Module 7 – Preparing for Class

Success

Every successful person begins with two beliefs: the future can be better than the present, and I have the power to make it so. In order to get something you have never had, you need to do something you have never done. One of those things is preparation. Go into this endeavor with the determination and preparation to succeed. The items in this module will focus you in the right direction.

Goal Setting is an important task in your collegiate career. If you have never set goals, don’t worry, the information to the right will help you with the concepts.  Whether your goal is to complete a big class project, graduate in four years or get a job in your field within six months of graduation, make sure you write it down and look at it often. Ensure your goals follow the S.M.A.R.T. concept. After completing a goal or two, make sure you reward yourself for a job well done.

Specific: Is the goal specific to the circumstance? For instance, having a goal to graduate is not as specific as having a goal to graduate with an engineering degree in two years with less than $10,000 in debt.

Measurable: How will you measure your success? In the example above, you can measure the amount of debt you have  on your graduation day.

Attainable: Is your goal reachable? If you are an incoming new student working toward a four-year baccalaureate degree, the desire to graduate in two years is commendable but probably not attainable.

Relevant: Is the goal relevant to your situation? If you are currently majoring in English, graduating with an engineering degree is not relevant to you right now. It doesn’t mean you can’t change it, but ensure that it’s something relevant to you.

Time-based: When do you plan to achieve this goal by? This is another form of measurement. It can be a time range (two years) or even a deadline (by May 2020).

Blackboard and Tech Requirements

Tech fluency is an important concept, whether you are taking face-to-face courses or online courses. Course materials may include electronic documents such as audio or video files or interactive PDFs. It is important to be familiar with common computer applications, online programs and software and the university’s Learning Management System (Blackboard).

Blackboard is the University of Alaska’s web-based LMS that allows instructors to develop and deliver course materials online. Instructors use Blackboard to post documents, assignments, quizzes and exams, and to moderate forums and discussion boards. Students can use Blackboard to review the syllabus or course calendar, find and submit assignments, interact with other classmates and the instructor, and check their grades. Blackboard is used to deliver online courses and to complement face-to-face courses.

To ensure you are prepared for the first day of class, log in to Blackboard or your course website early to ensure you don’t have access issues. If you have trouble, try “syncing” your online accounts through ELMO. Still having trouble? Contact the OIT HelpDesk at helpdesk@alaska.edu or (907) 450-8300.

Textbooks and Course Materials

Now that you have registered for your courses, it’s time to prepare for the start of the semester. Follow these steps and determine what course materials you might need.

  1. Go to uaf.edu/bookstore.
  2. Hover your cursor over the top left menu “Books” and select “Textbooks & Course Materials.”
  3. You will need the following course information to see your required material: Term, Department, Course #, Section.
  4. Once you have completed this information, select “Submit,” and your required course will populate.
  5. Make special note of the unique ISBN in case you want to order your materials from another vendor.

There are several options for delivery. If you have not arrived on campus or are taking all online courses, you can have the course materials delivered directly to your current address. You can also have the order delivered to the UAF Bookstore for pick up at a later time. Whatever method you choose, be sure to order the materials for delivery in time for the first day of instruction.

STUDENT RESOURCES

Whether you are living on campus, off campus or taking all of your courses from a distance, these student resources can make you successful in your college courses. Click the link and/or view the video.

  1. Off-Campus Services at the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library. Need to write a research paper and don’t know where to start? Look here.
  2. OIT Help Desk can help with all your tech needs. This site also has software downloads, training videos and Wi-Fi assistance. Contact them online at helpdesk@alaska.edu or 907-450-8300.
  3. Math Services  are available for face-to-face as well as online students. Seek this resource if you are enrolled in a math or statistics course.
  4. Writing Center  is resource center for students who need assistance in any phase of the writing process.  Services are available for students located at the Fairbanks campus and for online and distance students.
  5. Disability Services can provide all UAF students with access and accommodations to academic courses and course materials. Contact them directly.

For Online Students

Did you complete the Online Success Lab? If you are a student taking eCampus courses, you will want to log into Blackboard (see below) and select the “eCampus” tab on the top menu bar. This will lead you to the Online Success Lab, which will describe online courses and how they are delivered.

TO COMPLETE THIS MODULE

Take the Quiz
Muskrat Photo by Todd Paris
<p class="menulargo"> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><a href="https://onlineorientation.uaf.edu/1-introduction/"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><img src="https://onlineorientation.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/624/2017/10/1.jpg" width="80" alt="Unit 1" /></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><a href="https://onlineorientation.uaf.edu/2-financial-wellness/"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><img src="https://onlineorientation.community.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/624/2017/10/2.jpg" width="80" alt="Unit 2" /><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><a href="https://onlineorientation.uaf.edu/3-academic-success/"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><img src="https://onlineorientation.community.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/624/2017/10/3.jpg" width="80" alt="Unit 3" /><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></a> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><a href="https://onlineorientation.uaf.edu/4-advising-registration/"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><img src="https://onlineorientation.community.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/624/2017/10/4.jpg" width="80" alt="Unit 4" /><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></a> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><a href="https://onlineorientation.uaf.edu/5-student-rights-responsibilities/"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><img src="https://onlineorientation.community.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/624/2017/10/5.jpg" width="80" alt="Unit 5" /><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></a> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><a href="https://onlineorientation.uaf.edu/6-campus-life/"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><img src="https://onlineorientation.community.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/624/2017/10/6.jpg" width="80" alt="Unit 6" /><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></a> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><span class="menulargo_active"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><a href="https://onlineorientation.uaf.edu/7-preparing-for-class/"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><img src="https://onlineorientation.community.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/624/2017/10/7.jpg" width="80" alt="Unit 7" /><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></a> <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></span><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><a href="https://onlineorientation.uaf.edu/8-academic-planning/"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><img src="https://onlineorientation.community.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/624/2017/10/8.jpg" alt="Unit 8" width="80" /><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><a href="https://onlineorientation.uaf.edu/9-get-going/"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><img src="https://onlineorientation.community.uaf.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/624/2017/10/9.jpg" alt="Unit 9" width="80" /><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></a><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->

UAF New Student Orientation

(907) 474-7500 - 800-478-1823
uaf-orientation@alaska.edu

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UAF eCampus

(907) 455-2060 - 800-277-8060
uaf-ecampus@alaska.edu

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