“Once I accept responsibility for creating my life and discovering my purpose, the next step is to take purposeful actions that will turn my dreams into reality.”
This is the “unofficial” motto of MxCC’s New Student Orientation program. We want all students to succeed at MxCC (and in life) which is why we provide the crucial services listed on the left.
Additionally, to help students define and achieve success we ask them to consider the following:
- Think about why you are going to college. What are your immediate and long-range realistic goals? The career development counselors and academic advisors at MxCC can help you clarify and focus your efforts. Use the SMART Goal Setting Technique
- Make a commitment to your studies. DO NOT skip classes, procrastinate, waste time, or refuse to take college seriously — these are top reasons why students do not succeed in college. These behaviors will cost you in the end.
- Get to know yourself as a student. List your strengths – and ways to use them – and your weaknesses – along with ideas for improvement. Assess your study skills.
- Learn about – and use – the MxCC Academic Success Center, located in Chapman Hall, Room 717 and at MxCC@Platt. Staff can assist students with a variety of academic courses, especially Math and English. Tutors are available to help with writing assignments and research papers, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, logic and study skills. There are valuable handouts, study guides and resources for various subjects. Ask about and use our online tutoring service also.
- Maintain physical, mental and emotional health. Remember, refreshing sleep and good nutrition are important components for test preparation and general alertness. Any exercise is better than no exercise.
- Spend time reviewing information and resources on the MxCC website. The college provides numerous free support services to enhance your experience as a student, such as:
- Understand the higher education process and important policies, such as the sequencing and transferability of courses and policies regarding satisfactory academic progress that affect financial aid. Use your academic advisor. Ask for help.
- Learn how to use the library
- Make good financial decisions. Planning, budgeting and utilizing financial resources – including Financial Aid and Scholarships –will make your life easier.
- Make an agreement with family and friends about need for uninterrupted study time. Create a study space in your home for you alone and for study only – and then set and stick to a regular study schedule.
- Use MxCC resources to study and find help. The MxCC library has spacious and quiet study areas.
- Take charge of test anxiety. Have realistic expectations, prepare effectively and use test-taking strategies. Always read the test directions before you start. Get academic support from the Academic Success Center, early in the semester.
- Use effective time management to create a daily routine that includes time for school, work, family, errands, fun, and the unexpected. Learn to say “no.” Remember that time management is stress management.
- Study actively and use all your senses. Recite aloud, stand up, pace around, gesture, visualize, etc. Use the Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review (SQ3R) study technique. Scan the chapter before you begin to read. Note bold print, graphics, glossary, index, preview and summaries.
- Study groups make a difference! Find four or five dedicated students in class and suggest a one-time study session; if it goes well, plan another.
- Concentrate on relaxing. During study breaks (even during exams) do a two-minute relaxation exercise. Take long, deep breaths. Systematically scan your body for tense muscles and relax them. Purposely tense and then relax various muscles. Imagine specific peaceful scenes – quiet surf on the beach, cloud images, etc.
- Use active listening techniques. Focus your eyes and mind as well as your ears, on the speaker. Listen for verbal and non-verbal cues to determine which material presented is most important.
- Practice classroom behavior. Come prepared. Learn to take good notes. Review your notes before class and as soon as possible after class. Sit where you can hear and see the instructor more easily. Take responsibility for your learning in each class session. You should know what grade you are earning at all times in every course. Keep an open and respectful line of communication with the professor.
