Mapping Out Your Term

Quick Look at Mapping Out Your Term

 

Term at a Glance

Use this guide to stay on top of coursework and deadlines

Week 1:

Read your syllabi and put big assignments and tests into your calendar.

Take good notes. Each class will require a different strategy; use the Professor’s style and focus of tests and assignments to guide you.

Week 2:

Monday of this week is the last day to drop a class without a W (withdrawal)

Wednesday of this week is the last day to add a class.

Meet people in your classes, start thinking about forming study groups.

Week 3:

Prepare some questions and visit your Professor’s or GTF’s office hour.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Professors and GTFs (and your FA) are interested in helping you succeed. They can also connect you with resources on campus.

Week 4:

Begin preparing for midterms. The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) office located in the basement of PLC is a great resource for academic assistance. They offer free peer tutoring for Math and English, a drop-in writing lab, and other academic support resources.

Week 5:

Midterms…You got this!

Course offerings for Winter term are available Friday of this week.

Plan to schedule an appointment with Academic Advising; they are busiest during Weeks 6-8.

Week 6:

More midterms…Breathe. If you feel like you have not performed well on an exam, speak with your Professor or GTF to discuss your gaps in understanding. Take a deep breath, be respectful and approach it as a learning opportunity to prepare for finals.

Week 7:

Finishing up midterms…at this point it’s a fact of life.

Sunday of this week is the last day to drop a class or change grading option to P/NP.

Week 8:

Registration for Winter term begins (there is a light at the end of the tunnel); check the Registrar for info about when you can register.

Prepare for final papers or projects. The University of Oregon Libraries website is a great resource for research, essay writing, and class-work.  It is easy to use and free of charge. For in-person assistance, there are dozens of librarians who have general knowledge of library use, and specific expertise in their area of study.

Check your finals schedule on DuckWeb to arrange for end-of-term travel plans and housing arrangements.

Week 9:

Begin studying for finals. All will be well if you take the time early on to schedule additional time to review your classes’ material. In other words, don’t procrastinate!

Fill out course evaluations to provide valuable feedback to Professors and GTFs (and get your grades released earlier).

Week 10:

Continue studying for finals; it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Finish final assignments and projects.

All libraries have extended hours this week.

Finals Week:

Study, study, study! This part is definitely a sprint.

Be sure to take care of yourself, though. It’s better to be fully rested and let the information sink in than to pull an all-nighter!

All libraries have extended hours this week.

General Academic Advice

  • Most departments have peer advising or tutoring, which can help you get a student’s perspective on school work, a department, and even scheduling.
  • Don’t miss class unless absolutely necessary. For each class you miss, you’re wasting $25-$84. If you must miss a class due to illness or other engagement, talk to or email the Professor in advance. They may be more willing to arrange for you to make up assignments or tests.
  • Test yourself using online quizzes made by your textbook or with your own practice test.
  • Go to review sessions, even if you don't have questions. You may not know what information you are missing.  Other students’ questions will help you.
  • The UO Office of Academic Advising has a page of tools and tutorials to help with academic success, including UO-specific strategies.
  • If you are thinking of studying abroad in the future, begin planning early. Meet with advisors and the UO Office of International Affairs (333 Oregon Hall).
  • The Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence (CMAE) offers additional support to under-represented and multiple identity students. (164 and 465 Oregon Hall).
  • If you think you may need accommodation for any form of disability that affects your ability to learn, contact the Accessible Education Center. It is possible to arrange alternative testing or note-taking support (164 Oregon Hall)