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GRADUATE IN FOUR MAKING A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION INTO COLLEGE. FIRSTS The EMU Experience. Welcome to college. What really matters in college? What are the key degree requirements? How do I go about getting advice to help me make good decisions ?
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Welcome to college • What really matters in college? • What are the key degree requirements? • How do I go about getting advice to help me make good decisions? • What specific recommendations should I know about to help navigate registering for classes today? • How do I create and maintain a program for success?
WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN COLLEGE? • A bachelor’s degree is the best and most powerful preparation for: • A productive career; and • Dealing with life’s challenges • Employers say “it takes more than a major” to prosper in an economy that is constantly changing • Employees must be able to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems
Degree requirements • Earn a minimum total of 124 credit hours • General Education Program requirements • Major and Minor requirements • General Electives • NOTE: Courses with numbers below 100 will not be counted towards this total
Deciding on a major • It’s okay to be undecided • Once decided, it’s okay to change your mind and switch majors • However, switching majors on a whim without receiving guidance may: • Delay your graduation • Increase your tuition bills • NOTE: Seek out a Career Coach in the University Advising and Career Development Center (UACDC).
Graduate in four years? • Must take AT LEAST 30-32 credit hours per year • Take15 credit hours Fall and Winter semesters and/or • Take additional credit hours during the Summer • NOTE: A minimum of 12 credit hours is required to be considered a full-time student. Some financial aid may require 15 credit hours to be considered a full-time student.
SEEKING ACCURATE ADVICE • Seek out accurate information on important degree requirements • Online catalog 2014-15 • Online class schedules • my.emich Student Advising tabs • Academic Advisors • NOTE: Meet with advisors – early and often!
General Education program • Effective Communication • Written Communication and Oral Communication • Quantitative Reasoning • Perspectives on a Diverse World • Global Awareness and U.S. Diversity • Knowledge of the Disciplines • Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences • Learning Beyond the Classroom
The first two semesters • Take ENGL 121 (Written Communication) or CTAC 124 (Oral Communication) your first semester and plan to take the other your second semester • Take the necessary steps towards satisfying the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) requirement • NOTE: EMU students completing these requirements their first year have much higher GPAs and graduation rates.
MORE “FIRST” DECISIONS TO MAKE • Consider registering for a first-year experience … referred to as Successful Starters • If decided on a major, take any courses recommended for that major • Take additional Gen Ed courses to fill out your schedule • Create a plan – follow the plan!
Create a Plan for Success EMU will provide students with high-impact learning experiences and then support them to reach their full potential
Classroom success • Be proactive about setting yourself up for a successful first semester • Meet instructors during office hours – sooner rather than later • Gain access to all materials and read all materials – ask questions • Learn to self-assess and seek help – many support services available at no additional charge
WHAT CAN FAMILY AND FRIENDS DO? • Stay in communication - ask questions – but also give students some breathing room • Plan to visit in the fall if student is living on campus or just to see what campus events are like • Encourage student’s curiosity and academic interests • Encourage your student to take advantage of support services • Encourage your student to GET INVOLVED!
NEXT STEPS – FINAL THOUGHTS Students? • Pack up your Advising Folder (with pen) • Have your picture ID and my.emich info Family members? • Any last minute suggestions? • Any last minute reminders? • What have you forgotten to not forget?
Dr. Chris Foreman General Education Program cforeman@emich.edu