Student Planner 2007-2008

• Your UM-St. Louis Bulletin and Student Planner are your guidebooks to the University. Keep copies of both readily available and look through them. Search here first for answers to your questions. Course descriptions and the Student Code of Conduct are a couple of things included in these resources. Both these documents are on the Web and can be found in most offices and the bookstore.
  
  
• The Schedule of Courses is another document that you should look through and keep throughout the semester. It includes the General Fee Schedule as well as important semester dates. It can cost you lots of money to drop classes or withdraw, depending on the date.
  
  
• The Division of Student Affairs provides a 30-page magazine "The College Student's Guide to Success." This magazine covers everything from time management to learning styles and stress relievers. Get a copy and read it. Find them on display in the Millennium Student Center.
  
  
• Plan ahead and don't procrastinate. Pay attention for the first available date on which you can register for classes and do it. Get ahead and stay ahead in your class assignments. Always being late and behind is very stressful and usually results in poorer options and sloppy work, resulting in lower grades.
  
  
• Carefully consider your major as well as minor and/or certificate. The education you receive now is the foundation for the rest of your life. Take some time; don't opt for the easy way out. Don't look at any course as "just get through it". Get your money's worth; learn everything you can. You will leave with a much better résumé and decision-making base of knowledge for your future life choices.
  
  
• Make friends and begin establishing a professional network. Successful people attribute their success to all the help and support they had on the way.
  
  
• Avoid academic disaster by (1) seeking advising assistance, and learn your degree requirements, (2) talking to your faculty member immediately if problems occur and taking action to solve the problem - problems don't go away or get better with time (3) understanding that the faculty member is in charge of their class; a good grade means following their syllabus and paying attention to the way they intend to grade your work. They have the right and responsibility to set the standards for their class. Accept this.
  
  
• Take care of your health. Moderation is the answer for any activity, food, or drink. Sleep is not an option; it is a necessity for learning and living well. The body you damage now is yours to live with the rest of your life.