personal responsibility

Being responsible is a learned behavior. It is not an accident and it requires patience and effort. If you want to be more responsible and practice the skills that will help you, you can become more responsible. Begin by practicing these steps:

· Complete the chores your parents give you to do

· Listen and follow directions in school

· Ask questions when you are confused or don’t understand

· Write down your assignments and projects

· Set a regular schedule to help you complete your school work

· Study regularly for tests

· Ask for help from others (friends, parents, teachers) when necessary

· Accept that being a student is your job and plan to do it well This unit is about you, the freshman year transition from family and home, and some of the issues that most freshmen face as they embark on their college career. While we’ll point out common pitfalls in the first year journey, more important are the behaviors successful new students exhibit to assure their well being, both academically and personally.

Perhaps, paradoxically, we know that freshman students arrive on campus already very stretched by the high expectations that they have for themselves. High school students know that a bachelor degree is worth money ($18,000 average annual income for high school graduates vs. $33,000 for college degree holders). In fact, three out of four of the 1996 freshman class reported that going to college was very important to them so they could make more money and get a better job. They are also optimistic. Over 50% believe that they will be satisfied with the college they choose and that they expect to achieve a "B" or better average.

Coupled with these high expectations are many conflicts in the use of time. These conflicts represent potential pitfalls. Many of these same 1996 freshmen know that they will have to work 6-10 hours per week (50%), spent 6-10 hours each week socializing with friends in high school (25%), spent 3-5 hours partying each month (20%), drank beer or wine while partying (60%), and 1 in 4 spent 6-10 hours each high school week in exercising, watching TV, or both.

These activities in combination with high expectations about grades are a volatile mixture that can lead to tremendous stress. Throw in the fact that you may have a roommate for the first time in your life, your classmates may be strangers at first, and the workload is tougher and the competition higher and in little time you’ll learn that managing stress is essential to get the most out of your college years.

No discussion about the transition from home to college, and the choices found in the new freshman freedom of leaving family and friends, would be complete without mentioning briefly a few additional obvious potential issues. Alcohol consumption, particularly binge drinking, is a rampant problem on most campuses today. Casual sex among students, with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases looming as real consequences, is another major issue that students face. Finally, the misuse of drugs, including legal prescription, be they tobacco, barbituates for sleep, or stimulants to aid in staying awake can sabotage academic success.

. Be Prepared for Culture Shock. The university environment will be very different from anything you have experienced before. You'll meet people from places you have never heard of and/or that you cannot pronounce. You'll hear and see things you never imagined. You'll have your ideas challenged and evaluated. Statistics show that it is not uncommon for freshmen to drop a full letter grade from their high school GPA. Prepare yourself for new experiences and manage your freedom wisely! 2. Go to Class. I know, I know, you've heard this one a million times. Now I'm not going to lie to you and say that you will need to attend every class to do well. There are some that you could only occasionally attend and still do well. Remember, however, that you are also there to learn. The instructor might actually say something important not found in the text. Attending class is also a very good way of staying abreast of schedule changes and taking advantage of those "unannounced" quizzes. Additionally, some of the best friends I made in college were those people I met in class. We went through trials and tribulations and bonded together. Attendance is also a great way for the professor to get to know you and you don't know when you might need him/her to write you a letter of reference. Bottom line; go to class because it's your job. 3. Read and Review the Syllabus. The syllabus is a wonderful document. One of my syllabi is 10 pages long. It's chock full of all sorts of useful information such as assignments, grading policies, and deadlines. Think of it as a contract, because that's how I view it. The syllabus lays out your responsibilities, the professor's expectations, and the general rules for the class. By staying in the class the professor is going to assume that you agree to the rules specified and hold you to them. If you don't like or agree with something in the syllabus talk to the instructor or transfer to another semester. Never assume that a professor will not do something s/he has printed in the syllabus. Read and know it. 4. Large Classes. As freshman, I liked to tell all of you that you will be in small intimate classes where you sit around, hold hands, share your inner most thoughts, and sing Kumbaya. Well, that won't happen until you are a senior! Many of you will take some large classes. Don't be afraid of them. Some of my classes have over 200 students. I think they are great. You can learn a lot in a large class but you will probably have to work harder at getting to know your classmates and your professor. 5. Stay Current With Class. Many students I talk to think that all the "A" students are geniuses. That's not true. Sure they are bright but I've learned from talking to them that what sets them apart is their work habits. They read along with the professor, do all their assignments on time, and start studying for exams several days before the exam. Research has shown that the best thing you can do the night before the exam is to get a good night's sleep. Cramming is a dangerous habit to get into. I cannot tell you how many students I have had come to my office shortly after I have finished the exam begging for mercy because they missed the exam. They were up all night studying and fell asleep hours before the exam. Those zeros are real GPA killers. 6. Get Help Early. At the first sign of trouble (i.e., low quiz or exam score), go see the professor. Find out why you didn't do so well and find ways to correct it. If you don't, my experience shows me that that bad performance will fester until it infects your entire grade. You can substantially improve your grade after a bad exam score if you take quick action. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be for you to revive your grade. Don't be shy or embarrassed, go see the professor. There is a reason they have office hours, you know!

7. Your Professors are Human. Well, most of them any way. Hey, we eat and drink regular stuff, live in houses' and shop at WallyWorld (Wal Mart) like everyone else. Be respectful but don't be intimidated. See the professor for help, answers, or just to get to know them. Some professors ARE jerks, but hey, ask your friends and you'll find out who those few are and you can avoid them. 8. Read the Student Paper. All informed adults read a newspaper. Your college paper will be written by folks like yourself and they'll make lots of mistakes - but so will you. Read the paper to stay current of student events and which professor was arrested for indecent exposure. 9. Become Involved. Research shows that one of the best predictors of career success is the number of extra-curricular activities college students had in college. A wise professor once told me that the most important things I would learn in college would occur outside the classroom and he was right. Campus organizations teach you time management, organization, interpersonal, and leadership skills. You meet people and make contacts. You don't have to belong to countless organizations, rather find a few in which you can have meaningful input. Try to become an officer or committee chair. You'll learn lots and employers will be mighty impressed.

Well, that's just a few things to get you started. Now a few concluding comments. Some of you may doubt your ability to get a college education. If you have been accepted to a university, you can get a degree. Will you? Statistics would say only about 50-60% of you. Did those that dropped out lack ability? A few but most did not. I've got a secret for you (don't tell a soul). I am a college drop out. Out of high school I attended a large state university for about 12 days and then headed back to the farm. Why did I quit? Well I was intimidated, scared, and lonely, but more than anything else, I thought I was the only one who felt that way. Don't you make the same wrong assumption. Rather get out there, talk to people, and seek support. There are lots of terrified people out there like yourself and if you meet each other you can help each other. I went back to a different large state university after attending a junior college and the rest is history. One last thing, don't worry about your major. I changed mine so many times I've lost count. Every semester I have graduating seniors who come into my office and tell me they hate their major. Most of them had their major picked out before they even got to college. They never thought about it until it was too late. Explore and look around. Think about what you like to do. Try courses you haven't taken before. You have two years to pick something so shop around. In fact, if you want to have some fun, every time you talk to your folks, tell them you have changed majors. Hey, mom forget botany, I'm majoring in management! Oh, your parents will love you for it.