The new semester has arrived.  You may not want to believe it but soon you’ll be focused on coursework, papers, projects, and lectures.

If you haven’t put much thought into preparing for the semester, the academics team has you covered.  Some preparation prior to the start of classes can make the the semester a whole lot easier.  Here are our suggestions for what you need to know and do to prepare for the semester.

• Order/rent textbooks and obtain class materials
• Find the location of your classes before the first day of school 
• Know where the closest dinning center is to your classes
• Allow more time to get to class- for most, your class is no longer a link click away  
• Check out CyRide 
  • Orange 23, Cardinal 21, or Blue 3 are great bus routes to take you around central campus
• Use the MyState app to access at any time: 
  • CyRide schedule 
  • Map of campus 
  • Class schedule 
  • GPA calculator
• Print out/download course materials and bring to class to take notes
• Set SMART goals for the beginning of the semester 
  • Write down your academic goals for each class
  • Be specific for what you’d like to accomplish academically
• Make friends in class to hold each other accountable 
  • A friend to help take notes 
• Practice what works for you to study 
  • Schedule your time and stick to it
  • Not everyone can study effectively with a buddy 

 

Academic Support Resources

 

Check out the services from the Academic Success Center and the Writing and Media Center.  These offices are here to help you be successful in the classroom. Check out the quick links section on the right of this page to take you directly to a support service you need. 

The Academic Success Center (ASC) services for Spring 2022:

We support. You succeed! The Academic Success Center provides learning opportunities for all students through services that support academic skill development, grade improvement, and engagement with peers, all of which promote success and self-directed learning. The ASC offers individualized and group-facilitated experiences that can be connected to a specific course, or focus on general skill development. The ASC encourages students to use the supports that can best strengthen their learning. Services include: 

• Academic Coaching: One-on-one meetings with an Academic Coach to address perceived barriers to academic success by developing an individualized action plan. Topics can include time management, exam prep, study skills, and more.  
• PSYCH 131: 1-credit academic learning skills course focused on critical college success skills including time management, study strategies, note-taking, reading, and more. 
• Resources and Worksheets: A library of self-directed support materials accessible 24/7 on the ASC website.
• Supplemental Instruction: Free, regularly scheduled group study sessions led by a peer connected to your instructor. Offered for more than 30 courses each semester. Visit www.si.iastate.edu to view the schedule. 
• Tutoring Services: Small group tutoring for any undergraduate course led by a qualified peer that takes place twice a week consistently throughout the semester. Apply here www.tutoring.iastate.edu  
• Workshop Series: Request a workshop for your class or organization, or attend a workshop hosted by the ASC.

Learn more about ASC services, employment opportunities, and where to find the office at www.asc.dso.iastate.edu or by calling 515-294-6624.

The Writing and Media Center services for Spring 2022:

The Writing and Media Center (WMC) helps students become effective, more confident communicators. The WMC is a welcoming and inclusive place where friendly Communication Consultants offer individualized assistance to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and community members working on any form of written, oral, visual, or electronic communication. While we can help you identify patterns and trends in your spelling and grammar, we do not provide editing services. We offer three online services:

1. Online - Google Docs: The client and consultant collaborate live for the duration of the appointment, using the chat and comment features of Google Docs.

2. Online – Video and Document Sharing: The client and consultant collaborate live via the WCOnline platform, utilizing video and document sharing. 

3. DropBox: Clients upload their documents by the beginning of their selected appointment time. The consultant provides feedback for as much of the document as time permits and sends the document back to the client.

Hours

              Sunday 2pm – 9pm

              Monday 9am – 9pm

              Tuesday 9am – 9pm

              Wednesday 9am – 9pm

              Thursday 9am – 9pm

              Friday 9am – 2pm