The new semester is finally here! Classes at UT started on August 17. It was different to be on the administrative side of the new semester instead of the student side of the semester. I am still taking classes, though. This semester I have Environmental Ethics. Looks like it will be a good class.
A few days after the semester started, a nontraditional student came into the office looking for tutoring help. We chatted for a bit. She has been out of school 11 years. Another friend of mine, the wife of a gentleman I used to work with a couple years ago, is also going back to school. I encouraged both ladies and told them to keep going.
As a nontrad, do you feel overwhelmed by this new semester? You're not alone. There is a whole community of nontrads out there who feel the same way. Here a couple of tips to calm those first semester nerves:
1. Break tasks down into bite sized pieces. Instead of looking at the syllabus for the whole semester and stressing out over it, take things one task at a time.
2. Form study groups in your classes. One prof of mine (Dr. Michael Clark - Geology) insisted on study groups for his classes because he said that students do better when they study in groups rather than alone.
3. Make use of the prof's office hours. Dr. Goodding (Indian Philosophy)lamented that no one ever came to see him during his office hours. That's the case for most profs. Their office hours are their time with/for you. Take advantage of it.
4. Reread your notes and keep track of the readings. Don't get behind. Read ahead if you have time.
5. Take a deep breath and take one day off of studying for some much needed refuel time.
College can be overwhelming at any age. Remember to take it in smaller pieces and you will get more done. Hang in there. I am rooting for you!! Stay tuned . . .
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Gearing Up for the Fall Semester
It's hard to believe that the summer is halfway over and we have less than a month left of summer school here at UT. The fall semester starts August 17 for the Vols. Even though I have graduated, I am still taking classes - at least one a semester. I love to learn, classes are free for UT employees and now I can take classes just for the fun of it. Besides, I need continuing fodder for this blog!
There are three types of nontrads out there: rookie, half-way and veteran. Each type of nontrad has different needs, but the same goal - to get their degree. How do each of the different types of nontrads prepare for the new semester?
1. Rookie: It's all new to you, you may be a little scared and intimidated, and you may be very uncertain. Relax. A few tips to help the rookie prepare for the fall semester are:
a. A week before you start classes, get a map of the campus and scope out where your classes are. That way, you will not get lost on the way to class. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your campus - locations of the library, student union, your major department and where to park.
b. Don't wait until the last minute to get your books, supplies, etc. Avoid the rush by visiting your campus bookstore early. Other options for textbooks are - online rentals, book sharing, and off-campus used book bookstores. Collegiate logo notebooks and folders are more expensive than the generic brand. The Wal-Mart brand is just as good.
c. If you know who the teacher/prof is ahead of time, drop them an email and introduce your self - something like, "Dear Dr. Smith, my name is Jane Doe and I am going to be in your Tuesday/Thursday 9am Art History class. I look forward to a great class and a good semester." Yes, that seems kind of corny, but when they call roll, your name will already be familiar.
d. Get your laptop registered with the OIT office. Here at UT, first time network users have to register their computers with campus OIT so they can hook into the campus wide wi-fi network. This is another thing that should not wait until last minute as it usually takes about 15-20 minutes to do. You don't want to waste the first 15 minutes of class getting your laptop registered.
2. Half-way: You've been on campus (or online) for at least a semester, so you are familiar with most of the ins and outs of the academic process. However, there may be a few things you have not thought of - things like-
a. Check with the registrar's office to make sure you are on track with your classes. Are you taking what you will need to graduate? Do you need to petition any courses from your previous school? Don't wait until the last minute, like a month before you are supposed to graduate, to make sure you will graduate!
b. Don't leave your hard subjects for the last semester. Grit your teeth and get through math, foreign language or English now. That way, if you don't do so good in the class, you still have time to make it up.
c. Do it now! Here at UT, we are required to fill out a graduation application a year prior to graduation so the Registrar's office can track us to make sure we are on target to graduate. However, with over 6,000 graduates, sometimes that gets a little sticky. Don't rely on the Registrar's office to get your final paperwork done. Start on it ahead of time if possible.
3. Veteran: Been there, done that, can't wait to graduate. You might either have 'tude coming out your ears, or you're making the mad dash to make sure you have all the classes required to graduate (like I did my last year!).
a. Check your graduation report (or here at UT, it's a DARS - Degree Audit Reporting System) to make sure you have what you need to graduate.
b. Pay your fines/fees. An unpaid parking ticket can and will hold your final grades and, possibly, your diploma. Also, make sure all your library books are returned and your tuition is paid up.
Whatever your status as a nontrad, make this semester count! There's nothing like the smell of academia in the morning! Stay tuned . . .
There are three types of nontrads out there: rookie, half-way and veteran. Each type of nontrad has different needs, but the same goal - to get their degree. How do each of the different types of nontrads prepare for the new semester?
1. Rookie: It's all new to you, you may be a little scared and intimidated, and you may be very uncertain. Relax. A few tips to help the rookie prepare for the fall semester are:
a. A week before you start classes, get a map of the campus and scope out where your classes are. That way, you will not get lost on the way to class. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your campus - locations of the library, student union, your major department and where to park.
b. Don't wait until the last minute to get your books, supplies, etc. Avoid the rush by visiting your campus bookstore early. Other options for textbooks are - online rentals, book sharing, and off-campus used book bookstores. Collegiate logo notebooks and folders are more expensive than the generic brand. The Wal-Mart brand is just as good.
c. If you know who the teacher/prof is ahead of time, drop them an email and introduce your self - something like, "Dear Dr. Smith, my name is Jane Doe and I am going to be in your Tuesday/Thursday 9am Art History class. I look forward to a great class and a good semester." Yes, that seems kind of corny, but when they call roll, your name will already be familiar.
d. Get your laptop registered with the OIT office. Here at UT, first time network users have to register their computers with campus OIT so they can hook into the campus wide wi-fi network. This is another thing that should not wait until last minute as it usually takes about 15-20 minutes to do. You don't want to waste the first 15 minutes of class getting your laptop registered.
2. Half-way: You've been on campus (or online) for at least a semester, so you are familiar with most of the ins and outs of the academic process. However, there may be a few things you have not thought of - things like-
a. Check with the registrar's office to make sure you are on track with your classes. Are you taking what you will need to graduate? Do you need to petition any courses from your previous school? Don't wait until the last minute, like a month before you are supposed to graduate, to make sure you will graduate!
b. Don't leave your hard subjects for the last semester. Grit your teeth and get through math, foreign language or English now. That way, if you don't do so good in the class, you still have time to make it up.
c. Do it now! Here at UT, we are required to fill out a graduation application a year prior to graduation so the Registrar's office can track us to make sure we are on target to graduate. However, with over 6,000 graduates, sometimes that gets a little sticky. Don't rely on the Registrar's office to get your final paperwork done. Start on it ahead of time if possible.
3. Veteran: Been there, done that, can't wait to graduate. You might either have 'tude coming out your ears, or you're making the mad dash to make sure you have all the classes required to graduate (like I did my last year!).
a. Check your graduation report (or here at UT, it's a DARS - Degree Audit Reporting System) to make sure you have what you need to graduate.
b. Pay your fines/fees. An unpaid parking ticket can and will hold your final grades and, possibly, your diploma. Also, make sure all your library books are returned and your tuition is paid up.
Whatever your status as a nontrad, make this semester count! There's nothing like the smell of academia in the morning! Stay tuned . . .
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Summer School
I am enjoying my summer school class, Cultural Anthropology. It is nice to be in class and not be stressed out about it - I am taking this class for fun. Last night we were talking about material possessions and how they relate to our identity. The teacher asked the class the following question, "You are in a foreign country and don't speak the language. What five things would you take with you that would tell the people of that country about you?" I chose: a picture of my children, my diploma, a book, my Bible and an American flag. It's been a very interesting class so far.
I have blogged before about the advantages of summer school. I think that deserves a re-visit:
Good Things about Summer School
1. No tan line
2. You don't smell like sunscreen
3. You don't need to wear a hat
4. That Philosophy class you were dreading is only 8 weeks long
5. Not as much homework
6. No sand in your bikini bottom
7. You can wear your Birkenstocks and Bermuda shorts and fit right in
8. Smaller classes
9. Your teacher has his "office hours" at Starbucks
10. It's ok to take your shoes off
11. It's still daylight out when you get out of class at 9pm
If you're new to the nontrad community, summer school, especially at the community college, is worth a second look. The atmosphere is more casual and not as intense, although you only have 8 weeks for the class as opposed to 16. Think about it! Stay tuned . . .
I have blogged before about the advantages of summer school. I think that deserves a re-visit:
Good Things about Summer School
1. No tan line
2. You don't smell like sunscreen
3. You don't need to wear a hat
4. That Philosophy class you were dreading is only 8 weeks long
5. Not as much homework
6. No sand in your bikini bottom
7. You can wear your Birkenstocks and Bermuda shorts and fit right in
8. Smaller classes
9. Your teacher has his "office hours" at Starbucks
10. It's ok to take your shoes off
11. It's still daylight out when you get out of class at 9pm
If you're new to the nontrad community, summer school, especially at the community college, is worth a second look. The atmosphere is more casual and not as intense, although you only have 8 weeks for the class as opposed to 16. Think about it! Stay tuned . . .
Monday, June 27, 2011
Empty Nesting as a Nontrad
I knew that day would come - the day when all my children would "fly the coop" and be out on their own. For me, that day came in August of 2010 when my daughter went away to school in Georgia. I did not have much time to reflect on my empty nest, however, because I was entering the last year of my undergrad work at the University of Tennessee. I think perhaps my own busyness with school acted as a buffer for the realization that I had an empty nest.
I also faced the empty nest alone as I had recently divorced my husband of 24 years. I am in a much better place now. My life is much more peaceful without him (but that's another story for another blog).
I am dating a man who is also facing the empty nest - sort of. His daughter is in school in Georgia and his son is here at UT (and makes the 30 mile drive home once a month during the school year). Bob has a host of hobbies to keep himself busy - cycling, model airplaning, square dancing - as well as a large circle of friends. He's a real renaissance man. We talk a great deal about our children and about empty nesting.
One of the major characteristics of a nontrad is that our busy lives continue on even though we are in school. We have children, aging parents, a mortgage, pets, carpools, cupcakes, Girl Scout cookies, sports teams, dance recitals, etc. to balance with our studies. Whew! I applaud my fellow nontrads as they negotiate through the sea of life!!
So how does one face the empty nest as a nontrad? First of all, are you facing the empty nest with a spouse or alone? If it's with a spouse, this is the time to get to know one another all over again. Take time to include your spouse in your school experience (if possible). For example, take your spouse to some of the cultural activities on campus, go to a sporting event (football, basketball, etc.) together, give him or her a tour of the campus, take him or her out for ice cream at the Student Center.
If you are facing the empty nest alone, make some time for friends who may be in the same age and stage of their life as you. Get involved with folks from your church, or from the community. If you don't have a circle of friends or a support system in place, now is the time to develop that. First rule of coping with the empty nest: DON'T go through it alone! Now is the time figure out who YOU are, as a student and as a person. It's a great opportunity to know thyself as well as to spend time with those special friends in your life.
Nontrads go through the same life stages as anyone else. We just experience those stages with a backpack slug over our shoulder! Kudos to my fellow nontrads who are empty nesting on their way to completing their degree. Stay tuned . . .
I also faced the empty nest alone as I had recently divorced my husband of 24 years. I am in a much better place now. My life is much more peaceful without him (but that's another story for another blog).
I am dating a man who is also facing the empty nest - sort of. His daughter is in school in Georgia and his son is here at UT (and makes the 30 mile drive home once a month during the school year). Bob has a host of hobbies to keep himself busy - cycling, model airplaning, square dancing - as well as a large circle of friends. He's a real renaissance man. We talk a great deal about our children and about empty nesting.
One of the major characteristics of a nontrad is that our busy lives continue on even though we are in school. We have children, aging parents, a mortgage, pets, carpools, cupcakes, Girl Scout cookies, sports teams, dance recitals, etc. to balance with our studies. Whew! I applaud my fellow nontrads as they negotiate through the sea of life!!
So how does one face the empty nest as a nontrad? First of all, are you facing the empty nest with a spouse or alone? If it's with a spouse, this is the time to get to know one another all over again. Take time to include your spouse in your school experience (if possible). For example, take your spouse to some of the cultural activities on campus, go to a sporting event (football, basketball, etc.) together, give him or her a tour of the campus, take him or her out for ice cream at the Student Center.
If you are facing the empty nest alone, make some time for friends who may be in the same age and stage of their life as you. Get involved with folks from your church, or from the community. If you don't have a circle of friends or a support system in place, now is the time to develop that. First rule of coping with the empty nest: DON'T go through it alone! Now is the time figure out who YOU are, as a student and as a person. It's a great opportunity to know thyself as well as to spend time with those special friends in your life.
Nontrads go through the same life stages as anyone else. We just experience those stages with a backpack slug over our shoulder! Kudos to my fellow nontrads who are empty nesting on their way to completing their degree. Stay tuned . . .
Comments on Comments - Encouraging Words
I receive many great comments on this blog. Thank you to all who leave a few words of encouragement, of clarification, etc. It's great to hear about other non-trads' experiences.
Douglas commented that his last experience with college was rough because of ADHD. Now that he is aware of the ADHD, he can better tailor his college experience to work around how the ADHD affects his life. How many other nontrads are facing a similar situation? Kudos to Douglas as forges ahead and achieves his goals!
Jan commented that she will be writing an MA dissertation this summer. That's another good way to battle summer brain drain - writing! Good luck to Jan as she soldiers through writing and defending her thesis.
I am proud of all my fellow nontrads who are working through a multitude of experiences and life situations in order to obtain their degrees. I think of the STARS group at Pellissippi State - Blount County, Studentmum, Michael Dicianna and others who are focusing on their academics as life happens all around them. It takes a great deal of fortitude and focus to be a nontrad. Hang in there, stay focused and keep moving toward your degree. Let us know how it's going!! Stay tuned . . .
Douglas commented that his last experience with college was rough because of ADHD. Now that he is aware of the ADHD, he can better tailor his college experience to work around how the ADHD affects his life. How many other nontrads are facing a similar situation? Kudos to Douglas as forges ahead and achieves his goals!
Jan commented that she will be writing an MA dissertation this summer. That's another good way to battle summer brain drain - writing! Good luck to Jan as she soldiers through writing and defending her thesis.
I am proud of all my fellow nontrads who are working through a multitude of experiences and life situations in order to obtain their degrees. I think of the STARS group at Pellissippi State - Blount County, Studentmum, Michael Dicianna and others who are focusing on their academics as life happens all around them. It takes a great deal of fortitude and focus to be a nontrad. Hang in there, stay focused and keep moving toward your degree. Let us know how it's going!! Stay tuned . . .
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