Important Tips for Success at USFSP

Attend All First Class Meetings - You must attend the first meeting of each of your classes to avoid being automatically dropped from those classes. If you are dropped you may not be able to reinstate your enrollment in those classes, especially in a specific class and at a preferred time for you.

Devote Sufficient Time for Class Preparation - Educational research shows that successful students devote a minimum of two to three hours each week outside of class for every hour in class. This would include such things as studying textbooks, writing assignments, reviewing notes, preparing papers, and studying for exams. Considerably more work outside of class may be required to succeed in certain courses and majors. Keep your academic work requirements in mind when you commit to other activities.

Read your Syllabus - This is your contract with your professor. All your assignments and your professors grading methods should be clear, if it is not, ask! Your syllabus should also contain their office hours and contact information.

Attend Classes Consistently and Get to Know Your Professors - Successful students at USF attend classes regularly, even though other students may be less conscientious. Successful students do not take advantage of many instructors' liberal attendance policies and/or skip classes. Make a commitment to attend all of your classes. Make an effort to know your instructors. Talk with your instructors: after class, and/or during office hours, or emails to clarify complex ideas and issues covered in the class. Make sure you understand your class assignments correctly.

Develop and Practice Good Study Habits - There are many opportunities to learn good study skills at USF. If you do not already have excellent study skills and habits contact your advisor for information about classes designed to help you. Take time to discuss with your classmates what you learned in class as soon as possible after class. You will find that you improve your recollection of what you heard in class if you have a quick reinforcement that only comes from discussion with fellow students.

Learn to Use the Library Effectively - Become a frequent visitor to the Library both in person and via the many electronic resources available from the Library's Web Page ( http://www.lib.usf.edu ). A web visit will connect you to LUIS, the Library's online catalog, electronic indexes in many fields, materials required for classes in electronic format, and an ever-growing collection of electronic resources. Be sure to take advantage of the instructional sessions offered frequently in the Library. Library staff members are also available whenever the library is open to help student find the best material for assignments, projects, and term papers. Let the library help you earn higher grades.

Get Involved in Activities that Interest You - Students who are involved in various activities outside of class are more apt to enjoy their college experience and graduate on time. These extra activities often are very helpful when graduates are seeking admission to professional or graduate schools or applying for jobs. Remember though, to maintain a clear sense of commitment to academic success. Do not overdo nonacademic activities. Too much time spent on nonacademic activities can be detrimental to your primary purpose.

Use Your Ability to Drop Classes Wisely - Approximately at the midpoint of each semester, you may withdraw from classes without academic penalty. You must take formal action to drop classes and you must do so on or before the "last day to drop or withdraw from courses with academic penalty" that is published in the academic calendar. Be aware that dropping classes can effect financial for future terms.

Repeat Course Surcharge - Stay familiar with your status related to the repeat course surcharge. You may repeat a course only once before hefty extra charges are applied. The third attempt will cost at least $150 per credit hour extra.

Choose Your Major Early - It is important for you to choose your major (and career) early. Many majors at USF require that specific courses be completed during your first two years so you can be admitted to those majors as a junior. If you delay your decision unnecessarily, you may delay your graduation date by as much as a year. Take advantage of the expertise of your advisor, the services of the Career Counseling Center, and the University Experience course for assistance in your search for the optimum career and major. Start as soon as possible on specific courses required for your degree of choice. Once you have chosen your major stay focused on your degree.

Monitor Your Progress Toward Graduation and Make an Effort to Work with an Advisor   The University provides each student access to automated advising information in the form of the Student Academic Support System (SASS). Each semester you should obtain an updated copy of your personal SASS report (www.facts.org) to review your progress toward graduation and to make certain that you are making appropriate course choices. Remember, your SASS report is available to you on the web. Identify an academic advisor with whom you feel comfortable and in whom you have confidence. Make an effort to work regularly with that person. Plan ahead and make appointments in advance.   If you are just dropping in for general information, you may not need to see your "primary" advisor; however, when you are making major decisions about course choices, class loads, choice of or change in major, adding or dropping courses, etc., work with the advisor who knows you best.

Plan Ahead for Your Summer Enrollment Requirements - Students who enroll as Freshmen or Sophomores in any of Florida 's public institutions of higher learning must complete at least nine credit hours during one or more summer terms at any one of the ten state universities to receive a bachelor's degree.   Your summer work may include off-campus experience such as study aboard, International Exchanges, Washington Internship and other experiences. Or you may choose to enroll in some of our on-line courses that will permit you to complete much, if not all, of the work from home. Be advised that online courses require more self-discipline than most, are not suited to many learning styles. Discuss the options with your academic advisor and plan to use the summer enrollment to your best advantage.

Almost Everything Requires a Form and has a Deadline - Remember that many important transactions at USF, such as dropping classes or applying for graduation and they require forms and have deadlines. Don't wait until the last minute to act and save copies of everything.