1. GUST 1270 College and Career Planning
Chapter 1 Notes
CHANGE:
Adjusting to the Culture
of College and Setting Your Goals

2. UNIT OBJECTIVES These lecture notes can help you:
Adjust to life as a college student
Determine how college helps beyond the classroom
Understand the demands/realities of your professors and the institution
Distinguish between high school, college, career
Eliminate roadblocks and negative attitudes
Create positive change through goal-setting

3. CHANGE
Life is about change, and about movement, and about becoming something other than what you are at this very moment. Change should never be avoided.
While experiencing change your body typically goes through different process, like physical and emotional changes.
Change brings about new experiences and your role changes
Once you enter college you will be forced to adjust your lifestyle

4. #1 Reason for attending college:
70.1% of first-year students stated:
“to be able to make more money”
Keep in mind that there are numerous reason why someone would attend college. It is not limited to anything, but personal in nature. You have to choose your own path and the reason you chose it.

5. MEAN ANNUAL EARNINGS (U.S. Census, 2004)
Men Men Men Men
$22, $32, $38, $63,503
Women Women Women Women
$13,459 $21, $23, $37,909
9th—12th Grade High School Associate’s Bachelor’s

6. SIX BASIC TRUTHS College is a two-way street Freedom is seldom free
You’re in charge here
Get to know “.com”
Have an open mind and be patient
This is not high school!

7. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE
Highly structured
Courses less demanding
Student is a “child;” the parent is responsible
Grades given to parents
Teachers call parents for a conference
Grades might reflect effort
School creates social and cultural activities to enhance education
Student can be suspended for disobeying rules
College
More flexible
Courses more demanding
Student is considered to be an adult
Grades given to student
Professors have no parental contact
Grades reflect performance
Student must find campus activities and organizations
Student can be dismissed from college permanently for disregarding rules

8. NEGATIVE REACTIONS TO CHANGE
Nervousness
Stress
Fear
Fatigue
Guilt and denial
Anger
Depression

9. ATTITUDES THAT HINDER CHANGE
“I Can’t” syndrome
Apathy (“I don’t care”)
Closed-mindedness
Unfounded anxiety
Fear of taking chances
Lack of motivation

10. POSITIVE REACTIONS TO CHANGE
Renewed sense of excitement
Heightened awareness
Energy
Sensitivity
Optimism
Belongingness
Happiness

11. TYPES OF GOALS Personal or self-improvement Academic Family
Community service
Social
Health
Financial
Spiritual
Career

12. ATTAINABLE GOALS Must be: Reasonable Believable Measurable Adaptable
Controllable
Desirable

13. Characteristics of Attainable Goals
The following characteristics will help you in your quest to bring about change though effective goal setting. Goals should be:
Reasonable- Your goal should be a challenge for you, but also within reach of your abilities.
Believable- To achieve a goal, you must really believe it is within your capacity to reach it.
Measurable- Your goals needs to be concrete and measurable in some ways. Avoid such phrases as “earn a lot” or “lose some weight”.
Adaptable- Your goals may need to be adapted to the changing circumstances of your life.
Controllable- Your goals should be within your own control; they should not depend on the whims or opinions of anyone else.
Desirable- To attain a difficult goal, you must want it very badly. You should never work toward something just because someone else want it.

14. WRITING AND ACHIEVING GOALS...
ACTION: Goal Statement
ACTION: Steps
Target Date
Narrative Statement (A MUST)
I Deserve Statement
Signature (A Commitment)

15. EVALUATING YOUR GOAL Do I really want to achieve this goal?
What is the payoff for me and for others?
Who will notice if I achieve this goal?
How realistic is this goal?
Do I need to reduce my expectations?

16. EVALUATING YOUR GOAL (cont’d.)
Can I control the factors for this goal?
Is the goal specific and measurable?
Does it contribute to my overall development?
How will I feel when I reach this goal?
Will my loved ones be proud of me?

17. UNIT REFLECTION Evaluate your reasons for attending college
Avoid the “freedom trap”
Use goal setting to direct life changes
Get involved with changes in life and learning
Focus on the positive and eliminate negative self-talk
Keep a sense of humor
Share experiences with friends and family
Be courageous by facing your fears
Be objective