College is not just about obtaining a degree. During your time at Metropolitan State University, you will grow personally and professionally through your academic program and co-curricular experiences.
You will need to develop and hone many skills to be a successful student, as well as better understand important policies, rights, and responsibilities as a member of the Metropolitan State University community.
A way to develop an understanding of these skills and practices is by registering for a course called Metro 101, which helps new students (like you!) understand Metropolitan State University and plan out their academic journeys. Speak with your Academic Advisor to learn more and register for this course during your first semester.
Students who tend to excel in their classes also:
- Attend class regularly and on time. If you need to miss class due to illness or other unavoidable reasons, e-mail your instructor before class and follow up with your classmates to get notes and assignments.
- Turn in assignments on time and submit assignments that are professional and demonstrate pride in your work.
- Be respectful and attentive in class.
- Read your syllabus carefully to understand assignments, expectations, and responsibilities. If you are unsure, ask your faculty members to clarify, visit their office hours, and get clarification about progress in the course. Ask for feedback about ways to improve your work throughout the academic term.
- Take advantage of student support services such as tutoring, counseling, advising, Student Life & Leadership Development, and other important services to help enhance your time at Metropolitan State University.
- Be proactive with coursework and take responsibility for your actions. Pay attention to degree requirements, timelines and deadlines, policies, procedures, and other support services. Ask questions to clarify if you don’t know or understand content.
- Get involved on campus and develop your leadership skills. Student Life & Leadership Development wants you to get involved and thrive at Metropolitan State University!
Other resources include information about:
- Note taking
- Test taking
- Time management
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Stress management
- LinkedIn Learning
- How to Study
Questions to consider
- What course can a new student take to learn skills to enhance their academic journey at Metropolitan State University?
- What is one example of a behavior successful students do to excel in their classes?
- What are at least two skills that a student can use to improve their academic experience?
FINDING BALANCE TO SCHOOL, WORK, AND LIFE
Let’s be honest, you are a student, and much, much more. You are often balancing school, work, and other life responsibilities, and there are only 24 hours in a day!
Course types
Students can take a variety of courses to help manage their many priorities, including faculty designed independent study, in-class courses, online courses with reduced seat time in class (hybrid learning model), and online courses. Not all courses are available in the varied formats, so it will be important to plan according to your learning style and schedule needs. Each kind of course will include individual and group work to help students develop their leadership, collaboration, and teamwork spills. Remember that for independent study and online courses might require additional study time to make up for in-person class time.
Managing your schedule
To plan an appropriate course load, determine the components of your weekly schedule: family and social commitments, work, homework, class time, study time, community, and other important responsibilities/priorities.
When considering your course load, take into consideration the following:
- if the courses are lower or upper division,
- types of courses,
- course subject (and if you enjoy the subject or if you find it difficult), and
- how much work is implied by the syllabus.
If courses are upper division, have a larger reading or work load, or have many required elements, you might want to consider taking a lower number of credits during that academic term. Discuss your thoughts, concerns, questions, and ideas with your academic advisor- they will be able to help you navigate.
You should budget 3-4 hours of studying and coursework per credit you take. So if you are taking 10 credits, you can plan anywhere from 30-40 hours for your schedule planning. Here’s more information on, if you are undecided or have decided, on a major to pursue.
Ask for support when you need it
We all need support during our academic journeys. If you need support, check in with your faculty, academic advisor, student services and support professional staff, or consider using resources such as Counseling Services. Counseling Services can also help you find community resources off-campus that might meet your needs.
Questions to consider
- What are the types of courses you might take at Metropolitan State University?
- How many hours of coursework or studying should you plan per 1 credit you register for?
- What is one resource that can help you plan or manage your schedule?