Fall 2013 Has Arrived!

The campus buzz has been growing for the last week.  Students moving into residence halls, buying books, and securing ID cards.  On Saturday many students, parents, faculty, and staff attended the Campus Welcome hosted by the President and Dr. Pershing.  Now, the first day of class for fall 2013 is upon us.

Yes, I have a few tips to offer as you start this term.  Here they are:

• Go to class, especially on the first day.  The first day of class is often the time you start learning about the class through the syllabus and about the faculty member who is teaching the class.  This information offers insight into what the next 15 weeks will hold for you.
• At the end of the first week, gather all the syllabi you have collected for every class.  Use these documents to map out your semester on a calendar.  Every SMART Phone has a calendar app or you can purchase a paper calendar at the bookstore.  Regardless what mode you use to calendar, record all assignments, activities, and exams so you are on top of when things are happening.  Don't forget to include you final exams.
• Look at the academic calendar for dates and deadlines.  Review the date for the last day to add a course, delete/drop a course, and withdraw from a class.  At the U of U, you start classes before you pay tuition & fees.  So make sure you know the deadline for paying tuition.
• Finally, carry your U of U ID card with you at all times.  Many offices ask to see it to verify who you are.

The first week of classes can be exciting, fun, and stressful all in the same week.  Ask questions early to make your semester a success.

Good luck!!!

Countdown: Preparing For The First Day at the University of Utah

Yes, in exactly one week, the University of Utah begins the Fall 2013 term.  

Here are my suggestions for being ready on Monday, August 26 as well as some handy websites.

·         Log into the Campus Info System (CIS) and review your course schedule.  Look for the following:

o   Make sure you know the location for each class.  (http://www.map.utah.edu/)

o   Make sure there are no overlaps.  Missing parts of one class for another will not be a successful strategy.

o   Make any changes to your schedule now.  If a course you want to add is full, plan on attending the first meeting of the course to see if the professor will add you by giving you a “permission number” to add the course through CIS.

o   Print a copy of your schedule or save a copy to a device (e.g. phone, pad, tablet).

·         Know how you are going to arrive on campus for your classes.

o   Are you going to drive?  Do you have a parking permit and know where the lots are for the permit?  (http://www.parking.utah.edu/parking/index.html)

o   Are you going to take public transportation?   There are many options that might be right for you.  (http://www.parking.utah.edu/transportation/index.html)

o   If you live in the residence halls, will you use the Campus Shuttle?  If so, do you know which shuttle to catch? (http://www.parking.utah.edu/transportation/shuttles/index.html)

·         Review materials sent to you and provided at the U of U New Student Orientation.

o   The Undergraduate Bulletin is filled with information and resources that assist you in navigating the U of U for the entire year.  I encourage you to start this review by looking at the Academic Calendar on pg. 1, Resources starting on p. 34, and Quick Reference Guide on p. 47.  (http://advising.utah.edu/topics/Undergrad%20Bulletin%202013.pdf)

o   Check-out the new University of Utah homepage that provides campus updates and news.   (http://www.utah.edu/)

I encourage you to consider these suggestions as you prepare for your first day at the U of U.  The campus is excited to welcome you and your peers to our community of learners!