Second Year Issues Calendar

For second year students, emphasis is placed on picking a major or career goal and students can easily feel stressed if they are still unsure. Make sure that your student knows that they have options and that there are resources especially for them. Encourage them to get involved to find out about their interests.

August

Issue:

Feelings of confusion and uncertainty may arise at the start of Sophomore Year; uncertainty about whether you want to be in college

Solution:

Talk with academic advisor about why you are here and what your plan is to graduate. Make attainable goals and objectives for your second year.

Issue:

Undeclared students may have feelings of anxiety because they are not sure what major to choose. Uncertain if major chosen is the right choice.

Solution:

Talk with an academic advisor and/or contact the Career Services Center to take an interest assessment.

Issue:

Less attention is focused on second year students about expectations and how things work

Solution:

Ask faculty/staff questions about things you are uncertain about.

September

Issue:

Making connections to the campus community is not as easy as it was during your first year because there aren’t many programs aimed at sophomores

Solution:

Check out the Student Life website to find ways to get involved. Take advantage of campus events.

Issue:

Stress and being overwhelmed is starting to take you on an emotional roller coaster

Solution:

Take care of your emotional well-being by visiting the Counseling and Psychological Services.

Issue:

Overwhelmed with trying to stay keep things prioritized and remembering class assignments and events. Increased procrastination.

Solution:

Purchase a planner from the bookstore to keep assignments and activities organized.

October

Issue:

Anxiety over mid-terms and projects due at the halfway point of the semester.

Solution:

Contact the Math and Writing Center, Multicultural Relations and Oak Hall for tutoring. Set up meetings with professors to discuss your success in the class.

Issue:

Homesickness and need of family support

Solution:

Attend Family Weekend activities hosted by New Student Programs.

November

Issue:

Economic anxiety: Funds are beginning to run out

Solution:

Search for on-campus job opportunities and create a budget

Issue:

Stress is starting to accumulate because the semester is about to end; worry about grades for the end of the semester

Solution:

Meet with your professors to talk about your progress in the class; start studying for finals early.

Issue:

Registration for Spring classes; feelings of uncertainty about major and what classes are needed.

Solution:

Meet with academic advisor

December

Issue:

Anxiety and fear increase as final exams and papers are due

Solution:

Write down all deadlines on a calendar and set aside time to study for test and prepare papers.

Issue:

Holiday depression; anxiety about seeing family over the holidays

Solution:

Visit the Counseling Center on campus; communicate feelings to family and engage in a healthy dialogue.

January

Issue:

Getting back into the groove of going to class, homework, studying, and co-curricular commitments

Solution:

Create a new calendar with all the new dates and times of commitments, test, and assignments for the semester.

February

Issue:

Thoughts of not having anything in common with friends made during first year of college.

Solution:

Look into ways to meet different people. Check out involvement opportunities and service projects on the CLCE website.

Issue:

Anxiety about career interest/internship

Solution:

Visit the Career Services to receive help with resume building, career/internship information

Issue:

Interest in Study Abroad but not sure how to go about it

Solution:

Visit the Study Abroad office and talk about possible options

Issue:

Anxiety about funding for next school term

Solution:

Look for information about scholarships/grants on the scholarship website;

March

Issue:

Spring Break is approaching and no plans have been made

Solution:

Consider using your spring break to do something constructive; Check out information about Alternative Spring Break

Issue:

Unsupervised Spring Break trip

Solution:

Be responsible; Discuss the logistics of trips with other attendees (financial, travel, etc.)

Issue:

Thinking about moving off-campus next year

Solution:

Make a pros and cons list about moving off-campus; Create a budget plan

April

Issue:

Mid-terms are approaching and procrastination increased due to Spring Break

Solution:

Keep track of test dates; Visit the Enhanced Learning Center

Issue:

Registration for Fall Classes

Solution:

Meet with Academic Advisor

Issue:

Social events add to procrastination and lack of focus

Solution:

Remember priorities

May

Issue:

Plans for the summer

Solution:

Consider taking summer classes; talk with Academic Advisor; Visit Career Services to find a summer job