LEARNING
TO SWIM
At CSULB, we believe that in order to be a successful student you
will need to practice some techniques that may be new to you. This
process is much like learning to swim. At CSULB, we don't believe
in throwing you in at the deep end of the pool without any lessons.
These lessons might need some practice, but, in the end, you can
learn to be an expert swimmer.
FLOATING
Former CSULB President Robert Maxson, when speaking to new students at
SOAR, always shared his three rules for being a successful college
student:
Rule #1--Go to class
Rule #2--Go To Class
Rule #3--GO TO CLASS!
This is probably the best advice you will ever get.
In college, faculty rarely take roll and it is tempting to begin
missing class. In order to be successful, however, you need to attend
every class meeting, learn to listen and take good notes, learn
to read your textbook critically, and learn good memory and exam
techniques. (Workshops on all of these skills are available
through the Learning
Assistance Center.)
Tip: Sit as close to the front of the room as possible--it
will be easier to listen.
FIRST AID
If you become ill during the semester, make sure you notify your
professor and ask for any additional help you might need to complete
your assignments. Visit the Student
Health Center.
If you are having personal problems (e.g., a fight with your boyfriend/girlfriend,
problems with your parents, a death in your family, financial difficulties,
or are just feeling overwhelmed), visit the Counseling
and Psychological Services Center.
If you have test anxiety or need to deal with stress management,
the Counseling
and Psychological Services Center runs free workshops.
If you are having academic difficulty, you may have an undiagnosed
learning disability. The Disabled
Student Services program offers diagnosis and special
assistance to students.
Tip: The Student
Health Center has information and workshops on eating disorders,
tobacco and alcohol abuse, HIV/AIDS, nutrition and weight management,
and sexual health. Also see the Promoting
Healthy Alcohol
Choices & Education (PHACE) web site.
BREATHING
Getting involved on campus will help you become more comfortable
with the learning environment. CSULB has more than 300
clubs and organizations for every interest (e.g., fraternities
and sororities, club sports, academic associations, cultural, religious
and politcal and social action clubs).
Taking courses like aerobics, weight training, self defense, bowling,
sailing, karate, social dance, golf, surfing, yoga, kayaking, backpacking,
or mountaineering through the Department of Kinesiology are great
stress relievers. You can take these for free and even get college
credit!
Tip: The evidence shows that those students who are more
involved on campus get better grades.
SIGNALING THE LIFE GUARD
For a variety of reasons, many first-generation college students
find it challenging to complete their college education. If you
are a first-generation college student you may choose be paired
with a faculty mentor through the Partners
for Success Program.
BECOMING AN EXPERT SWIMMER
Don't be afraid to ask questions--in class or during faculty office
hours. Faculty are really interested in the subjects they teach.
This is their life. You will make a positive impression if you take
an active interest in the subjects you are learning. Don't wait
until you are having difficulty in a class to visit the faculty
member during office hours. These office hours are set for YOU.
Faculty want you to be successful in their classes.
Learn effective time management skills, keep a daily planner so
that you know when papers are due and when exams are scheduled,
keep up on your reading, and plan ahead for final exams.
The Writer's Resource Lab
is the place to go if you want to enhance your writing skills. You
will save yourself a lot of time and anxiety if you have confidence
in your writing ability.
Tip: If you work part-time and have responsibilities at home, don't
take more than 12 units per semester during your first year on campus.