It All Fits Together

We can't put more hours on the clock for you...

But we can tell you what some "together"students do...

Time, energy & attention are limited resources.

In college organization becomes critical.

The good news is...

A lot of this is EASY.

Big Ideas:

• Repeat yourself
• Write it down
• Plan it out

1. Repeat yourself.

Repeat SUCCESSFUL actions.

For example:

• Put your pen back in the same place every time (pocket, shelf).
• Same with your keys.
• Make many little things habits.

You'll spend less time looking for things and less time thinking about UNIMPORTANT things.

Don't use your brain and your time for finding your pen or keys for the sixtieth time.

Just look in that place where you decided that you will ALWAYS put them.

Okay, now do the same thing with:

• The syllabus for each class
• Your flash drive
• Where are their forever homes"?

Use habits and forever homes for online stuff too:

Online homes:

• A folder for each class
• Documents named with a regular naming system
• And save each thing in at least two DIFFERENT places for safety (like laptop and OneDrive)

Your system doesn't have to be brilliant.

It can be imperfect and arbitrary.

Just use the same system over and over.

2. Write It Down

Write things down all the time.

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• Always have a pen and notebook out in class.
• Be THAT student.
• You'll decide later that good grades are cool.
• We promise.

In class, take notes on:

• Anything instructors write on the board
• Information about assignments and due dates, especially changes to syllabus
• Key phrases and terms from what the professor says in lecture

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• Bullet points are your friend
• Take notes even if you think you're a bad notetaker
• Review (re-read) your notes within a day of taking them

Serious lecture note success: retype notes when you get home.

It doesn't take as long as you think and it helps you learn and remember the material.

Even "bad" note-takers can take useful notes.

Alternatives if you need them:

• Smartpen (Google it)
• Talk to the accommodations coordinator/disability services
• Ask a classmate if you can look at their notes after class.

SAVE everything you write

• Lab reports
• Drafts
• Completed assignments
• Handouts
• Email from professors, and offices like the Registrar or Dean

Where to keep everything?

Use your imperfect, arbitrary system will work GREAT...

And/or put everything in:

• A three-ring binder for hard copies
• OneNote for your online notebook--EVERYTHING can go in here

Recommended sections for a class binder:

• Syllabus
• Notes
• Handouts (write date received)
• Graded assignments

OneNote Is:

• A Microsoft application made to function just like a notebook
• You can make notebooks for different classes, and sections for notes, syllabi, etc.
• Paste in websites you're researching
• Insert Word or other documents

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• Free for FPU students to download (as of Fall 2015) Available in OneDrive, the Microsoft Office

Watch tutorials on

• OneDrive
• OneNote
• Find them on YouTube (search "OneNote tutorial"

3. Plan It Out

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• Use a calendar or planner
• Put reminders in your phone
• Make lists
• Make appointments for assistance
• Outline papers

Seriously, use a calendar.

Find the calendar that you'll use

• Paper-and-pencil planning has some research to back it up.
• Come to the Center for Academic Excellence and we'll help.

If paper's not for you:

• Calendar in OneDrive/email
• Google Calendar
• Apps like MyStudyLife or MyHomework
• They will sync with your phone, which is awesome. Try it.

Make an appointment and put it in your calendar.

SO MANY people can help you

• Writing Center
• Center for Academic Excellence
• Your professor
• Peer tutor
• Your smart friend
• Your coach

This slideshow was long...

But the steps are small.

And EASY.

Organization is the key to success.

We'd love to help.

Center for Academic Excellence

Find us in the Tower

• Library 4th Floor
• 603.899.4107
• academicexcellence@franklinpierce.edu