MUSE - A Spartan Scholar from the Start: Keys to Success
Keys to Success
Here are some key ideas to increase your chances of success at SJSU.
They are divided into three areas
- Academic Success
- University Life and
- Personal Growth
A common theme that connects all of the “keys” is the
need to take personal responsibility for actions and behaviors that
lead to success as a university student. Many of the suggestions offered
below are discussed further in the rest of this guide.
Academic Success
- Set high expectations and standards for yourself—you’ll
enjoy your studies more and get more out of your college career.
- Don’t shy away from classes that provide opportunities to
work on skills for which you need more practice.
- Read the catalog and class schedule—they have lots of crucial
information, such as important dates (drop and add deadlines are
firm), academic rules, degree requirements, and your rights and
responsibilities as a student.
- Keep a calendar and review it daily.
- Be organized.
- Use your professors’ office hours. Ask questions and get
to know a few of them well—you may need a reference someday.
- Become familiar with the many student services that are available
to help you at SJSU.
- Keep everything the university sends you because you may need
it later. Write down the name (and date) of any university employees
who have given you some advice.
- Track your grades so you always know what your GPA is and whether
you need to work on improving it.
- Read the SJSU policy on academic dishonesty. Don’t cheat
and don’t help others to cheat. Demonstrate integrity in all
of your work.
- Be sure you are proficient with basic technology (e-mail, word,
spreadsheets, presentation software, Internet searching, and perhaps
even Web page design).
- Continue to work on improving your verbal and written communication
skills—you’ll find that you really only know what you
can communicate.
- Come to class as prepared as you expect your professor to be.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Have a plan for completing your degree. Know what you need to
do to graduate.
- Take pride in your work. Don’t turn in papers that are messy
or disorganized.
- Your work is a reflection of you—be sure it is your best.
University Life at SJSU
- “Join” your university—meet people, take advantage
of resources and activities. Read the Spartan Daily and SJSU Web
site to find out what is happening on campus.
- Visit the Career Center every year—don’t wait until
your senior year. There is a lot of information there to help you
select a major, meet professionals in your chosen career path, and
find jobs and internships. Sign up for the center’s e-mail
reminder service.
Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit
- Don’t forget about your family and friends once you’re
on campus. They can still provide an important support network for
you—even if only by phone or e-mail.
- Be able to learn from your mistakes. Learn from the comments
you receive from your professors and even other group members in
class. Think of criticism as a learning and growth opportunity.
- Don’t neglect your health. Make time for exercise, eating
right, and getting adequate rest.
- Be sure you know stress reduction techniques and practice them.
- Take advantage of the tremendous diversity at SJSU. Meet people
who are different from you in some way—find commonalities,
see how differences lead to learning opportunities by expanding
your frame of reference.
- Take advantage of your time at SJSU to broaden your horizons—sign-up
for an Associated Students recreation activity, attend a concert
or lecture, join a student club.
Additionaly information on academic
success and plagiarism
can be found online.
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