Get Help with Learning I have been hearing from some of you that you’re beginning to feel the academic crunch. Lots of reading and comprehension required, right? Get help with your academics sooner rather than later! Speak with your professor, create study groups with your classmates, and seek learning centers that will support you. Here are some campus resources that support you with your academics:
Are you considering majors within the Department of Health Sciences? Academic programs within this department include Athletic Training; Dietetics; Health Services Administration; Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Assessment and Promotion; Health Studies; or Public Health. The deadline to declare is September 15 so that you have access to courses required for the major during spring semester registration. Please email me your availability so that we can schedule a meeting to discuss declaring if you’re considering any of these programs. Withdrawing from JMU Deciding to leave JMU is a big decision, and often times, a difficult one. I’m not writing this because I want you to leave, but you may be thinking about it, and I want you to be informed. If you choose you want to leave an officially withdraw from the university, you must communicate with a number of offices on campus to officially withdraw from the University. Friday, September 12 is the last day to withdraw from the university with cancellation of tuition charges. On the Office of the Registrar’s website, there is a checklist of things to do as you prepare to leave JMU, including letting me know, communicating with your RA to properly check-out of your room, and completing paperwork to officially drop your coursework. As always, please let me know if you would like help navigating this process.
Is there a class you’re a little nervous about? In addition to meeting with your faculty during office hours for extra help, you can also get help from JMU Learning Centers! Here are some campus resources that are here to support you with your academics.
While attending these centers don’t have designated times on your calendar, block out time yourself to intentionally seek support. Don’t wait to get help until you’re having trouble in a class to get help. Seek help early to confirm your understanding and recognize where you have confusion before it becomes a larger problem.
Learning Accommodations
In High School, did your teachers frequently give you extra time for a test? Have teachers commonly give you any other accommodation to help you demonstrate your learning better? If these accommodations have been informally given, it is important for you to understand that informal accommodations will not happen in college unless you have a diagnosed learning disability registered with the Office of Disabilities Services (ODS). To potentially continue receiving accommodations that allow you to demonstrate your learning and knowledge of the material, I encourage you to seek out ODS for screening and referrals, because you will need appropriate documentation on file with ODS to receive accommodations at college.
Upcoming Blog Post Topics
Tuesday, August 19: This post will teach you about commuting on campus, dining options open before the first day of classes, and tips for Orientation! Friday, August 22: This post will inform you about drop-in hours to see your advisor, change your class schedule, and how to prepare for the first day of class.
