Tips for Success
Check your Syllabus for each class. This is like a contract and outline for the course. It may contain information about assignments, due dates, policies, and attendance. It may also contain contact information for the professor, TA, resources for help and tutoring as well as office hours and preferred contact method of the instructor. Be sure to refer to the syllabus when you might have questions.
Remember to check deadlines. We have created a Calendar of general deadlines, but be sure to check each class individually in your Canvas Calendar/ Syllabus, University Events Links to an external site., any holds Links to an external site.or To Dos Links to an external site..
Review your course material. If you have questions ask. This might be during class time, before or after class, through email or during office hours. You are most likely not the only person with questions. Your questions could also help your classmates.
Check Canvas Links to an external site. for announcements, messages, assignments, feedback, and progress in the course. Sometimes the settings in Canvas do not deliver messages to your email. Be sure to log in and check what your settings might be.
Check out the Technology page to be sure you have access to the tools you need for your courses.
Check your student account and confirm pronouns, record your Name Coach Badge Links to an external site. if you want to provide others with how to pronounce your name. Also ensure your name is correctly displayed, you can update your name Links to an external site. on IU platforms.
Check your Student Engagement Roster Links to an external site. and Student Performance Roster Links to an external site. for any other feedback from courses. Professors use these tools to keep in touch with you and also provide input or suggestions about your engagement in the course.
Check your IU Email. Some emails when forwarded to an account ( like Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) may not make their way to you. Check your Spam folder if you do have an automatic forward set up. IU’s Official Links to an external site. stance on email is that you should read your emails in a timely fashion. You may miss important deadlines, official notices, or other critical information. Please be sure to check the FAQ for more information about communication with the PBS Advising office.
Form Study groups, take advantage of study sessions, ask questions when you study. If you need additional help take advantage of the tutoring options Links to an external site. on campus. One way to know if you have mastered the material is if you teach it to others. Also keep up with your assignments. It is easier to keep up than to catch up.
Check your schedule in your Student Center Links to an external site.. Do a final check to see classes in which you are enrolled and which ones you have waitlisted. In addition, your class times and locations may have changed, so you want to know where they are.
Accommodations. Your disclosure of a need / disability is always voluntary and confidential. If you would like an accommodation, you must self identify with the Office of Disability Services for Students (DSS) Links to an external site.. Complete the online request for services form and upload documentation if you have it available. Although you may request an accommodation at any time, some accommodations take more time to provide than others. Once you request services, you will be contacted by a disability coordinator. These services are confidential, may take time to put into place, and are forward moving. Every attempt will be made to accommodate qualified students with disabilities (e.g. mental health, learning, chronic health, physical, hearing, vision, etc.).
Common accommodations include:
- Extended time for exams
- Alternate media: accessible eText, braille, tactile diagrams
- Relocating classrooms, preferred seating, van services
- Sign language interpreters, CART, and video captions
- Referrals for equipping school computers with screen-reading, voice recognition, or other assistive software or hardware
- Referrals for loans of assistive technology
Use your resources! Ask for help! Take advantage of your Professors/TA office hours, Academic Advising Appointments, Career Coaching Appointments, any student groups or associations, help sessions, departmental tutoring, and other available help on campus. Check the Need Help page as well.