Issue No. 8

The Light At The END...

As your first semester as an Undeclared Student at KU winds down, you have, hopefully, found your way around campus, and utilized the many academic support services and campus resources available to you. There has been plenty happening over the past few weeks, with registering for Fall 2008 classes, completing last assignments, and now preparing for your finals exams.  The light at the end of the tunnel is certainly in sight, but this is not the time to coast.  It is important for you to stay engaged through your final exams.  

Preparing for Final Exams

Keep in mind that preparation is the key to successful test taking.  Take some time to make a study plan and review these tips:

o Know when, and where your finals are scheduled.  There is an official Final Exam Schedule which can be accessed through Online Student Services,  however confirm with your professor(s) the date, time, and location of each final. 

o Ask your professor(s) if the final will be comprehensive (covering content from the entire semester), or  focus on just a portion of the semester.

o Know what type of test format will be used for the final i.e. essay, multiple choice, short answer.  The following links provide excellent tips for preparing for a variety of exam formats.

True/False Tests
Multiple Choice Tests
Short Answer Tests
Open Book Tests
Essay Tests

o Estimate how long it will take you to prepare for each exam, then schedule that time over several days or weeks.   Don't try to cram for your final exams.

o Get plenty of rest and be sure to eat well.

Decided on a Major???
Remember, you must complete and submit an Undergraduate Curricular/Advisement Change form before August 29, 2008 for that choice to be reviewed and considered for the fall 2008 semester. You will find the form available in the department office for the major that you are interested in declaring. For the timely processing of your choice, plan to submit the form before you leave for the summer break.

Summer Study at Another College/University
If you are registered for summer courses at another college or university, remember to complete the Request for Permission to Study at Another College form before leaving for your summer break to verify that the course(s) you are planning to take meets the requirement that you think it will for a general education requirement, or specific course for a major you are considering. Pick up the form in the Registrar's Office, 115 Stratton Administration.

Academic Alert/Notification
If, after your spring 2008 grades are posted, you receive a letter from the Registrar's Office stating that you are on Academic Alert/ Notification, it is essential that you contact the Coordinator of the Academic Jeopardy Program during the summer break, or during Drop and Add Days to discuss a plan to help you return to good academic standing.

Fall 2008 Drop and Add Days
Remember Drop & Add Days through your Online Student Services account will be Thursday, August  21 - Friday, Aug. 29, 2008. Staff Advisors will be available to assist you in the Advising Center for Undeclared Students on a first-come-first-served policy, Tuesday, August 26 through Friday, August 29.

If you have any questions and/or concerns during the summer break,  staff from the Advising Center for Undeclared Students will be available, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., at 610-683-4735, or advisingcenter@kutztown.edu. Closed daily for lunch,  Noon - 1:00 p.m.

From the Staff in the Advising Center for Undeclared Students, we wish you a very relaxing summer break. 

Monday, May 5 - Friday, May 9
Final Exams

Saturday, May 10
Spring Commencement Ceremonies

Summer Session I
Wed., May 28 - Thurs., June 26

Summer Session II
Mon., July 7 - Thurs., Aug 7
 

Fall 2008

Monday, August 25
Fall 2008 classes begin; 6:00 p.m.

Monday, September 1
LABOR DAY - No Classes

Tuesday, September 2
Calendar Adjustment Day
Follow Monday Schedule

Dear Advisor,

I wasn't able to register for classes because I had restrictions. What do I do about getting a Fall 2008 schedule?

Panicking, Kutztown, PA

Dear Panicking,

If you have not yet met for  your advising appointment to review course selection, you will need to schedule an appointment with a Staff Advisor even though you may also have restrictions to clear. As an Undeclared Student you are "blocked" for registration by the Director of the Advising Center for Undeclared Students. Being "blocked" means that you will be unable to register for classes because it is mandatory for Undeclared Students to meet with a Staff Advisor prior to registration to review academic progress and discuss your plans for each semester

Once you are unblocked by an Advisor, and have cleared all restrictions, then you will be able to register for classes during Drop and Add Days, Tuesday, August 26 - Friday, August 29, 2008.

It would best to schedule your advising appointment before the end of this semester. Call Advising Center for Undeclared Students, 610-683-4735, or visit 119 Stratton Administration to schedule it.

Have a question of your own? You can email your questions directly to advisingcenter@kutztown.edu Please type “Dear Advisor” in the subject line of your email. Your questions will be answered within a few business days, and may even appear in the Golden Bear Advice Column.

ON TRACK will address issues and concerns a First-year Undeclared Student may experience. Review the articles, websites, and suggestions in each issue to help you succeed at KU, and in your future career. If you have suggestions or comments for future issues, please contact us through the information listed below. We look forward to hearing from you.