This document provides 5 tips for being a successful student at Calhoun Community College. The tips are: 1) Set SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. This includes choosing a plan of study and defining goals. 2) Manage your time by making schedules and study plans, allowing for breaks, and creating a map for each semester. 3) Ask questions by going to professors, advising centers, and student advocates when you need help. 4) Recognize resources like instructors, syllabi, textbooks, and Blackboard that provide reliable information. 5) Try multiple times if needed by learning from mistakes, getting feedback, and

1. 5 Tips for Being a Successful Student at
Calhoun Community College
By Ashley Watts

2. Be S.M.A.R.T.
• S - Set realistic goals.
• M - Manage your time.
• A - Ask , ask, ask!
• R – Recognize your resources.
• T -Try, try again!

3. S - Set realistic goals...
• Choose a plan of study.
(Applied Science, General
Studies, certificate
program.)
• Define your goals.
• Write them down.
• Chart a course to achieve
them.
• Make adjustments as
necessary.

4. M - Manage your time...
• Make a schedule and
stick to it!
• Be flexible.
• Allow for rest, breaks,
and fun!
• Develop a study
strategy.
• Create a M.A.P. (My
Academic Plan) and
adjust it each
semester.

5. A - Ask, ask, ask!
• Don't let pride get the
best of you!
• Go to your professors.
• Go to the advising
center.
• See the Student
Advocate (see
resources).

6. R - Recognize your resources.
• Your instructor can be your greatest resource.
• Your syllabus is a resource, read it!
• Your textbook is a resource.
• Blackboard is a resource.
• Resource warning: make sure your source is reliable!

7. T - Try, try again!
• Life will throw you
curve balls. Expect to
make changes.
• PRACTICE makes
perfect.
• Don't give up.
• Be persistent.

8. Everyday S.M.A.R.T.s
• Set realistic goals… • Ask, ask, ask!
– Make daily, weekly, and monthly – Call or email your professor when
goals. you have questions after class.
– Have goals for specific classes and – Ask others who have take the class.
assignments. – Create study groups/sessions with
friends and classmates.
• Manage your time…
– Use a planner or calendar. • Recognize your resources.
– Make daily to do lists. – The best resources is to read! More
than likely the information is given
– Set reminders & alarms in your
to you in black and white… if you
phone or email.
are unsure ASK!
– Make a weekly study plan.
– Get involved with on campus • Try, try, again.
organizations/activities to add fun – Learn from your mistakes!
and variety to your schedule. – Ask for feedback on poor
– Use the website/activities calendar to assignments.
find workshops and events. – Keep adjusting as necessary.

9. On Campus Resources
Offices/Programs Campus Labs
• ADA Office – Dawn Hale, Decatur
Campus (256)306-2635, • Cyber Cafe (Internet Access) --
• Advising Center - Decatur Campus Huntsville Campus
(256)306-2648; Huntsville Campus • Writing Lab – Decatur/Huntsville
(256)890-4770 Campus
• Brewer Library & Huntsville Campus
Library – Decatur Campus (256)306- • Developmental Mathematics Computer
2774 , Huntsville Campus (256)890-4774 Lab - Decatur Campus
• Career Services – See advising center • Mathematics-Science Learning Center -
for contact information. Decatur Campus
• Emerging Scholars Program –
(256) 306-2987 • Mathematics Learning Center –
• ROADS Program - (256) 306-2870, Huntsville
roads@calhoun.edu
• Student Advocate Office – (256)306-
2870, stadvocate@calhoun.edu
• Student Financial Services – Decatur
Campus (256)306-2629; Huntsville
Campus (256) 890-4794
For all available labs, locations, and hours visit:
http://calhoun.edu/current_students/campus_lab
s_hoursinformation.aspx

10. Websites
•Academic Skills Assessment Program (ASAP)- Addresses a wide range of
concerns with respect to study skills including time management, reading
effectiveness, test taking, memory and comprehension;
http://counseling.uchicago.edu/page/academic-skills-assessment-program
•How to Study - These videos should help students identify effective and
ineffective study strategies so they understand that, although there is no
magic bullet, they can learn to get maximal learning out of their study time;
http://www.samford.edu/how-to-study/default.aspx
•Community College Success— Blog with various tools and tips on
succeeding at a Community College from a former community college
student who is now a national public speaker;
http://www.communitycollegesuccess.com

11. QUESTIONS?