By the CPN Department of Education
Adjusting to college, as a first-year student straight out of high school or as an adult who has been in the workforce for a while, can come with unique challenges. The expectations of a college student differ from expected behaviors in other environments, so the Department of Education would like to offer a few simple steps to set yourself up for success.
First, your instructors are essential to your success. This means that you should pay attention to choosing your classes, especially ones in your major or area of interest, based on who teaches the class and if their style and interests line up with yours. It also means you should take care to build positive relationships with those professors. You can do so by showing up to class, meeting deadlines, communicating early about issues you encounter and spending time in office hours whether you need help or not. A strong relationship with a professor can get you job opportunities on campus and beyond, research and publication opportunities, and compassion and understanding when life happens and interferes with your coursework.
Second, start as strong as possible. Establishing good grades and making a good first impression at the start of the semester gives you a great foundation to work from if grades slip further into the academic term. It is also an important first step in building rapport with your instructors. Usually, earlier assignments are easier to complete and help you get understanding of the course material that will be important as the course goes on.
Third, try to get familiar with your university’s resources. Many schools have support offices, writing labs and department-based tutoring available for free to students. Knowing where they are and how to access them means that when you need help, you know who to ask. Colleges and universities are also required to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act and have offices to help students get medically necessary accommodations. This can include extra test time, someone to help you take notes in class, a sign language interpreter or other reasonable supports that your doctor says are medically necessary. In some cases, this can include the university providing financial assistance with speech-to-text or text-to-speech software.
College is not easy, and it can be hard to adjust to new expectations and meet all the demands. Keeping these tips in mind can help make each semester a little easier. If you encounter issues throughout your time in school, need help finding your on-campus resources or just want to vent to a supportive person, the Department of Education is here for you. You can make an appointment with your advisor through your account on portal.potawatomi.org, by calling 405-695-6028, or emailing [email protected]. Whatever issues you have with higher education, you have our support!