Midterms Are Over. Now What?
Hopefully, most of your grades at this stage in the term are great, but you may be concerned about a class. We've gathered some helpful advice from peers and faculty below to help you build good habits and finish the semester strong.
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Act Now: It is crucial to evaluate tools and resources at your disposal to find out what may best work to improve the ability to get your goal grades
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Listen To Your Peers: Hear direct quotes from current and previous students to learn how they approach efforts after midterms
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Connect With Your Faculty: Often faculty are not viewed or used as the resource they are so be sure to read their take of next steps at this crucial point in the term
You've got this!
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Don't Wait To Be Surprised - Ensure you always know your grades. If they aren't posted, begin to connect with your faculty regularly to get such updates.
Reevaluate Your Time Management - Look for better ways to use your time in this second half of the term like going to an office hour at the same time every week or building in regular tutoring.
Think About What Went Right - It is important to understand your wins and successful strategies from the first half of the term to build on them.
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If you are concerned about a class it might be time to try one of these resources : | | Working with peers learning the same material allows you to work at a unique pace and gain differing perspectives that may help you learn. | | | Office Hours offer dedicated time your instructors are available to meet with students outside of class. You can ask questions and get additional support. | |
Our Peer Advisor Staff and Alumni are experienced students who are leaders at UConn and in their majors. While they connect with you weekly through email and are available to meet with, here are some of their helpful tips when connecting with faculty after midterms: | | |
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"If it is a group office hour session, I usually listen in on other's questions before thanking the professor for their help and bringing up specific problems that I have in mind."
Jordan Wang, Finance, 2021
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"I always introduce myself early in the semester so I feel more comfortable approaching the professor when I need help. Being able to come up with a plan helps me feel less overwhelmed and professors are there to help and guide you!"
Ellie Schmus, Business Administration, 2023
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"I try to participate, that way my professor sees that I’m actively engaging with the course material. If possible, I like to come with specific questions or powerpoint slides that I’m having difficulty understanding. That way, my professor can explain it more in-depth while I'm still being considerate of their time."
Aliyah Hayes, Finance, 2022
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"I would approach my professor by introducing myself with topics like letting them know why I am taking the class and ask them what they love about the class most. Another important question to ask would be how significant the textbook is to the class or exams to find out how diligently you should be reading it."
Sania Khan, Business Administration, 2021
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"First introduce yourself, if you have not already, at some point early in the semester. Then ask to talk in more depth to gain a better understanding and strategies for studying this material.”
Taso Kydes, Management Information Systems, 2021
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Connect With Your Faculty | |
How to Connect with Faculty
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Connect early in the semester to establish your goals in the course, areas you might struggle, or just to introduce yourself - this will make asking questions throughout more comfortable.
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Recognize your teachers are a resource, not just in taught material but in the field itself. If you are interested in a subject, be sure to connect to discuss their experience and opportunities they may share.
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Consider how to align your learning style with the way a class is taught. If you can explain what you need to be successful, many instructors would be happy to explore this with you.
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Lead with trying to understand your grade rather than get it changed. A conversation with faculty empowers both the instructor and the student to reflect together. Remember to approach office hours as a conversation, not a battle!
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Don't be nervous about following up on questions or requested help. If you don't get a response, it is likely faculty is focused on other classes or research for UConn - they are not intentionally ignoring your request! 3 - 5 business days is a typical turnaround during a busy season, so be professionally persistent but keep that timeline in mind.
Faculty want to see you succeed!
If you are struggling, connect with them immediately and see how they can help or what advice can be offered.
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How Can I Request A Virtual Meeting? | |
Try this template:
Good Morning/Afternoon Professor _______,
I would like to organize some time to connect with you outside of class due to some questions I have about _____________.
Are you available to meet virtually on Friday, March 25 at 2PM? If not, I am free on the following days and times: ________________. Please let me know what would be best for your schedule.
Thank you,
_______________
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Listen to the LAUNCH Podcast | | |
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Hear From Experts across UConn's campuses.
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Questions? Do you have a suggestion for academic resources that will help students while engaging in learning?
Email laila.chaoui@uconn.edu.
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