Post written by: Mariangela Chandler, ASAP Director

The semester is half over, and midterm grades are now posted. Because the semester has not ended, there is still time for you to recharge from your studies: You can still use it to get ahead for next semester. The question is: how can you get a jump-start on your academic work and plan for next semester? To help you get started, here’s a checklist of basic tasks you can accomplish over the next few weeks:Check off not only what you have already done, but feel free to add anyforgotten items to make it more personalized. It’s also a good idea to talk to the professors you will have next semester and collect information about each of their courses (i.e., get their syllabi, textbook information and supplemental reading lists) before you begin classes next semester.

Mid- Semester Checklist-Spend some time answering the question, “Why am I going to college?”-Imagine your ideal college experience.

* If you’re not happy with your current college experience, what can you do to make it more ideal?  

-Reflect on what you did well and what changes you should make-When you get your grades, examine which courses you excelled in andwhich courses gave you difficulty

*Why did you excel in certain courses? Was it just because the material was easy for you? Or was it the way you approached the material? Do I need better time management, note-taking strategies, study techniques, test-taking practices  

-Ask yourself if you are in the right major-As you review next semester’s list of courses, make a tentative timemanagement schedule to get your academic, social and work life in order before the next semester begins.

* Set clear goals for each class 

* Triage the courses for which you will need extra time

* Reclaim time wasted this semester so far: time you either didn’t get anything accomplished or time you can’t remember enjoying yourself

*Think about which clubs and organizations you want to join or are in. Make sure they add something to your career goals and personal interests

-Decide if you want to establish an internship, study abroad or get part-time job in a field related to your career.

-Analyze your current roommate situation. Does this person add something favorable to your life, goals, interests, values? Or does (s)he make your life miserable? If the latter is true, first confront the reasons and make a room contract; if all else fails, change roommates for next semester

-Start a credentials file in the Career Services office-When you return, make a real effort to ask professors to write letters of recommendations for you to place in your credentials file

-Plan to take advantage of the help available at ASAP: writing assistance, time management, study skills, test-taking tips, and math tutoring.

Monday: 8:30 am– 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am– 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am– 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am—5:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am– 4:30 pm  

Peer Tutoring support for most freshmen and sophomore level courses:First appointments offered from 5-9 P.M. Mondays- ThursdaysReal-Time Online Peer Tutoring from comfort of your room for CPN classes and BIO 110- Mondays- Thursdays 9 P.M.- MidnightSupplemental Instruction- Offered 3 hours per week for each of the following courses: PSY 101, BIO 110, CHE 221, BIO 202, BIO 301. See ASAP website for times and locations throughout the week.

Mark Twain
I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.

 Post written by: Lisa Allen, Career Services

We would like to welcome Greg Sharer, the new Vice President for Student Affairs, who has been in the position since June.  He and his family (wife Kathy and daughters Braeden, 13 and Marin, 4) are looking forward to being settled, as they recently bought a house and are in the process of moving.  Both Kathy and Greg grew up in New York State, and are enjoying being closer to family.  They are finding the Cortland community to be very easy to get around in with lots of activity.

What is your favorite thing about SUNY Cortland so far?

The staff is very committed to working with students and they are very positive about their jobs.  They see value in working with students and the students in turn feel that the staff care about them and are supportive.  Students are dedicated and hard working and also have a strong identity with SUNY Cortland, as shown by the numerous Cortland sweatshirts and t-shirts you see being worn around campus.

What are your goals for the Student Affairs Division?

*  Build on the positives already happening with faculty, staff and students.

*  Work more closely with academic affairs to support student learning.  He hopes to continue to develop communication that’s open and accepting.

*  Move discussion and efforts around diversity forward to maximize the benefit for the entire campus.  It is important that conversation is raised across campus around topics of diversity, and that faculty/staff and students are engaged in this process.

What are 2 or 3 initiatives you’d like to work on over the next few years?

1.   Moving forward on developing learning communities that make sense for Cortland, as learning communities can mean different things for different campuses.  This should give students a home base and connection to the campus, helping students who may not naturally get involved.

2.   Work with other faculty and staff on moving campus diversity initiatives forward.

3.   Work with staff on developing a strategic plan for the division.

How do you see faculty and staff collaborating effectively to increase student connections to the campus?

Faculty participation in campus events is supposed to add value.  These efforts should be very intentional, with faculty participation adding value for both the student and the faculty member.  We need to look at what faculty and students value and bring those areas together rather than trying to fit faculty into programs designed for students or vice-versa.