Tips
for student success
From the Orientation 2009 Parent Newsletter
Students and parents have already heard that "college
is not like high school."Teaching and learning
methods are different, and students are expected to
be more self-motivated.
Here are some considerations to help your student get off to a good start.
 Select
courses carefully—and sign up for a freshman seminar
Although they must meet a series of general requirements, students will enjoy
their courses more if they have at least one class each semester that really
piques their interest. In small classes, students tend to get to know an instructor
and other classmates better.
A freshman seminar is a good option for the first or second semester. In small
classes of 10 to 20, students connect with a senior faculty member and each other
through discussion and analytical thinking. Language classes, too, are generally
small and meet several times a week.
 Participate
in Welcome Week
All first-time, first-year degree-seeking students are required to participate
in Welcome Week activities, which happen September 2–7. Welcome Week gives
students a jumpstart on their college experience. Students begin to:
- Build a sense of community among the class of 2013.
- Adjust to the campus's environment and its diverse culture.
- Develop relationships with faculty, staff, community members, and other
students.
- Discover and access a multitude of resources.
For additional information and a detailed Welcome Week schedule, visit www.welcomeweek.umn.edu.
 On-campus
employment
Research indicates that students who work on campus are more likely to stay in
school and complete their degree. Campus jobs are conveniently located for students,
and the pay rates often match comparable positions at off-campus jobs. Most important,
students work with University staff who understand student issues and can connect
them with valuable campus resources.
Student jobs generally range from 10 to 20 hours per week. Job listings are posted
at
www.umn.edu/ohr/employment.
Meet the faculty
Each semester, students should make an effort to get to know at least one faculty
member. They can make an appointment or drop in during the instructor’s
office hours and introduce themselves. It can be intimidating at first, but students
can ask a question about class discussions or lectures, talk about their progress
on an assignment, or just ask a general question about the class topic or the
instructor's interest in it.
 Check
out campus involvement opportunities
More than 600 student organizations on the Twin Cities campus offer opportunities
like special-interest student groups, campus leadership positions, and community
service programs. Activities like these help students add value to their classroom
learning.
A good place to start is the Student Unions & Activities office, www.sua.umn.edu or
612-626-9919. The Career and Community Learning Center, www.cclc.umn.edu
or 612-626-2044, can help students connect with community agencies.
Special opportunities for commuters
Commuter Connection provides a place on campus and support resources for commuter
students. During Welcome Week, commuters are placed in small groups to discuss
the transition to college from the perspective of living at home or interacting
with high school friends. A Commuter Kickoff at the start of Welcome Week,
at 5 p.m., Wednesday, September 2, will provide commuter information along
with desserts and prizes, including a chance to win a campus parking pass
for fall semester or a U-Pass for the whole year. Commuter students can always
find resources and support at Commuter Connection's lounge in Coffman Union.
Visit www.sua.umn.edu/commuter,
e-mail commuter@umn.edu,
or call 612-624-5491 for more information.
 Form
study groups
Working with classmates outside the classroom not only helps students understand
coursework better, it helps them develop a sense of community. Students are
encouraged to ask those who sit near them in class to meet for an hour or so
a week to review homework and lecture notes. Study groups serve as an incentive
to get the homework done and to go over difficult concepts with others.
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