Attention Students! Feeling overwhelmed? Could you use some extra support? Make an appointment with a graduate assistant! These meetings will help you build the skills you need to be successful. They will tailor these meetings to your personal needs and work with you to keep you on track. Unlike the tutors available in the various academic centers, this program is designed to establish a foundation for your hard-work and ability by covering mixed topics such as time management tips for effective studying, organizational skills, how to reduce stress, improving memory skills, and much more.
Contact CAS for more information and to schedule an appointment: 508-999-8711.
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Effective Time Management: Making a Daily To-Do List
Commit yourself to time management and stress-reduction strategies. The following plan will help you to start the semester successfully:
- Write: Sit down every evening or every morning and write a to-do list for the day.
- Prioritize: Prioritize tasks according to importance and due date. Only include what you can reasonably complete in one day, and remember to plan for meals and sleep
- Consider Stress: Also consider level of stress associated with each task. For example, it may be best to put the tasks you dread the most at the top of your to-do list in order to "get them out of the way". It may also be helpful to consider when you have the most energy and focus during the day, and schedule more stressful tasks for those times.
- Remember to Relax: Do not forget to schedule time to relax or engage in things you enjoy! This will give you something to look forward to and will help to reduce stress throughout your day. For example, you may plan to get a coffee after 1 hour of studying, or may plan to read a magazine for 20 minutes for every few hours of writing a paper.
- Cross Tasks Off: Cross tasks off as you complete them - it will help to keep you motivated and provide satisfaction for your hard work.
- Reward Yourself: When you complete you to-do list for the day, reward yourself appropriately. This could mean going out with friends, walking around your favorite store, or giving yourself a manicure/pedicure. Get creative!
Feeling Stuck??
- Catch yourself when you're engaging in unproductive tasks and STOP as soon as possible.
- Go back to your to-do list and move on to the next task. If necessary, complete one of the smaller items to get yourself back on track and focused.
- Have others keep you accountable - let your roommate know what your plan is for the next hour and have them redirect you if you become distracted. Only try this with positive supports!
- Try chunking tasks into more manageable items. It may be that you've planned for too much at once and have become overwhelmed.
- Focus on the immediate task and project, and build up from there. Each project begins with one step.
- Ask yourself whyyou are procrastinating:
- Is it that you do not understand what is expected of you? If so, scheduling a time to meet with your professor may be helpful.
- Are other stressors or emotions clouding your thinking? Meet with someone in the counseling center, or open up to a friend to help problem-solve and refocus your mind.
- Are the proper tools or environment available? Seek out what you are able to change and take action: find a new study spot or purchase a 3-ring binder to organize materials.
- Remind yourself of your goals and visualize achieving those goals. Aiming for an A in Finance? Picture your personal satisfaction after receiving the grade, or picture yourself working in a dream job related to the class.
- Always remember campus resources: the Center for Access and Success is always available for support and advice, and graduate students are available for individual meetings.
Good Luck!!!
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