For new and returning students at Sinclair Community College, getting back into a routine may prove to be stressful after a summer off. To help, Counselor Eric Henderson has advice for students to get them through fall semester.
“Gearing up for fall means getting your mind set in the right place as far as motivation, organization, knowing where your classes are and getting connected with resources on campus,” Henderson said.
Henderson believes that one of the biggest things that a student can do to benefit their experience in college is to not be afraid to ask questions.
“One of the big things I would encourage is asking questions,” he said. “I try to tell all students that no one else is paying to be here except you and you need to get all your questions answered before you leave the classroom, even if it’s after the class.”
Although new students can take part in the new student orientation that is offered, Henderson also believes it is important to explore the campus and know your resources.
“There’s a lot of different departments on campus that can assist with different things,” he said. “We have tutoring in the library for a wide array of classes, we have the writing center, we have counseling services that can help students with academic skills and personal counseling, as well as career services.”
Henderson also said that a good way to be involved is to get a job on campus so a student can feel more welcome.
“Get involved and find ways to be active on campus — form study groups, join a student club or consider working on campus,” he said.
For those students who are having trouble getting out of the summer mind-frame and back into a regular routine, Henderson said it is advisable to set goals.
“I would encourage them to set goals for themselves for the fall term,” he said. “What is it that you want to accomplish. Is it certain grades that you want to get, is it a certain GPA? Do you want to make connections in your classes?”
For students who are having trouble getting on a regular sleep schedule, Henderson said that it is important for students to know what they can handle and take time to make adjustments.
“If you are a person who does not like morning classes, you can register early so you don’t get them,” he said. “Pick classes at the time frame you know you can make and be alert for in the future,” he said.
Checking your Sinclair Google email is also something that Henderson advises for students.
“Check your Sinclair Google email at least weekly — many departments, including Financial Aid, communicate through this email. If you don’t check it, you may miss important things that you need to know,” Henderson said.
Procrastination is another issue that Henderson has noticed with students.
“Avoid the procrastination trap — instead of telling yourself I can do this later, tell yourself that you can get it done now and have fun later,” he said. “It’s the beginning of the term where there’s excitement on campus, so you want to get going in the right direction.”