Where are we now? Progress Grade GPA Students GPA 3.00-4.00 1,655 48.2% GPA 2.50-2.99 612 17.8% GPA 2.00-2.49 494 14.4% GPA 1.50-1.99 306 8.9% GPA 0.00-1.49 360 10.5% Withdrawn 28

Where are we in FYE 1101-F01? Students A 75 54.0% B 28 20.1% C 13 9.4% 7.2% F

Where are we now? GPA Plan Use your GPA Plan that you created at freshman.msstate.edu. As we have said throughout the semester, a plan does not carry much value if you don’t compare your actual results to your plan. You set a goal GPA. You developed a plan that will achieve that GPA. At least once a week, log back in and compare your actual grades to your plan. Are you going to achieve your target grades or not? Do you need to modify your plan? Do you need to modify your goal? If you click the Tool icon at the left side of any line, you can read some detailed information about your plan and your grade in that class. You can make any kind of notes you want to record for yourself, such as listing any strategy you have for improving a grade in a class. Remember, setting a goal, making a plan – a real plan, including steps that you are going to take to achieve that plan – and comparing your actual results to your plan, and making adjustments if necessary, can truly help you on the road to academic success. We have five weeks of class left. There is time to make a difference, but the job is on your shoulders. If you want to talk about any of this with anyone, always feel free to contact your Navigator, the Center for Student Success, or us, your teachers.

Upcoming Due Dates Mon, Nov 6: MSU activity #2 due Mon, Nov 13: Navigator appointment #2 due Mon, Nov 20: Situational Analysis #2 due Mon, Nov 27: 1-page paper (submitted online) Activity: 3 opportunities remain: one on Wednesday, two on Friday

FYE 1001 Freshmen Success Strategies Balancing College Life: Walking the Tightrope

“Life is like riding a bicycle “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. “ - Albert Einstein What are some ways in which your life could become out of balance during your first year of college? What are some things you could do to ensure this does not happen?

What does it mean to be balanced? Is it the same for everyone? As a college student, achieving balance could be described as maintaining some sort of equilibrium in four main areas: Academic Psychological Physical Financial

ACADEMIC BALANCE Who agrees with this?? Who Disagrees? Why? Academic balance can be described as a state in which you are meeting the requirements of all your courses and are passing them. Achieving academic balance includes understanding material in each course you are taking, planning for each course, and executing the requirements for each course successfully. Who agrees with this?? Who Disagrees? Why?

WAYS TO MAINTAIN ACADEMIC BALANCE 1.) Understand how college is different from high school 2.) Learn how to organize your materials and courses 3.) Connect with campus resources that can help you be successful 4.) Plan ahead 5.) Know your learning style 6.) Use appropriate techniques for reading, listening, and writing in college 7.) Follow the schedule you mapped out for yourself as best you can

PSYCHOLOGICAL BALANCE Psychological balance is when you think, feel, and behave in ways that are helpful to you in achieving your goals in life. You should be able to complete your daily living activities (such as bathing, dressing, eating) and feel a sense of well-being most days.

Participate in extra-curricular activities Make friends What are some ways to maintain psychological balance? Participate in extra-curricular activities Make friends Maintain daily activities (go to class!) Use social support networks to help you when you feel out of balance Get additional help when you need it

PHYSICAL BALANCE Physical balance is a state in which your physical body is in equilibrium. There are many things we can do to help ourselves to stay in physical balance – such as incorporating healthy diet and exercise into our routine. Sometimes we cannot control if we are in physical balance or not, like if we get sick.

What are some ways to maintain physical balance? Eating healthy and eating the right amount Exercising daily Getting enough sleep Visiting the doctor when needed Most things in moderation

FINANCIAL BALANCE Financial balance is when you are able to pay your bills, including tuition, books, food, lodging, etc. There are situations in which parents, relatives, or friends may help you pay your bills. However, having financial balance means that you are able to maintain your share of your living expenses. Maintaining balance in your spending habitats during college might make the difference between financial success and financial ruin in college. Who here has student loans? Who here has a credit card? Student loans can be the deciding factor in whether or not a student is able to attend a particular college.

Ways to Be More Frugal on a Student Budget By billcutterz.com 1. Stick to your budget. 2. Eat at home. 3. Buy a coffee pot. 4. Save on the big things. Do your research! 5. Use cash. 6. Find free entertainment. SANDWICH PRICE CALCULATOR

10 Tips for Finding Life Balance in College By Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D. 1. Set Realistic Goals. 2. Learn to Study Effectively. 3. Learn to Better Manage Your Time. Avoid Procrastination. 4. Eat Well. 5. Exercise Regularly 6. Take Charge. Set Priorities. 7. Simplify. 8. Let Things Go. (Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.) 9. Explore Your Options. Get Help. 10. Know When It's Time to Quit.

After-Class Activity (course packet page 14) We have an online activity after each class. Follow the instructions on page 14 to complete tonight’s activity. The activities are due at 11:59pm each Tuesday night. Finally, every Tuesday, we will have an online activity. These are always quite short, and you can even do them on your phone. You can do it immediately after class, before you even leave the room, so you’re sure that you completed it. This is one point each week, so 15 total points of your grade.

If you did not scan your id card… Be sure to come talk to the designated Navigator after class. Attendance is part of the grade in this class. Be sure to bring your id card, and be sure to scan successfully every week.