Decisions For Today

Every decision has consequences. When we make mistakes we pray that there is someone there to help us to rectify or move past those mistakes. This semester, let us look past the mistakes of yesteryear. Let us make a comittment to make the best of what we have right now. We have use of your mental faculties right now. We have opportunities to forge new partnerships right now. We can develop a plan to accomplish excellence right now. If you can't seem to get started with you plan, call me (256-372-5487) or send me an email (linda.skeete@aamu.edu) right now. Don't delay. Let's commit to starting the the process for achieving academic success and healing today.

Extra Time

You may have initially planned for Spring 2011 to be just another semester. But deep in your heart you know that business as usual won't lead you to reach your true potential. Well, you've been given a few more days to formulate another plan--a plan that incorporates proven strategies for academic success and prepares you to achieve excellence this semester and beyond. Believe me when I say, you are not alone.

I've met many students since coming to the University. Though some students may not have started their academic journey strong many have moved from mediocrity to excellence by taking responsibility for their academic and professional success. Those who recognized that "time waits for no man" and committed themselves to utilizing the opportunities provided to them have made tremendous strides in achieving their goals. I do not have to theorize that success may be achieved by anyone. I have real life examples in my photo album.

I look forward to many celebrations this semester. Celebrations fuelled by students engaging in the learning process and obtaining the best education possible. Celebrations exhibited by the success fireworks that are lit by hard work. Celebrations with you. Have a great semester!

New Year! New You!

Spring 2011 is here and TAN is ready to serve you.

This semester, make a comittment to improve your current standing. Regardless of your current GPA, aim higher. If you already have a few study skills which work, seek to improve and add to them. If you need to find direction, contact the ORAS office (256-372-5491/ 5494/ 8087/ 5487/ 5493) so one of our academic counselors may assist you.

Eliminate the excuses!
Make your dreams for academic success a reality!
Utilize all the academic support services (tutoring, Supplemental Instruction (SI), academic counseling, mentoring, ...) available to you!

You can do it and TAN can help. I'm willing to help you steer your ship. Are you willing to be the captain?

Clocks

The countdown to Spring 2011 is underway. For graduates, it will be the final semester to raise or to maintain their GPA. For continuing students, it will be an opportunity to refocus their efforts and become serious about their education and its responsibilities. For others, it will provide the necessary skills and prepare their transcripts and GPA for summer internships, upcoming co-ops, possible scholarships, and/or making the grades in the pre-requisite courses needed to move forward. Regardless of where you stand, I ask that you all give of your best and let TAN help you to be ready for every academic test.

Call or email the TAN office so that you may partner with a TAN tutor or SI leader. The clocks are ticking away and you need to set your sights on your goals for Spring 2011 today. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Happy Holidays!

Spring 2011 Is Coming!

As the Spring 2011 semester approaches, I am thankful for the tutors, SI leaders, students, faculty, staff, and administrators who helped to make the TAN program successful this Fall. I also ask that you continue to support TAN with your tutor and SI leader recommendations, suggestions, and comments.

Remember, regardless of your GPA and academic standing, TAN is here to help.
Go Bulldogs!!

The Academic Success Alphabet

As a child, I would try to share everything I learned at school with my parents when I arrived home. In discussing this information with them, I found that I was able to gain valuable insight from their experiences and feedback. I've come a long way since then, but I still recognize that learning anything depends on the planning and effort invested by the learner. Today I invite you to join me in a pledge to enhance the learning experience. Take a few minutes to review the Academic Success Alphabet listed below and post your comments, sharing how various strategies have helped you.

Attend tutoring and/or SI sessions
Build on what you already know
Consider your civic responsibilities
Demand excellence from yourself
Eat nourishing meals
Focus on your success
Get to know your learning style
Head up your own Academic Success Committee
Improve your writing skills (Writing Center)
Join a study group (if you learn well in groups)
Keep each subject's notes and information together
Layout your Academic Success Plan
Maximize your class attendance time
Network with your instructors
Organize your schedule
Plan your daily study times
Qualify your sources
Review your notes after each class
Spend quality time with your textbooks and notes
Take good notes in class
Update your contact list with study buddies
Verify the information you receive
Watch how you spend your time
X-ray your study habits
Yield to the ways of God
Zap (rid yourself of) things which do not work.

Taking Action Now!

Final examinations are just around the bend and all students must Take Action Now! Here are a few tips:

1. Identify the material which will be covered on the final exam.
2. Review the information for the final exam.
3. Ask your instructor to clarify/explain information which you do not fully understand.
4. Visit relevant course tutors to increase your understanding of the course material.
5. Rank your courses in the order of most challenging to least challenging.
6. Allot weekly study hours (SH) for each course based on its level of difficulty and credit hours (CH). (e.g MTH 112 (3 CH x 4 hrs = 12 SH/wk); HIS 101 (3 CH x 3 = 9 SH/wk); BIO 101 (3 CH x 2 = 6 SH/wk); ENG 101 (3 CH x 1 = 3 SH/wk)
7. Prepare a study schedule for each day which allots more study time to difficult courses.
8. Follow your study schedule, increasing and decreasing study times based on the challenge level you experience with the course material.
9. Eat well, exercise (you are paying for a gym membership!), and continue to focus on the final result.

Please send me your feedback regarding these tips and contact me if I may be of assistance.