A Letter to UNI {Freshmen}

Academic {Mentors}

“I was so excited to start classes and get on campus but after the first week I am feeling overwhelmed. 

I feel like there is so much reading and I can’t keep up with the lectures because I feel like I have to write everything down. 

I mean, I have a quiz already next Friday! Don’t my professors know I am taking more than just their course!? 

I’m trying to do everything- meet new friends, keep up with my schoolwork, work my first job and go to the WRC because I just can’t gain the Freshman 15.  

 I am not sure if I should drop a course because I do not want to fall behind.

 I’m so lost. 

I love being a Panther, but I’m afraid I will slip through the cracks.” – Struggling Susie

Do some of Susie’s concern sound familiar? These are common reactions to the beginning of every semester, so realize you are not alone. Making connections with faculty and staff on campus is extremely helpful when dealing with your uncertainties, and a great way to begin establishing that relationship is to meet with one of us!

We are the Academic Mentors through the Office of Academic Advising and we work one-on-one with students serving as a resource throughout your academic journey. Whether your needs include learning how to manage your schedule, deciding on a major, discovering appropriate study habits or simply transitioning to the university, we are here to help you be successful!

As graduates of UNI, we’ve been there and can relate to what you are going through. We would love the opportunity to help you be a successful Panther and make the best of your college experience! Contact us by filling out the form under the Academic Mentoring tab or by calling the office 319-273-3406.

We hope you had an excellent first week of classes! What surprised you most about your first week of the semester?

Anatomy of a {Syllabus}

Your syllabus is the most vital document you will receive all semester. It is a contact sheet, schedule, guide, course preview and contract. In order to have a successful semester, you have to understand the anatomy of your syllabus! Below, we've broken the syllabus down into it's key parts with some helpful tips.

1. Instructor Name & Contact Information: It is extremely important that you know your professor's name, office location and office hours. How can you ask for help from someone you can't name or locate?

2. Course Description: This brief introduction of the course outlines the scope, purpose and relevance of material. The description offers a foundation for understanding how the professor is approaching the class topics and how he or she will conduct the class.

3. Required Materials: Your syllabus will include citations for required texts including auther, title and publisher. Addtional materials may also be required such as notecards, course packets or lab equipment.

4. Assignment & Test Descriptions: Assignments and test descriptions are important because they explain what each requires and how you can complete them successfully. They answer questions like: What will my test cover? What types of questions might it include? How many pages should my paper be? What format? How many sources do I include? Do I need to prepare a presentation for my project? Should I include handouts for my peers? Understanding the information in this section is the first step to completing graded material well.

5. Grading Policy: Most syllabi contain some description of the grading policy, whether it be a points or percentage system. Understanding which your professor uses will help you figure out your standing in the class at any given moment. Calculating your grade throught the semester will be a valuable indicator to how you have been doing and what more more needs to be done to ensure a good grade.

6. Attendance Policy: All professors expect you to be in class, but they will vary in terms of reprimanding you for absences. Not understanding the attendance policy can be the easiest way to lose points in a course. You will find that many professors will take away points for missing sessions and these deductions can add up over the semester. Be sure to understand the policy before it's too late!

7. Course Calendar: The course calendar outlines exaclty when assignments are due and when readings should be completed. If you want to avoid a chaotic semester, it is crucial to review the course calendar and transfer the information into the planner or schedule you will look at on a regular basis. Professors won't likely give you daily reminders about assingments, tests and readings so take responsibility and know this section.

Before asking you instructors about expectations, policies or responsiblities, consult your syllabus!

{Welcome} to Campus!

Welcome to campus, Panthers! All of us in the Office of Academic Advising are excited to see you and eager for you to start the first week of classes. We will be taking walk-in appointments all week so feel free to stop by the office with any questions or just to say hi!

Make sure you take advantage of all the Welcome Week programs happening around campus.