2008 Woodie Awards
Crunch Time
As end of school nears, responsibilities become larger
By: Brian McLean
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: News
Spring Break is over.
Beach sunsets have been replaced by textbooks. Exotic locales sitting on towels in a sandy sunlight have been replaced by classrooms and metal desks.
As students return from their seasonal reprieve, this semester's remaining seven weeks may seem like a rude awakening.
Yet students should not squander the remainder of their academic year, experts say. Whether it is signing a major, scheduling an audit or arranging a job - students have things to do besides hide in their rooms, hoping to survive until school ends.
The procrastinator
For some students, the final seven-week stretch may contain more than seven weeks' worth of work.
Semester's end brings to the forefront reading and work that seemed like it could wait until another day. It can seem overwhelming, said Michelle Howard, associate dean and director of Academic Advising and Assistance.
"That pressure can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety," she said.
She suggested students should take the time to seriously examine their academic calendars and to meet with professors if the workload seems daunting.
The deadline for course withdrawal is March 21, but Howard said students only should use withdrawal as a last resort.
Withdrawals leave a "W" on students' transcripts, and though one or two is permissible, a trend is unsettling, she said.
"A pattern would be more of a concern," Howard said.
Michael Owens, associate dean of graduate studies, said many students do not realize their dire academic situation until even later in the semester.
"It doesn't come to the surface in large part coming off break," he said, adding that, by the end of the term, "the reality is kind of starting to set in."
Getting ready for next year
Finals are not the end of the road, however.
Many students plan to return for the next academic year, and Howard suggested they plan for next semester.
Students with nearing the completion of 56 credits should sign their majors, she said. After that point, students are unable to schedule for courses unless they have signed a major.
Beach sunsets have been replaced by textbooks. Exotic locales sitting on towels in a sandy sunlight have been replaced by classrooms and metal desks.
As students return from their seasonal reprieve, this semester's remaining seven weeks may seem like a rude awakening.
Yet students should not squander the remainder of their academic year, experts say. Whether it is signing a major, scheduling an audit or arranging a job - students have things to do besides hide in their rooms, hoping to survive until school ends.
The procrastinator
For some students, the final seven-week stretch may contain more than seven weeks' worth of work.
Semester's end brings to the forefront reading and work that seemed like it could wait until another day. It can seem overwhelming, said Michelle Howard, associate dean and director of Academic Advising and Assistance.
"That pressure can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety," she said.
She suggested students should take the time to seriously examine their academic calendars and to meet with professors if the workload seems daunting.
The deadline for course withdrawal is March 21, but Howard said students only should use withdrawal as a last resort.
Withdrawals leave a "W" on students' transcripts, and though one or two is permissible, a trend is unsettling, she said.
"A pattern would be more of a concern," Howard said.
Michael Owens, associate dean of graduate studies, said many students do not realize their dire academic situation until even later in the semester.
"It doesn't come to the surface in large part coming off break," he said, adding that, by the end of the term, "the reality is kind of starting to set in."
Getting ready for next year
Finals are not the end of the road, however.
Many students plan to return for the next academic year, and Howard suggested they plan for next semester.
Students with nearing the completion of 56 credits should sign their majors, she said. After that point, students are unable to schedule for courses unless they have signed a major.
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