ACADEMIC TURNAROUND WORKSHOP SERIES:

1. Avoiding a Crash!
Winter 2012
Faculty of Arts Faculty of Science Student Success Centre

Immediate Objective: Avoiding a Crash!

Academic Turnaround Workshop 1 (1 in Fall term, 1 in Winter)

Outline Why academic performance matters How to avoid a crash - self-assessment - possible actions - future steps
Future Objective: Planning for Success! Academic Turnaround Workshop 2 (after Winter Term) Material in presented in these workshops draws on the suggestions of previous participants. Please share your knowledge and experience!

WHY ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE MATTERS the BAD things that could happen, and when
Degree Requirements Minimum C (2.0) GPA on entire 4-Yr degree Minimum C (2.0) GPA in Major Annual Academic Review Includes all courses from the previous Spring to the end of Winter term How big is my GPA Problem? How to calculate your Spring-Summer-Fall (pre-review) GPA

Annual Academic Review After Winter 2012, what will happen?

GPA 2.0: Satisfactory Standing GPA < 2.0 for the first time, but 1.7: Academic Probation Normally allowed only once Academic Probation letter is sent

GPA < 1.7, or GPA < 2.0 with a previous probation: Potentially Required to Withdraw (RTW) Faculties may exercise limited discretion Either an RTW or Summoning Letter is sent Special Academic Probation may be possible if
GPA improvement in Winter term Extenuating circumstances i.e. medical situation, personal/family Good prospects for future success

So, what do these mean?

Regular Academic Probation

You continue your studies GPA must be over 2.0 by next Annual Academic Review Normally happens only Once in a Degree Special conditions typically do NOT apply Submitting a Plan for Success is RECOMMENDED UNIV 205 often RECOMMENDED, esp if early in program

So, what do these mean?

Required to Withdraw
One year away from the Faculty! and normally from the University
Reapplication is necessary Admission requirements must be met Therefore upgrading is normally necessary
- Open Studies at UofC, normally after one year away - Transferable courses from other post-secondaries

So, what do these mean?

Special Academic Probation

The middle ground

Student continues on Academic Probation Definitely only happens Once in a Degree!

1. Plan for Success is REQUIRED

2.
3.

GPA must be 2.0 next Annual Academic review (otherwise, RTW)

Maximum course load restrictions One (1) course in each of Spring and Summer Three (3) courses in each of Fall and Winter (Faculty may renegotiate Winter if Fall GPA 3.3) Note: UNIV 205 may be recommended or required

HOW TO AVOID A CRASH

This is the immediate concern! (and the focus of this workshop) Outline of this section Self-assessment Possible actions Future steps

Self Assessment: Why did things go wrong?

Some typical problems
Transition difficulties (esp from high school) Under-committment to classes (e.g., attendance issues) Over-committment to job, sports, extra-curriculars

Too much or too little University involvement

Extenuating circumstances (BEYOND your control) - is this ongoing? Resolved? In between?

Etc

Typical Problems contd: Humphrey

Humphrey is in his first semester. In high school he was a good student; he put in little effort and got As and Bs. He lives at home with his parents, who dont know that his grades have been slipping. His parents immigrated to Canada but Humphrey was born here. Humphrey commutes to school every day for 1 hour each way, and missed several classes this term due to lacking the energy and motivation to go to school. He also got sick for 2 weeks which caused him to miss class. He is taking 5 courses, with the hopes of later getting into Haskayne. Humphrey feels he studies a lot, but tends to find questions on his exams which stump him. To prepare for exams, he goes through his lecture slides and checks the textbooks for reference. Although he goes into exams feeling confident, his results are poor. Humphrey has a high level of anxiety. His personality is naturally very organized and he is always thinking and worrying about all of the tasks that need to get done. Humphreys current standing

What should Humphrey do about these courses?

MATH 249
MT 1: 27% worth 20% MT 2: 39% worth 20% Assignments: 65% worth 10% Final: worth 50% What will Humphrey need on the final?

SOCI 201
MT 1: worth 25% H thinks he got around a C but isnt sure MT 2: 42% worth 25% Essay: 62% worth 10% In-class assignment 1: unknown In-class assignment 2: unknown Final: worth 30% What will he need on the final?

Possible Actions
No Silver Bullet
1 size does NOT fit all. Each students situation differs

Thus, we can only discuss POSSIBLE actions Not all of the actions apply to every student!

The numbers for the whole academic year matter!

What is your GPA since last review?

Possible Action #1
Classes and Course Load Course Load More is not necessarily better!!! Attendance MATTERS! (target = perfect attendance) Course Load Reductions (say to 3 courses)
Sharper focus More time for each course Students often want/need full-time status = 3 Courses
Student Loans Income Tax Students Union Perks (Transit Pass, etc.)

Possible Action #2
Student Success Centre Student Success Seminars * (following) Program advising for Arts and Science Academic Development Specialists * (following) Writing Support Services Assistance with Choice of Degree and Major Career counselling and workshops STEPS * (following) 3rd Floor, TFDL 403-220-5881 success@ucalgary.ca http://www.ucalgary.ca/ssc/

Student Success Seminars (November 2011 Sampler)

Avoiding a Crash Nov 07, 2011 06:00PM to 08:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom Learning from Lectures Nov 08, 2011 05:00PM to 06:30PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom The Study Cycle Nov 09, 2011 12:00PM to 01:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom Avoiding a Crash Nov 09, 2011 02:00PM to 04:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom Reading Strategies Nov 09, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom Oral Presentations Nov 14, 2011 12:00PM to 01:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom The Study Cycle Nov 14, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom Study Smarter Nov 15, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL SSC Boardroom Getting Involved Nov 16, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom Problem Solving for Math and Science Students Nov 17, 2011 12:00PM to 01:30PM TFDL 440C Show Me the Money Nov 17, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom Probationary Turnaround Focus Group Nov 18, 2011 12:30PM to 02:00PM 310 Lounge Taylor Family Digital Library Exam Prep Nov 21, 2011 05:00PM to 06:30PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom Avoiding Procrastination Nov 22, 2011 12:00PM to 01:00PM TFDL 405/403 Probationary Turnaround Focus Group Nov 23, 2011 01:00PM to 02:30PM 310 Lounge Taylor Family Digital Library Netetiquette Nov 23, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom Exam Prep Nov 29, 2011 12:00PM to 01:30PM TFDL 405/403 Essay Exam Nov 30, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom Dealing with Test Anxiety Dec 01, 2011 05:00PM to 06:00PM TFDL 355D SSC Classroom

Academic Development Specialists

Offer personalized academic planning and learning support advising.

Book a 1-on-1 session for help in areas such as:

Academic Improvement Planning
Determining your academic strengths and interests Resolving academic challenges and concerns Accessing campus support and services

To book, go to

Learning Support and Study Skills Development

Goal setting and time management Academic reading and note-taking Tips for test and exam preparation Information about other university learning support programs

www.success.ucalgary.ca
under Academic Advising

Advising on Scholarships and Awards Applications

Scholarship and award opportunities U of C programs for high-achieving students i.e. Scholars Academy Program

Academic Decision-Making
Choosing a major Considering Grad School

STEPS
Successful Turn-around & Educational Preparation Support

Our #1 goal: to help in your efforts to regain Satisfactory Standing!

1-on-1 meetings with an advisor specializing in helping probationary students to improve their success rates Ongoing support which is individualized for your particular needs Help in areas such as: studying effectively, completing assignments, managing your time, accessing university resources, understanding probationary rules, staying on top of your tasks, staying motivated, thinking about career paths A short assessment of your learning and study strategies Help to develop a portfolio of personalized learning strategies and plan

Credit on your co-curricular record if you complete all phases of the program

Spaces limited. Contact ASAP for more information:

Dana Truelove Student Success Centre dtruelov@ucalgary.ca

Possible Action #3
Wellness Centre Counselling Personal, crisis and academic counselling Assistance with choice of major
Room 370, MacEwan Student Centre 403-210-9355, Extension 1 http://www.ucalgary.ca/counselling/

Possible Actions #4 & 5

Networking
Join a student club in your major Make use of Optional as well as Required tutorials Ask questions: in class, after class, in office hours Form a study group Etc

Laptop note taking, or not?

Connecting versus disconnecting

Possible Actions #6 & 7

Disability Resources Centre Mandate is to provide a level playing field!
MacEwan Student Centre 293 Phone: (403) 220-8237 E-mail: drc@ucalgary.ca http://www.ucalgary.ca/drc/

Career Services Discover (SSC) and achieve (CS) career goals!

MacEwan Student Centre 188 Phone: (403) 220-8020 E-mail: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca http://www.ucalgary.ca/careers/

Future Steps
Academic Turnaround Workshop 2: Planning for Success Follow-up (sequel) workshop after Winter

University (UNIV) 205 Fall 2012 Become an Effective Learner

Side effect: improved learning in other courses GPA tends to be high Work is practical and applicable to students own life

Faculty of Arts
Dr. Joelle Welling
Associate Dean, Students

Dr. Jim Gaisford

Associate Dean, Students

Faculty of Arts Program Information Centre Social Sciences Building, Room 110 Phone: 403-220-3580 Fax: 403-210-6335 E-mail: artsads@ucalgary.ca Web: http://arts.ucalgary.ca/undergraduate

Faculty of Science
Dr. Bart Hicks
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Advising
Phone: 403-220-7780 or 403-220-3443 E-mail: hicks@ucalgary.ca Web: http://Science.ucalgary.ca/undergraduate Room: Biological Sciences Building 376D