College Culture 101

Presented by the Walker Center for Academic Excellence

What does it mean to be an adult learner?

• Autonomous and self-directed

• Life experiences and knowledge

• Goal-oriented

• Relevancy-oriented

• Practical

• Expectation of respect

http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/adults-2.htm

What does it mean to be a college student?

• Classes should be viewed as a job – treat this like any other professional endeavor

• View instructors like your boss and deal with conflicts in a similar manner

• Have knowledge of the institution and its mission

• Make sure to understand and utilize the support that is provided and available to you

Before Classes Start – Financial Aid• Before anything else you need to fill out FAFSA

if you would like aid http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

• There are three main types of aid Loans

• Must pay back Grants Out of Pocket

• Always ask questions if you don’t understand any part of your aid

Registration Process

• my.peirce.edu Log-in and password provided at registration

• Check sheet and transfer evaluation From Program Advising Follow this for course planning

• Common Vocabulary Drop Withdrawal Pre-registered

Courses - FAQsHow much time should I spend on each class?

• 3 hours of work for every hour of course time

• 3 credit courses are considered 3 hours long

• Students should invest at least 12 hours per week into their 3 credit courses

How many courses are needed to graduate?

• Associate’s – 61 credits

• Bachelor’s – between 121 and 124 credits

Importance of GPA

• GPA provides a clue regarding the success of your academics

• Dean’s List: 3.7 – 3.99

• President’s List: 4.0

• 3.0 or above This is a “B” average or above. This is generally

what is sought after by employers Some Honor’s Society require this, others

require higher

• Higher GPA indicates higher level of understanding of material

GPA – What to avoid

• Below 2.0 After 1 semester – Academic Probation After 2 consecutive semesters – Academic

Dismissal Combined for all courses taken in a semester

• Grade of “F” This is a “0” in GPA Results in not receiving credit for course

• “C” or better courses Like an “F” a grade below a “C” will not be

counted towards total credits needed

Student Handbook

• Be familiar with the handbook

• Encompasses all rules and regulations of Peirce College

• Reference the handbook regarding any questions of policy

• Process for dealing with academic grievances Do NOT hesitate – act immediately on these

• http://www.peirce.edu/About/StudentHandbook.html

Library Services• Be sure to utilize services and have an orientation

• Access to databases

• Knowledgeable staff to assist in research and citations

• Contact Email:library@peirce.edu 1-888-GO-PEIRCE, x9269

• Hours Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM - 7 PM Saturday: 10 AM - 4 PM

• Located on the 7th floor of College Hall

Tutoring

What is it?

• Assistance in understanding difficult or new concepts

• Support

• Tutors will not do your work for you

Who can utilize it?

• All students in every major

• Beneficial regardless of your GPA

Advising – Meet with your Advisor

Why?

• Follows your progress and schedule

• Soundboard to your academic life

• Advisor has your best interests in mind

• Can be your voice for any concerns

• Your point of contact for important Peirce news

How?

• Whatever is most convenient for you, in person, phone, and email

Tips for Online Learners

• Time Management Schedule time for class like an on-campus class

• Set Boundaries Inform family members when you cannot be

disturbed for class

• Be in touch with your advisor

• Do NOT procrastinate on class material If you do not understand material you want to

have time to ask questions or seek help

• Utilize Peirce’s Services

Final Points

• Always question anything you do not understand

• Pay attention to Peirce mail

• Always take responsibility for your work and course material

Questions?

Any final questions or comments?

Contact the Walker Center for Academic Excellence at wcae@peirce.edu or 888-GO-

PEIRCE x9251 or stop by the 2nd floor of Alumni Hall