{"id":234,"date":"2018-01-22T15:13:40","date_gmt":"2018-01-22T15:13:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-mcc-cos2master\/chapter\/attending-classes\/"},"modified":"2023-05-08T14:17:41","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T14:17:41","slug":"attending-classes","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-wcc-collegesuccess3\/chapter\/attending-classes\/","title":{"raw":"Attending College Classes","rendered":"Attending College Classes"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3><strong>\u00a0predictions for your semester:\u00a0from\u00a0week\u00a01\u00a0to week 15\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h3>\r\nPull out your WCC schedule of college classes and look at it.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>In what course do you think you will be most successful? Why?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What course do you think will be most challenging? Why?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What course do you think you'll get the most out of? Why?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What strengths do you bring to your courses?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What areas will you work to improve over the semester?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h1><img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pixabay.com\/photo\/2018\/03\/21\/07\/16\/learning-3245793__340.jpg\" alt=\"image of lightbulb surrounded by icons about learning, and subjects\" width=\"435\" height=\"245\" \/><\/h1>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Without education you are not going anywhere in this world \u2013 Malcolm X.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-4400 size-medium aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/15172326\/24832560829_ea45aee527_c-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Students working on computers\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/>\r\n<h1>The First Week of Classes<\/h1>\r\nAttending class every day is important, but attending the first day of class is especially critical. It is the time when you'll most likely receive a Course Syllabus containing important information about the course content, the instructor's approach, and course policies. In some classes, you may have an opportunity to interact with your classmates through icebreaker activities while in others you may be expected to begin learning new material immediately.\u00a0If you are enrolled in an online or remote course, it is equally important to \"attend\" by getting online and engaging in the first week.\r\n\r\nOne way to prepare for any of those Week #1 materials and activities is by knowing a little about them in advance:\r\n<h2>Course Syllabus<\/h2>\r\nEvery instructor in every class at Westchester Community College should provide you with a Course Syllabus, which lists learning outcomes (what each student will know or be able to do by the end of the course) and important policies (such as\u00a0if you can make-up exams, or how many absences are allowed). The Course Syllabus explains how you can contact your instructor, what books and materials should be purchased, how your final grade will be calculated, and what to do if you need extra assistance in any course. The Course Syllabus may also include information on class cancellations, emergency school closings, important policies, and a listing of when assignments are due. Many provide\u00a0specific pages of the\u00a0course readings\u00a0they expect to be\u00a0completed each day, while others list only the due dates for tests, papers, or projects. All Course Syllabuses are key documents that you should read carefully, record on your calendar, and keep in a safe and prominent place. By familiarizing yourself with each of your Course Syllabuses, you are taking\u00a0a fundamental step to getting your semester off to good start.\r\n<h2>Preparation for the First Day<\/h2>\r\nMany professors expect their students to read the Course Syllabus outside of class because they want to get right to work either teaching important course content or determining what students know by administering some type of pretest or baseline assessment, such as a writing sample. It's important to come to the first class with pens, pencils, paper, and a folder so you are prepared to take notes or pretests as necessary.\r\n<h2>Drop\/Add Period<\/h2>\r\nThe schedule adjustment (drop\/add) period occurs at the very beginning of every semester. Courses dropped within the first three weeks of the full fall or spring term will not be recorded on your academic transcript. With the exception of online courses, students may add a course during the first week of the full semester without an instructor's signature.\u00a0Faculty approval is required to add a class during the second and third weeks. Dropping or adding a course may have financial aid implications, so it's always wise to check with the Financial Aid office\u00a0and\/or with an Academic Counselor before making any final decisions.\r\n<h1>Physically and Mentally Prepare for Class<\/h1>\r\nMost students balance a lot of responsibilities, such as work, school, and family. Such competing demands can make it hard to get the most out of\u00a0class time and assignments. The effort you put in to succeed in college will pay off, though, and there are ways that you can physically and mentally prepare to excel in class. Below are a few suggestions, along with additional health and wellness strategies that can be found later in this text.\r\n<h2>Eat Healthy Meals and Snacks<\/h2>\r\nSometimes students get so busy that they skip meals like breakfast or lunch and then resort\u00a0to junk food and coffee or energy drinks to get them through. While a candy bar and soda might give you a temporary boost, you'll soon feel tired and hungry again.\u00a0Eating healthy meals and snacks that contain\u00a0lean protein, vegetables, and fruits will give\u00a0you the energy needed to accomplish all of your daily tasks. The United States Department of Agriculture's\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/media\/blog\/2014\/03\/11\/stay-healthy-college-myplate-campus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MyPlate on Campus<\/a> site includes tips on healthy eating, especially in the cafeteria setting. We'll return to this topic later in the course.\r\n<h2>Exercise Regularly<\/h2>\r\nIn much the same way healthy eating does, exercising can give you energy throughout the day. Physical activity can also help prevent\u00a0you from getting sick, which can lead to missed classes and work and lower grades. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), college-aged students should\u00a0get\u00a0at least 2.5 hours of exercise each week.\r\n<h2>Get Enough Sleep<\/h2>\r\nSleeping is like recharging your personal battery each night for the next day. However, studies show that on some campuses, like the University of Alabama, 60 percent of the student population doesn't\u00a0get adequate sleep. Although some students will need slightly more or less sleep, you should aim for eight hours every\u00a0night. Along with getting enough sleep, you can practice healthy habits to sleep soundly, like avoiding caffeinated beverages before you go to bed and reading instead of using electronic devices before bed to help your body start to relax. [footnote]\"Sleepy Students Emphasize Studies, Social Activity to Detriment of Health, According to UA Study.\" <em>UA News<\/em>. 20 Aug 2014. Web. 10 Feb 2016.[\/footnote]\r\n<h2>Manage Stress<\/h2>\r\nAccording to a recent American Psychological Association (APA) study, more than\u00a0half of college students who used\u00a0their schools' counseling services cited\u00a0anxiety as the reason they sought\u00a0help. Other stress points included relationship and academic problems. Stress management will look different for each student. For some students, the solution\u00a0might include exercising, while others might want to make time each week to meditate, go out with friends, spend time with pets, listen to music, or work on arts-and-crafts projects. Regardless of which\u00a0activities you enjoy, it's important to make time for stress management in your schedule.[footnote]\"College Students: Coping with Stress and Anxiety on Campus.\" <em>American Psychiatric Association Blogs<\/em>. 27 Aug 2015. Web. 10 Feb 2016.[\/footnote]\r\n<h2>Talk to Counselors, Advisors, or Instructors<\/h2>\r\nCounselors, advisors, and instructors are good resources to help you learn strategies for being successful both in and out of the classroom. Services provided by the Personal Counseling Department include individual, group and crisis counseling, prevention and education, mental health consultation, and referrals. Academic Counselors help students with making decisions, exploring career goals, choosing a major, and selecting courses. A great place for students to reach out if they have questions is to go to an instructor teaching their courses. Instructors can often assist in giving additional study tips for the course content they teach, and they can help guide students to other resources across the campus.\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;\">Utilize Campus Resources\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\r\nWCC has many resources to support student success that will be discussed throughout this First-Year Seminar textbook. Here are three you may want to consider accessing right away: free tutoring, the computer labs, and the Library. Free tutoring is available at the Academic Support Center and the Writing Center located on the ground floor in the Harold L. Drimmer Library. The library provides students with quiet areas and spaces for collaboration, reference materials, research help, and more. Students can visit the computer labs for access to computers and printers and for technology help. Here are the locations on the Valhalla campus:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Open Computer Labs,\u00a0Harold L. Drimmer Library,\u00a0ground, 1st and 2nd floors<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The\u00a0Technology Computer Lab in the Technology Building, Room 25B<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Classroom Building,\u00a0Room 302<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nComputer labs can also be found at the Mount Vernon, Ossining, and Cross County -Yonkers Extension Centers.\r\n\r\nThe Student Technology HelpDesk will assist students with connecting to and utilizing WCC technologies, such as resetting your password, myWCC login, WCC student email, and wireless connections.\r\n<h1>Why Go to Class?<\/h1>\r\nYou may not always want to go to\u00a0class, perhaps because you have required classes that you find difficult, or you may feel overwhelmed by other commitments. However, even if your instructors allow a certain number of unexcused absences, you\u00a0should aim to attend every\u00a0class session.\u00a0Online students should participate in class by logging on multiple times a week to complete assignments and to participate in discussions. Check the course information sheet for specific instructor expectations regarding class participation.\r\n\r\nClass attendance enhances class performance in the following ways:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Class participation<\/strong>: Students who don't\u00a0attend class can't\u00a0participate in class activities. Class activities are usually part of your final grade, and they can help you apply concepts you learn from lectures and reading assignments.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Class interaction<\/strong>: Students who try to learn everything on their own (by doing the reading assignments outside of class, for example) miss out on class\u00a0discussions with fellow students. Your classmates will often have the same questions as you do, so going to\u00a0class enables\u00a0you to learn from them\u00a0and ask your instructor about topics you all find difficult.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Interaction with the instructor<\/strong>: Instructors specialize in the subjects they teach, and they can provide extra insight and perspective on the material you're studying. Going to class gives you the chance to take notes and ask questions about the lectures. Also, the more you participate, the more your instructors will come to know you and be aware of any help or support you might need. This will make you feel more comfortable to approach them outside of class if you need advice or are struggling with the course material.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Increased learning<\/strong>: Because you will typically spend more time on coursework outside of the classroom, class sessions are even more valuable. Typically, in-class time will be devoted to the most challenging or important concepts covered in your textbooks. It's important to know what these are so you can master them\u2014also they're likely to show up on exams.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><b>Avoiding negative consequences<\/b>: Missing class can lead to falling behind, feeling overwhelmed, and being confused when going back to class. Consistent attendance helps students stay on track and avoid facing course withdrawal, which can cost time and money. Visualizing the end goal of a specific graduation date, can help students stay motivated.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Effective Listening Strategies<\/h2>\r\nPhysically showing up to class is important (especially if attendance is taken), but what you do once you're\u00a0there is equally important. Getting the most out of class time involves\u00a0listening effectively, which involves more than simply hearing what instructors say. Effective listening involves\u00a0interacting with the speaker and material; think of it as\u00a0<em>active listening\u00a0<\/em>versus\u00a0<em>passive listening.<\/em>\r\n\r\nTo maximize the benefit you get from attending class, try to use the following active listening skills:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>do any assigned reading in advance because prior knowledge helps you acquire new knowledge<\/li>\r\n \t<li>focus your full attention on the speaker<\/li>\r\n \t<li>ask questions, either out loud or internally, in response to what is being said<\/li>\r\n \t<li>paraphrase ideas in\u00a0notes<\/li>\r\n \t<li>think about how you'll be assessed on the information<\/li>\r\n \t<li>make connections to other classes and your life<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nParaphrasing, or restating what you hear, is a powerful strategy for being an active listener, but it's obviously impractical in a roomful of other students. That's why taking notes is so important. Think of it as a \"silent\" way to restate what you're taking in. Focus on capturing the key ideas and on paraphrasing what you hear (rather than writing things down verbatim). Putting ideas into your own words will deepen your understanding and strengthen your ability to recall the information later.\r\n\r\nRefer to the information on note-taking and other read-study strategies in <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chapter 5 <\/span>if you need assistance in any of these important areas yet to be covered in the course.\r\n<h2>Effective Participation Strategies<\/h2>\r\nLike\u00a0listening, participating in class will help you get more out of class. It may also help you stand out as a student. Instructors notice the students who participate in class, and participation is often a component of the final grade. \"Participation\" may include contributing to discussions, class activities, or projects. It means being actively involved.\r\n\r\nThe following are some strategies for effective participation:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Be a team player<\/strong>: Although most students have classmates they prefer to work with, they should be willing to collaborate in different types of groups. Teamwork demonstrates that a student can adapt to and learn in different situations.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Share meaningful questions and comments<\/strong>: Some students speak up in class repeatedly if they know that participation is part of their grade. Although there\u00a0isn't\u00a0necessarily anything wrong with this, it's a good practice to focus on quality vs. quantity. For instance, a\u00a0quieter student who raises her\u00a0hand only twice during a discussion but provides thoughtful\u00a0comments might be more noticeable to an instructor than a student who comments on everything that's said.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Be prepared<\/strong>: As with listening, effective participation relies on coming to class\u00a0prepared. Students should complete\u00a0all reading assignments beforehand and also review any notes from the previous meeting. This way they can come to class ready to discuss and engage. Be sure to write down\u00a0any questions or comments you have\u2014this is an especially good strategy for quieter students or those who need practice thinking on their feet.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3140\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<img class=\"wp-image-3140 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2932\/2018\/01\/30213815\/tamarcus-brown-134928-unsplash-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a man reading a book.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/> Effective listening skills start outside of the classroom with the students coming prepared with questions and comments.[\/caption]\r\n<h1>How Much Should You Study?<\/h1>\r\n<h2>Class- and Study-Time Ratios<\/h2>\r\nTime management is challenging for many college students, especially ones with\u00a0lots of\u00a0responsibilities outside of\u00a0school. Unlike high school classes, college classes meet less often, and\u00a0college students are expected\u00a0to do more independent learning, homework, and studying. The amount of time students spend on coursework outside of the physical classroom will vary, depending on the course (how rigorous it is and how many credits it's worth) and on the institution's expectations. However, a general rule is that the ratio of classroom time to study time is 1:2 or 1:3. That means that for every hour you spend in class, you should plan to spend two to three hours out of class working independently on course assignments. For example, if your composition class meets for one\u00a0hour, three times a week, you're expected to devote from six to nine hours each week on reading and writing assignments.\r\n\r\nWhen choosing the best\u00a0course load for you,\u00a0remember that for\u00a0every 1 credit hour in which you enroll, you will need to spend approximately\u00a01\u00a0hour\u00a0in class per week and\u00a02 additional hours studying. Here is what this looks like in reality:\r\n<table style=\"cursor: default; margin: 0px auto; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: separate; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px;\" border=\"2\" cellpadding=\"5\" align=\"center\">\r\n<tbody style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\r\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\"><strong style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">Credit Hours<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\"><strong style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">Time Commitment Calculation<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\"><strong style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">Total Estimated Weekly Time Commitment<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">3 (1 course)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">3 hours in class + 6 hours study time<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">9 hours<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">6 (2 courses)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">6 hours in class + 12 hours study time<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">18 hours<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">9 (3 courses)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">9 hours in class + 18 hours study time<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">27 hours<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">12 (4 courses)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">12 hours in class + 24 hours study time<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">36 hours<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">15 (5 courses)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">15 hours in class + 30 hours study time<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">45 hours<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">18 (6 courses)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">18 hours in class + 36 hours study time<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">54 hours<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nIf you account for all the classes you're taking in a given semester, the study time really adds up. The only way to stay on top of the workload is by creating a schedule to help you manage your time, which we'll explore in the time management chapter.\r\n<h2><strong>If You Need\u00a0to Miss a Class<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nClass attendance is obviously important for academic success, but from time to time you may need to miss a class. Sometimes it can't be helped. Since college classes have fewer\u00a0sessions than high school, missing one class means missing more work.\r\n\r\nThe following strategies can help you minimize the academic impact when you can't attend\u00a0a class:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Plan in advance<\/strong>: Although nobody can plan to be sick, students should give their instructors advanced notice if they know they will need to miss class for\u00a0something like a doctor\u2019s appointment. This is not only respectful to the instructor, but he or she may be able to give you any handouts or assignments that you might otherwise miss. If you anticipate that class will be canceled on account of bad weather, etc., make sure you have all the materials and notes that you need to work at\u00a0home. In college, \"snow days\" are rarely \"free days\"\u2014i.e., expect that you will be responsible for all the work due on those days when school reopens.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Talk to fellow students<\/strong>: Ask to borrow class notes from one or two classmates who are reliable note takers. Be sure to also ask them about any announcements or assignments the instructor made during the class you missed.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Check Brightspace for Announcements and Assignments<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Do the reading assignment(s) and any other homework. <\/strong>Take notes on any readings that will be discussed in the class you missed. If you have questions on the reading or homework, seek help from your classmates.\u00a0Completing the homework and coming prepared for the next session will demonstrate to your instructor that you are still dedicated to the\u00a0class.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3141\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\"]<img class=\"wp-image-3141 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2932\/2018\/01\/30214029\/22359007740_443dbf3447_z.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of two young women reading from the same computer\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/> If you have to miss a class, find a trustworthy, responsible classmate who will lend you their notes.\u00a0 You may also check Brightspace for assignments and class updates.\u00a0 Although these steps can't replace the kind of interactions you'll engage in by attending class, you may be able to avoid falling behind, and you can certainly show up to the next class prepared and ready to learn.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox techbox\">\r\n<h3>Explore WCC Technology: Mywcc, bRIGHTSPACE, &amp; viking success<\/h3>\r\n<strong>MyWCC\u00a0<\/strong>is a portal that connects you to several online tools at the College designed to support your success. From MyWCC you can view the schedule of courses to register each semester, and log into <strong>Degree Works<\/strong> to determine your progress toward a degree, and pay your bills. You can also access WCC's online library resources and those offered by Financial Aid.\r\n\r\n<strong>Brightspace\u00a0<\/strong>is an online\u00a0program used by many professors to house course documents and other supplementary materials mentioned above, for your reference. You can\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 1rem; text-align: initial;\">access WCC's Brightspace from your M<\/span>yWCC<span style=\"font-size: 1rem; text-align: initial;\"> portal, or directly from the main WCC website. You can also use the Brightspace app to access it on your phone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Viking Success <\/strong>is another useful tool available through your MyWCC portal. Viking Success connects you to the various resources on campus designed to support your achievements at WCC. You can use Viking Success to schedule an appointment with your Academic Counselor, get information about campus services, get feedback from your instructors on how you are doing in your classes, and easily connect with your support network at WCC.\r\n\r\nViking Success is easy to use. All you need to do is set up a profile and then you are on your way. Watch these videos to learn more:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/tW90IiPNC9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Creating Your\u00a0Profile<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/HxvWMYX8sSA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Success Network<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/NvOchdu4jv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Upcoming Appointments<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/reFmnsVR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dashboard &amp; Messages<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/pKuQmUvOD6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Courses<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/C4gUIkUB7Bv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Request Help &amp; Appointment History<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3><strong>\u00a0predictions for your semester:\u00a0from\u00a0week\u00a01\u00a0to week 15\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Pull out your WCC schedule of college classes and look at it.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In what course do you think you will be most successful? Why?<\/li>\n<li>What course do you think will be most challenging? Why?<\/li>\n<li>What course do you think you&#8217;ll get the most out of? Why?<\/li>\n<li>What strengths do you bring to your courses?<\/li>\n<li>What areas will you work to improve over the semester?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h1><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pixabay.com\/photo\/2018\/03\/21\/07\/16\/learning-3245793__340.jpg\" alt=\"image of lightbulb surrounded by icons about learning, and subjects\" width=\"435\" height=\"245\" \/><\/h1>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Without education you are not going anywhere in this world \u2013 Malcolm X.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4400 size-medium aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/15172326\/24832560829_ea45aee527_c-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Students working on computers\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/p>\n<h1>The First Week of Classes<\/h1>\n<p>Attending class every day is important, but attending the first day of class is especially critical. It is the time when you&#8217;ll most likely receive a Course Syllabus containing important information about the course content, the instructor&#8217;s approach, and course policies. In some classes, you may have an opportunity to interact with your classmates through icebreaker activities while in others you may be expected to begin learning new material immediately.\u00a0If you are enrolled in an online or remote course, it is equally important to &#8220;attend&#8221; by getting online and engaging in the first week.<\/p>\n<p>One way to prepare for any of those Week #1 materials and activities is by knowing a little about them in advance:<\/p>\n<h2>Course Syllabus<\/h2>\n<p>Every instructor in every class at Westchester Community College should provide you with a Course Syllabus, which lists learning outcomes (what each student will know or be able to do by the end of the course) and important policies (such as\u00a0if you can make-up exams, or how many absences are allowed). The Course Syllabus explains how you can contact your instructor, what books and materials should be purchased, how your final grade will be calculated, and what to do if you need extra assistance in any course. The Course Syllabus may also include information on class cancellations, emergency school closings, important policies, and a listing of when assignments are due. Many provide\u00a0specific pages of the\u00a0course readings\u00a0they expect to be\u00a0completed each day, while others list only the due dates for tests, papers, or projects. All Course Syllabuses are key documents that you should read carefully, record on your calendar, and keep in a safe and prominent place. By familiarizing yourself with each of your Course Syllabuses, you are taking\u00a0a fundamental step to getting your semester off to good start.<\/p>\n<h2>Preparation for the First Day<\/h2>\n<p>Many professors expect their students to read the Course Syllabus outside of class because they want to get right to work either teaching important course content or determining what students know by administering some type of pretest or baseline assessment, such as a writing sample. It&#8217;s important to come to the first class with pens, pencils, paper, and a folder so you are prepared to take notes or pretests as necessary.<\/p>\n<h2>Drop\/Add Period<\/h2>\n<p>The schedule adjustment (drop\/add) period occurs at the very beginning of every semester. Courses dropped within the first three weeks of the full fall or spring term will not be recorded on your academic transcript. With the exception of online courses, students may add a course during the first week of the full semester without an instructor&#8217;s signature.\u00a0Faculty approval is required to add a class during the second and third weeks. Dropping or adding a course may have financial aid implications, so it&#8217;s always wise to check with the Financial Aid office\u00a0and\/or with an Academic Counselor before making any final decisions.<\/p>\n<h1>Physically and Mentally Prepare for Class<\/h1>\n<p>Most students balance a lot of responsibilities, such as work, school, and family. Such competing demands can make it hard to get the most out of\u00a0class time and assignments. The effort you put in to succeed in college will pay off, though, and there are ways that you can physically and mentally prepare to excel in class. Below are a few suggestions, along with additional health and wellness strategies that can be found later in this text.<\/p>\n<h2>Eat Healthy Meals and Snacks<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes students get so busy that they skip meals like breakfast or lunch and then resort\u00a0to junk food and coffee or energy drinks to get them through. While a candy bar and soda might give you a temporary boost, you&#8217;ll soon feel tired and hungry again.\u00a0Eating healthy meals and snacks that contain\u00a0lean protein, vegetables, and fruits will give\u00a0you the energy needed to accomplish all of your daily tasks. The United States Department of Agriculture&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/media\/blog\/2014\/03\/11\/stay-healthy-college-myplate-campus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MyPlate on Campus<\/a> site includes tips on healthy eating, especially in the cafeteria setting. We&#8217;ll return to this topic later in the course.<\/p>\n<h2>Exercise Regularly<\/h2>\n<p>In much the same way healthy eating does, exercising can give you energy throughout the day. Physical activity can also help prevent\u00a0you from getting sick, which can lead to missed classes and work and lower grades. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), college-aged students should\u00a0get\u00a0at least 2.5 hours of exercise each week.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Enough Sleep<\/h2>\n<p>Sleeping is like recharging your personal battery each night for the next day. However, studies show that on some campuses, like the University of Alabama, 60 percent of the student population doesn&#8217;t\u00a0get adequate sleep. Although some students will need slightly more or less sleep, you should aim for eight hours every\u00a0night. Along with getting enough sleep, you can practice healthy habits to sleep soundly, like avoiding caffeinated beverages before you go to bed and reading instead of using electronic devices before bed to help your body start to relax. <a class=\"footnote\" title=\"&quot;Sleepy Students Emphasize Studies, Social Activity to Detriment of Health, According to UA Study.&quot; UA News. 20 Aug 2014. Web. 10 Feb 2016.\" id=\"return-footnote-234-1\" href=\"#footnote-234-1\" aria-label=\"Footnote 1\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Manage Stress<\/h2>\n<p>According to a recent American Psychological Association (APA) study, more than\u00a0half of college students who used\u00a0their schools&#8217; counseling services cited\u00a0anxiety as the reason they sought\u00a0help. Other stress points included relationship and academic problems. Stress management will look different for each student. For some students, the solution\u00a0might include exercising, while others might want to make time each week to meditate, go out with friends, spend time with pets, listen to music, or work on arts-and-crafts projects. Regardless of which\u00a0activities you enjoy, it&#8217;s important to make time for stress management in your schedule.<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"&quot;College Students: Coping with Stress and Anxiety on Campus.&quot; American Psychiatric Association Blogs. 27 Aug 2015. Web. 10 Feb 2016.\" id=\"return-footnote-234-2\" href=\"#footnote-234-2\" aria-label=\"Footnote 2\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Talk to Counselors, Advisors, or Instructors<\/h2>\n<p>Counselors, advisors, and instructors are good resources to help you learn strategies for being successful both in and out of the classroom. Services provided by the Personal Counseling Department include individual, group and crisis counseling, prevention and education, mental health consultation, and referrals. Academic Counselors help students with making decisions, exploring career goals, choosing a major, and selecting courses. A great place for students to reach out if they have questions is to go to an instructor teaching their courses. Instructors can often assist in giving additional study tips for the course content they teach, and they can help guide students to other resources across the campus.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;\">Utilize Campus Resources\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>WCC has many resources to support student success that will be discussed throughout this First-Year Seminar textbook. Here are three you may want to consider accessing right away: free tutoring, the computer labs, and the Library. Free tutoring is available at the Academic Support Center and the Writing Center located on the ground floor in the Harold L. Drimmer Library. The library provides students with quiet areas and spaces for collaboration, reference materials, research help, and more. Students can visit the computer labs for access to computers and printers and for technology help. Here are the locations on the Valhalla campus:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Open Computer Labs,\u00a0Harold L. Drimmer Library,\u00a0ground, 1st and 2nd floors<\/li>\n<li>The\u00a0Technology Computer Lab in the Technology Building, Room 25B<\/li>\n<li>Classroom Building,\u00a0Room 302<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Computer labs can also be found at the Mount Vernon, Ossining, and Cross County -Yonkers Extension Centers.<\/p>\n<p>The Student Technology HelpDesk will assist students with connecting to and utilizing WCC technologies, such as resetting your password, myWCC login, WCC student email, and wireless connections.<\/p>\n<h1>Why Go to Class?<\/h1>\n<p>You may not always want to go to\u00a0class, perhaps because you have required classes that you find difficult, or you may feel overwhelmed by other commitments. However, even if your instructors allow a certain number of unexcused absences, you\u00a0should aim to attend every\u00a0class session.\u00a0Online students should participate in class by logging on multiple times a week to complete assignments and to participate in discussions. Check the course information sheet for specific instructor expectations regarding class participation.<\/p>\n<p>Class attendance enhances class performance in the following ways:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Class participation<\/strong>: Students who don&#8217;t\u00a0attend class can&#8217;t\u00a0participate in class activities. Class activities are usually part of your final grade, and they can help you apply concepts you learn from lectures and reading assignments.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Class interaction<\/strong>: Students who try to learn everything on their own (by doing the reading assignments outside of class, for example) miss out on class\u00a0discussions with fellow students. Your classmates will often have the same questions as you do, so going to\u00a0class enables\u00a0you to learn from them\u00a0and ask your instructor about topics you all find difficult.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Interaction with the instructor<\/strong>: Instructors specialize in the subjects they teach, and they can provide extra insight and perspective on the material you&#8217;re studying. Going to class gives you the chance to take notes and ask questions about the lectures. Also, the more you participate, the more your instructors will come to know you and be aware of any help or support you might need. This will make you feel more comfortable to approach them outside of class if you need advice or are struggling with the course material.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Increased learning<\/strong>: Because you will typically spend more time on coursework outside of the classroom, class sessions are even more valuable. Typically, in-class time will be devoted to the most challenging or important concepts covered in your textbooks. It&#8217;s important to know what these are so you can master them\u2014also they&#8217;re likely to show up on exams.<\/li>\n<li><b>Avoiding negative consequences<\/b>: Missing class can lead to falling behind, feeling overwhelmed, and being confused when going back to class. Consistent attendance helps students stay on track and avoid facing course withdrawal, which can cost time and money. Visualizing the end goal of a specific graduation date, can help students stay motivated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Effective Listening Strategies<\/h2>\n<p>Physically showing up to class is important (especially if attendance is taken), but what you do once you&#8217;re\u00a0there is equally important. Getting the most out of class time involves\u00a0listening effectively, which involves more than simply hearing what instructors say. Effective listening involves\u00a0interacting with the speaker and material; think of it as\u00a0<em>active listening\u00a0<\/em>versus\u00a0<em>passive listening.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>To maximize the benefit you get from attending class, try to use the following active listening skills:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>do any assigned reading in advance because prior knowledge helps you acquire new knowledge<\/li>\n<li>focus your full attention on the speaker<\/li>\n<li>ask questions, either out loud or internally, in response to what is being said<\/li>\n<li>paraphrase ideas in\u00a0notes<\/li>\n<li>think about how you&#8217;ll be assessed on the information<\/li>\n<li>make connections to other classes and your life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Paraphrasing, or restating what you hear, is a powerful strategy for being an active listener, but it&#8217;s obviously impractical in a roomful of other students. That&#8217;s why taking notes is so important. Think of it as a &#8220;silent&#8221; way to restate what you&#8217;re taking in. Focus on capturing the key ideas and on paraphrasing what you hear (rather than writing things down verbatim). Putting ideas into your own words will deepen your understanding and strengthen your ability to recall the information later.<\/p>\n<p>Refer to the information on note-taking and other read-study strategies in <span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chapter 5 <\/span>if you need assistance in any of these important areas yet to be covered in the course.<\/p>\n<h2>Effective Participation Strategies<\/h2>\n<p>Like\u00a0listening, participating in class will help you get more out of class. It may also help you stand out as a student. Instructors notice the students who participate in class, and participation is often a component of the final grade. &#8220;Participation&#8221; may include contributing to discussions, class activities, or projects. It means being actively involved.<\/p>\n<p>The following are some strategies for effective participation:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Be a team player<\/strong>: Although most students have classmates they prefer to work with, they should be willing to collaborate in different types of groups. Teamwork demonstrates that a student can adapt to and learn in different situations.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Share meaningful questions and comments<\/strong>: Some students speak up in class repeatedly if they know that participation is part of their grade. Although there\u00a0isn&#8217;t\u00a0necessarily anything wrong with this, it&#8217;s a good practice to focus on quality vs. quantity. For instance, a\u00a0quieter student who raises her\u00a0hand only twice during a discussion but provides thoughtful\u00a0comments might be more noticeable to an instructor than a student who comments on everything that&#8217;s said.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Be prepared<\/strong>: As with listening, effective participation relies on coming to class\u00a0prepared. Students should complete\u00a0all reading assignments beforehand and also review any notes from the previous meeting. This way they can come to class ready to discuss and engage. Be sure to write down\u00a0any questions or comments you have\u2014this is an especially good strategy for quieter students or those who need practice thinking on their feet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_3140\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3140\" class=\"wp-image-3140 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2932\/2018\/01\/30213815\/tamarcus-brown-134928-unsplash-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a man reading a book.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-3140\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Effective listening skills start outside of the classroom with the students coming prepared with questions and comments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h1>How Much Should You Study?<\/h1>\n<h2>Class- and Study-Time Ratios<\/h2>\n<p>Time management is challenging for many college students, especially ones with\u00a0lots of\u00a0responsibilities outside of\u00a0school. Unlike high school classes, college classes meet less often, and\u00a0college students are expected\u00a0to do more independent learning, homework, and studying. The amount of time students spend on coursework outside of the physical classroom will vary, depending on the course (how rigorous it is and how many credits it&#8217;s worth) and on the institution&#8217;s expectations. However, a general rule is that the ratio of classroom time to study time is 1:2 or 1:3. That means that for every hour you spend in class, you should plan to spend two to three hours out of class working independently on course assignments. For example, if your composition class meets for one\u00a0hour, three times a week, you&#8217;re expected to devote from six to nine hours each week on reading and writing assignments.<\/p>\n<p>When choosing the best\u00a0course load for you,\u00a0remember that for\u00a0every 1 credit hour in which you enroll, you will need to spend approximately\u00a01\u00a0hour\u00a0in class per week and\u00a02 additional hours studying. Here is what this looks like in reality:<\/p>\n<table style=\"cursor: default; margin: 0px auto; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: separate; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; margin: auto;\" cellpadding=\"5\">\n<tbody style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\"><strong style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">Credit Hours<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\"><strong style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">Time Commitment Calculation<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\"><strong style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">Total Estimated Weekly Time Commitment<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">3 (1 course)<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">3 hours in class + 6 hours study time<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">9 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">6 (2 courses)<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">6 hours in class + 12 hours study time<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">18 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">9 (3 courses)<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">9 hours in class + 18 hours study time<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">27 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">12 (4 courses)<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">12 hours in class + 24 hours study time<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">36 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">15 (5 courses)<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">15 hours in class + 30 hours study time<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">45 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;\">\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">18 (6 courses)<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">18 hours in class + 36 hours study time<\/td>\n<td style=\"color: #000000; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; text-align: left; cursor: text;\">54 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>If you account for all the classes you&#8217;re taking in a given semester, the study time really adds up. The only way to stay on top of the workload is by creating a schedule to help you manage your time, which we&#8217;ll explore in the time management chapter.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>If You Need\u00a0to Miss a Class<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Class attendance is obviously important for academic success, but from time to time you may need to miss a class. Sometimes it can&#8217;t be helped. Since college classes have fewer\u00a0sessions than high school, missing one class means missing more work.<\/p>\n<p>The following strategies can help you minimize the academic impact when you can&#8217;t attend\u00a0a class:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Plan in advance<\/strong>: Although nobody can plan to be sick, students should give their instructors advanced notice if they know they will need to miss class for\u00a0something like a doctor\u2019s appointment. This is not only respectful to the instructor, but he or she may be able to give you any handouts or assignments that you might otherwise miss. If you anticipate that class will be canceled on account of bad weather, etc., make sure you have all the materials and notes that you need to work at\u00a0home. In college, &#8220;snow days&#8221; are rarely &#8220;free days&#8221;\u2014i.e., expect that you will be responsible for all the work due on those days when school reopens.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Talk to fellow students<\/strong>: Ask to borrow class notes from one or two classmates who are reliable note takers. Be sure to also ask them about any announcements or assignments the instructor made during the class you missed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check Brightspace for Announcements and Assignments<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Do the reading assignment(s) and any other homework. <\/strong>Take notes on any readings that will be discussed in the class you missed. If you have questions on the reading or homework, seek help from your classmates.\u00a0Completing the homework and coming prepared for the next session will demonstrate to your instructor that you are still dedicated to the\u00a0class.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_3141\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3141\" class=\"wp-image-3141 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2932\/2018\/01\/30214029\/22359007740_443dbf3447_z.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of two young women reading from the same computer\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-3141\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">If you have to miss a class, find a trustworthy, responsible classmate who will lend you their notes.\u00a0 You may also check Brightspace for assignments and class updates.\u00a0 Although these steps can&#8217;t replace the kind of interactions you&#8217;ll engage in by attending class, you may be able to avoid falling behind, and you can certainly show up to the next class prepared and ready to learn.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox techbox\">\n<h3>Explore WCC Technology: Mywcc, bRIGHTSPACE, &amp; viking success<\/h3>\n<p><strong>MyWCC\u00a0<\/strong>is a portal that connects you to several online tools at the College designed to support your success. From MyWCC you can view the schedule of courses to register each semester, and log into <strong>Degree Works<\/strong> to determine your progress toward a degree, and pay your bills. You can also access WCC&#8217;s online library resources and those offered by Financial Aid.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Brightspace\u00a0<\/strong>is an online\u00a0program used by many professors to house course documents and other supplementary materials mentioned above, for your reference. You can\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 1rem; text-align: initial;\">access WCC&#8217;s Brightspace from your M<\/span>yWCC<span style=\"font-size: 1rem; text-align: initial;\"> portal, or directly from the main WCC website. You can also use the Brightspace app to access it on your phone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Viking Success <\/strong>is another useful tool available through your MyWCC portal. Viking Success connects you to the various resources on campus designed to support your achievements at WCC. You can use Viking Success to schedule an appointment with your Academic Counselor, get information about campus services, get feedback from your instructors on how you are doing in your classes, and easily connect with your support network at WCC.<\/p>\n<p>Viking Success is easy to use. All you need to do is set up a profile and then you are on your way. Watch these videos to learn more:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/tW90IiPNC9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Creating Your\u00a0Profile<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/HxvWMYX8sSA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Success Network<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/NvOchdu4jv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Upcoming Appointments<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/reFmnsVR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dashboard &amp; Messages<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/pKuQmUvOD6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Courses<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.screencast.com\/t\/C4gUIkUB7Bv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Request Help &amp; Appointment History<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-234\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Success in College. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: anonymous. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/\">http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Image of man at desk.. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Penn State. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/8xaspA\">https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/8xaspA<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Boston College students engaged in classroom activity. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Burns Library, Boston College. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/bc-burnslibrary\/6772252993\/\">http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/bc-burnslibrary\/6772252993\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-ND: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives <\/a><\/em><\/li><li>The LEAF Project. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Finger Lakes Community College. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/leaflanguages\/6966621754\/\">https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/leaflanguages\/6966621754\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/about\/cc0\">CC0: No Rights Reserved<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Revision and adaptation. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Monroe Community College. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.monroecc.edu\">http:\/\/www.monroecc.edu<\/a>. <strong>Project<\/strong>: College Orientation and Success. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em>. <strong>License Terms<\/strong>: Monroe contributes its revision and adaptation under the same license as the original work.<\/li><li>College Success. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Jolene Carr. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Lumen Learning. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Specific attribution<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Image of lightbulb surrounded by icons related to learning, and subjects areas. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: pixabay.com. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: pixabay.com. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.pixabay.com\/photo\/2018\/03\/21\/07\/16\/learning-3245793__340.jpg\">https:\/\/cdn.pixabay.com\/photo\/2018\/03\/21\/07\/16\/learning-3245793__340.jpg<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/about\/pdm\">Public Domain: No Known Copyright<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">All rights reserved content<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Screenshots of Student Course Search and Results List. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Westchester Community College. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Westchester Community College. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30013020\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER.PNG-darker1.png,https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30015524\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER-21.png,https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30020208\/Schedule-of-Courses-3-.png,%20https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30021233\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER-41.png,%20https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30021718\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER-5.png,%20https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30022020\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER-6.png,%20https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30022824\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER-7.png,%20https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30025639\/6918292313_884acb9458_n-300x200.jpg\">https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30013020\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER.PNG-darker1.png,https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30015524\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER-21.png,https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30020208\/Schedule-of-Courses-3-.png,%20https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30021233\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER-41.png,%20https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30021718\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER-5.png,%20https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30022020\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER-6.png,%20https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30022824\/Schedule-of-Courses-OER-7.png,%20https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4279\/2018\/01\/30025639\/6918292313_884acb9458_n-300x200.jpg<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em>All Rights Reserved<\/em><\/li><li>Students using computers. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Westchester Community College. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Westchester Community College. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/pubsoffice\/24832560829\/in\/photolist-Dr8iJ1-EoRNJ2-pKsr58-DWJDLC-qG4Hn2-DWJEML-DrtgvH-EoRPYr-EfBX6e-DWJDvY-qpMwSk-bmgee1-EfBYzg-DQnkP2-bzRPqP-DQnnbv-qG4Jta-qpEfim-FxBWx2-qpNPTF-qDWySh-qpNPCF-jga42q-qpMrte-bmgdV9-qGa8oE-pSrAAT-jga3W5-bzb6Xp-qP9jU5-pSrAgz-bmgfN7-bzb8dB-bzb7SK-qwN2wF-bmgeGw-qwEkhE\">https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/pubsoffice\/24832560829\/in\/photolist-Dr8iJ1-EoRNJ2-pKsr58-DWJDLC-qG4Hn2-DWJEML-DrtgvH-EoRPYr-EfBX6e-DWJDvY-qpMwSk-bmgee1-EfBYzg-DQnkP2-bzRPqP-DQnnbv-qG4Jta-qpEfim-FxBWx2-qpNPTF-qDWySh-qpNPCF-jga42q-qpMrte-bmgdV9-qGa8oE-pSrAAT-jga3W5-bzb6Xp-qP9jU5-pSrAgz-bmgfN7-bzb8dB-bzb7SK-qwN2wF-bmgeGw-qwEkhE<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em>All Rights Reserved<\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section><hr class=\"before-footnotes clear\" \/><div class=\"footnotes\"><ol><li id=\"footnote-234-1\">\"Sleepy Students Emphasize Studies, Social Activity to Detriment of Health, According to UA Study.\" <em>UA News<\/em>. 20 Aug 2014. Web. 10 Feb 2016. <a href=\"#return-footnote-234-1\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 1\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-234-2\">\"College Students: Coping with Stress and Anxiety on Campus.\" <em>American Psychiatric Association Blogs<\/em>. 27 Aug 2015. Web. 10 Feb 2016. <a href=\"#return-footnote-234-2\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 2\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"author":311,"menu_order":1,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Success in College\",\"author\":\"anonymous\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Image of man at desk.\",\"author\":\"Penn State\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/8xaspA\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Boston College students engaged in classroom activity\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Burns Library, Boston 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