one Black History Month program or event for every first generation and low income college student, no matter what your ethnic or cultural background is. Many college campuses host activities and programs to commemorate Black History Month, so look out for events at your school.
Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.
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