In getting started with any goal I believe that there are three things that you must do:

#1 Have a compelling reason

#2 Do it poorly

It’s not always about style points. Sometimes it’s just being out there. As a four time marathon runner, I remember having days that I didn’t want to train. Subsequently, what got me up and running was lowering my standards for that day. For instance, instead of mentally committing to five miles I would commit to two miles. However, once I got underway, I usually ran an extra mile or even the entire distance. One thing was for sure, it was the mental adjustment in the beginning that inspired me to take action. In other words, I convinced myself that doing a little something was better than nothing at all. I think the reason that most people don’t go after their goals is because mentally they psych themselves out before they give themselves a real chance. Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly until you gain mastery.

#3 Visualize the end

Okay, so I know you’ve heard this one before. The reason why you’ve heard this on so many occasions is because it actually works—if you stick to it. As humans, we all visualize. The difference in achieving and not accomplishing a goal is learning to couple patience with visualization. Nothing that we truly desire will happen overnight. Most goals, dreams, and aspirations take time. Visualization keeps you focused on achieving your goal as time goes by. So go ahead visualize, think about how it will look, smell, taste, sound, and most importantly how it will feel. Your dreams are closer than you think; in order to get connected, stay connected you just have to be willing to get started.

Get connected. Stay connected. Graduate.

Tawan

#1 First years really want to belong

All students no matter how popular, shy, smart, or disruptive they might be want to belong. And not just belong but actually matter. The difference between a student graduating and departing from an institution is how well they feel like they are connected. Sure there are a host of other reasons why a student might leave but one thing is for sure if a student doesn’t feel connected to a campus it will well dictate whether or not they excel in their academics, what type of extracurricular activities they get involved in, and what type of relationships they develop. From a disciplinary standpoint this cannot be understated. The same energy it takes for a student to become a disruptive force on campus can be reversed when the student really understands that they matter. So what can you do to make a student feel like they matter? The answer truly lies in your institutional values. If your institution values money more than students it will be reflected in your budget and policies. All of us, including institutions assign money, time, and energy to the things we value. I’ll say more about this in a future blog post.

#2 First years really want security

If you were to ask most incoming students their reasons for going to college 9 out of 10 will say to get an education so that they can have a career. While this may be true, and depending upon the institutional culture these same students will also probably speak to the social experience of college. A student’s choice of institution may very well be because of the social events (parties). Having a good time should never be at the expense of security. I can’t tell you how many times my heart has been broken due to the amount of rumored and actual sexual assaults that have take place.

I’m not saying that the institution is completely to blame for a student’s behavior. I’m not saying that the institution should be held responsible for every bad thing that happens on campus. However, I’m saying that the last thing that a young woman or man wants for the rest of their life is a horrible experience with sexual assault. When I speak of security, I’m not suggesting that the institution utilize special police officers and attack dogs to shut down social gatherings with underage alcohol consuming parties. What I’m suggesting is that all campuses (especially residential) revisit the activities of the first two weeks of school. In other words, the times when students mostly need to a structured agenda of activities are after hours, that is, after midnight. All first year deserve that much.

#3 First years really want a good college experience

Make no mistake, all first years really want a good college experience. Sure some may be at the school just to transfer but during their time there they expect a good experience. Otherwise they would not attend your institution. What’s the best way to give them a good experience? Get back to the basics. This starts by taking care of those who work directly with students. When your employees love and enjoy working at the institution it shows. It becomes infectious. First years are very smart and they are also very easily influenced. What made my college experience great was not just being involved but seeing how much faculty and staff members loved working for the institution. They were the reason why I got involved and ultimately chose a career in higher education. Did they agree with every decision that the school made? Of course not, but it was my belief that overall they were very happy. So if you really want to give first years a good experience, provide your faculty and especially your staff (I’m biased) a great work environment.

Get connected. Stay connected. Graduate.

Tawan

Tip #1 Develop a relationship with your advisor.

This sounds simple, right? The truth is that most students are required to meet with their academic advisor before they can register for their classes. However, you’d be surprised how many students treat it like a routine dentist appointment. I know dentist appointments are no fun but getting to know your advisor can have its advantages. For instance, besides having the inside track on your professor, they usually can give you a sense of what courses to during the upcoming semester that will be sensible. Put another way, if you are planning to take Physics, Computer Science, and Microbiology in the same semester, they may be able to give you a fair warning given another student’s experience. Why not learn from another student’s mistake? Either way, their insight and advice will go along way in helping you create your schedule.

Tip #2 Refer to your school’s catalogue.

Here’s a factoid. You are only required to meet the requirements from the catalogue of the year you first enrolled. At most institutions, the year you enrolled at the college is the catalogue’s rule, policy, and procedures that you follow. In other words, if you entered the school in 2009 and the school revised the catalogue since that time with changes to your academic requirements you may not be mandated to meet these requirements. In any case, be sure to discuss this with either your academic advisor or your faculty chair person.

Tip #3 Sit in.

Sit in. No, I’m talking about starting a social or political activist protest in one of your classes. I’m speaking of in the event a needed class is full, going to your class with the intent to meet your professor and ask for their permission to allow you to register for their class. Life happens. Sometimes students don’t return to school for one reason or another. Whatever the scenario, this is your opportunity to catch a break. There is a good chance that one of your peers may have dropped the course, thus leaving an open seat for you. After the first class is over, or during the professor’s office hour, go to their office and plead your case. Hint: it would be wise not to give them a lame excuse for not registering in the first place. Just remember, your professor has a strong stake in deciding whether or not you are enrolled in their class.

If you follow these tips, registration, just may go a little smoother. Just remember, its all up to you to get connected, stay connected, and graduate!