Wasn't this the 13th grade?

Wasn't this the 13th grade?

If you're new on Planet College it's time to review. The holidays are past. There is still some break left unless you're attending intercession. If not, look back. How did the term go? Did school meet your expectations? Did you meet the school's expectations?

If you are completely lost by these simple questions then this last term may have been the thirteenth grade for you. If it was, then there is still time for another orientation.

This one is simple. You are in college. Partying is fun, friends are great and the attendance office won't call your mom if you're not in class. In fact, there is no attendance office, no vice-pricipal and no detention either. Neat, huh? You may now choose your own behaviors and you will experience the results.

If your grades this last term were not satisfactory you may find the following information valuable. Grades, satisfactory passing grades are obtained by attending class. If this seems mysterious you may be in the thirteenth grade, with the mandatory supervision which goes along with that. But. There is no thirteenth grade. This is college, you are on your own.

Your choices now are your future. What will it be. The thirteenth grade? Or college?

Going Home.

It's time, thank goodness, for most students to go home. Home from Planet College to your local version of Planet Earth. What's your style for going home? Throw your stuff in a trash bag and hop in your friend's Tacoma? However you get there when you get there you will be a little different from last time. A little older, a little more experienced possibly? Meanwhile, home may be the same as always. Home doesn't change much, at least not as fast as you have been changing. That is why there is no place like it. There is nothing so comforting as the familiar. Hopefully that is home for you.

Now, it may be that the changes which have been occurring nationwide, during the past year especially, may have changed your neighborhood too. Neighbors may have moved, their homes lost. Folks may have lost jobs. Christmas, for those who celebrate traditionally, may be reduced. Celebrations may be fewer, smaller and more sober. This is change.

On Planet Earth, back at home, as on Planet College, change happens. This year you may notice that simple fact more clearly when you get home for the holidays. Yes, change happens and not always the way we want it. However it has happened and where ever it has happened, Happy Holidays from Planet College.

Stuff Comes Up.

Kayleigh was working hard to complete her first college writing course. Recently she had an important paper due. Kayleigh is still at home and attempting to complete her first semester, freshman year. The week the paper was due her boyfriend dumped her. Plop. Just like that. Then her mother told Kayleigh her dad was moving out and they were getting a divorce. Bam! No warning. With this stuff now active Kayla attempted her paper. It didn't go well and her grade was barely acceptable.

Kayla found a friend, an instructor she knew, to talk about the paper i.e. what could she have done to improve it. While talking she revealed the current details of her personal life. The instructor listened, evaluated the paper and told Kayleigh he understood her dilemma. He told her to get some help, maybe talking to friends. And he also told her that on Planet College, just like back on Planet Earth, Stuff Comes Up. Some times all at once and sometimes it all just sucks. Depending on what her priorities were, if they included passing the class and eventually graduating, she at some point was simply going to have to move forward with her own life.

This is very important. In your progress toward graduation you will see that - like for Kayleigh-
stuff comes up. Not always sucky but sometimes majorly sucky. Still. If you want to graduate, get a degree and return to Planet Earth, you and only you need to continue to march. Get what help you can, hug your dog, feed your fish, microwave six helpings of Top Ramen and eat them all or whatever, but- move forward for yourself.

When A Dream Becomes A Nightmare.

Planet College presents the opportunity to turn your dream of a career in to a reality. Most students start off their college careers with very high hopes of a degree which will permanently enhance their earning power. Along the way often life stuff comes up. Relationships end. Money problems arise. Class requirements  accumulate to the point of being overwhelming. All this will be reflected in your grades and can adversely affect your progress toward your dream. Sometimes despite a students best efforts stuff happens; Incompletes, Ds, Fs, financial aid probation, grade probation and even disqualification. Gradually, with out any loud warning, a dream turns into a nightmare.

At some schools the semester is winding down. At others the second quarter has just begun. This is a good time to assess. Is your dream becoming a nightmare? Are you loosing ground in your quest for a degree?

If some of the above seems too familiar it could be time for a candid assessment of your progress. This will include exploring the basic realities of obtaining your degree in a timely fashion.

Finding someone to discuss this with is important. It should be someone with a perspective, a little distance from you and your current situation. Planet College offers a number of resources. Program advisers, academic advisers, former professors, even roommates. Just one person, doesn't have to be associated with your school. Someone you can talk it out with.

Talk over the possibilities. Cutting your load next semester? Withdrawing completely? Are there alternatives and if so what are they? Only you can decide, but you need an outside view to make sure you are not loosing track of some useful options.

If you are, in fact, loosing ground and in danger of your dream becoming a very expensive nightmare find someone qualified who can talk it over with you.

Your future is worth this much consideration.

Get a new picture.

During their time on Planet College and even before that most students have accumulated a number of picture ids. Driver's license, work ID, ASU ID. They are pretty similar; picture, name and what ever else is required usually an ID number often a birthday. A few students may still have some ID's going back to high school. Some still may have those magic little cards which featured a not quite accurate birth date, the better to facilitate social interaction of a certain kind. If you're a regular on Planet College you are probably past that. Still it could be worthwhile to take a look at the ID's you may have accumulated. Look at the picture. Have you changed much since it was taken? Probably a lot. This is the purpose of this post. Do you still need those old ID's? Well driver's license, sure. ASB card, definitely. Bankcard with the picture, of course. But. Overall are you still that person? Probably not. If you are still acting like the person in that picture, ask yourself," Is it time for a change?" Is it time for a new picture? Not just on the IDs but of who you are in life. Right now. On Planet College Growth happens, often for the better, certainly for the different.

Why not get a new picture?

Turkey trap, repost.

This is a re-post from a couple of years ago. It is still true and it will always be true.
The Turkey Trap.
The work load for most students on Planet College accumulates during the course of the term. Papers, projects, portfolios all pile up with due dates, at least at the time of the assignment, seemingly distant. Many students defer working on one or more of these with an optimistic, "I'll do it over break." Break comes, usually Thanksgiving or Spring, a good time is had by all. On the returning journey back to campus many students awaken from a pleasant mid-flight snooze with the sudden awareness,"Oh. My. God. I've got a paper due for my ten o'clock class and I haven't even started it." Sound familiar? Probably. I call this The Turkey Trap. Don't fall for it. If you're an average student, next time you hear your self say, "Oh, I'll do it over break." Get real. You will not. That is what break is for. A time out. Kick back. Party. School? Fugggaadddaboutit. Take a break.

And about the paper. Do what so many busy students will do: Ask for an extension.

Planet College advisory: "Where two or more are gathered. . .".

Right now, for those classes which require them, special class presentations are nearing their due date. Most of these presentations involve only one class member per presentation. At times, however, students are required to work in small groups. These groups contain three to five class members. Usually, when this is part of the assignment, groups are given time to work together during class while preparing their presentation. This Planet College advisory has to do with a time honored fact of group class presentations. It goes like this, " Where more than two are gathered someone will bail." If you've been around the campus for a while you probably understand this. Groups are formed and assignments given early in the term. The group meets sometimes during class and sometimes out side of class. This is to work on presenting the assigned topic. Getting busy young adults together at the same time for something other than a party is quite a feat. Often, though, the group will proceed successfully. That is until the day of the presentation. Then, on the day of the presentation, someone will fail to show up. It is so inevitable that it is nearly a rule. The reasons are varied and often legitimate. But. Still. If you've done your part what are you to do? OK, here's a hint. If you are in such a group, first of all, expect someone to bail. That is it. Just don't be the person who does. No matter what, show up for the presentation and be fully prepared. To protect your self along the way keep a record of everything you have done for the project both inside and out of class. Then. When whoever doesn't show up, you and those who did show up can present as much as you can. Your record of your efforts and your contribution should be enough for the instructor to issue you an appropriate grade. Good Luck.

Take a look around.

By this time on Planet College your work order for most classes is pretty well established. Special projects have been assigned, small groups are now established and even mid-terms are looming. ( No, not mid-terms. Yes, mid-terms) At this point it is a good time to take a look around your classes. Just pick one. Remember the first day? Every desk was full and there were students standing along the walls hoping to add. Where are those students now? Well, maybe they couldn't fit the class into their schedule. Who knows. But. They are not there. They are not in your class. So they have no hope of passing this class. You now are in the class. Every meeting? Well mostly. And this simple fact is the key to your eventual graduation. Attend. Attend and participate. Attend and participate and contribute. Repeat until graduation.

It's a whole new world on Planet College.

If you are new this term on Planet College you have probably observed by now that there are basically very few rules. You can, if you like, get up and go to class or skip it and sleep in. You can eat or not eat. Study or party. Play nine ball till the campus center closes and ,well, just rock on. This is your choice. You, like many, many student's before are discovering what is called autonomy. Basically beyond the minimums no one is watching and no one else really cares whether you go to class or not. This is exhilarating and scary. Your future is now in your hands. What you do is simply up to you. Some students handle this well and others not so well. You may recall what seems like eons ago when you first stepped on to your high school campus. It was a much bigger world than you had experienced. Now, look out the window during one of your afternoon classes. What do you see? A much, much bigger world than you had previously known. You don't have to be The Little Mermaid to burst out singing, "It's A Whole New World." Don't. But consider. You are here now in a large and significant place. Your choices now will affect you potentially for the rest of your life. Planet College is a whole new world. Persist and do well.

This term: Do what the instructor says.

A few weeks back on Planet College you've probably settled in to the typical routine. What ever your typical routine has been. This term try something new. Ready? Do what the instructor says. This is going to require paying some attention. This itself may be new. In order to do what the instructor says you will have to listen, ask and even read. And. Actually follow the directions given. If the instructor has said, " This paper is due next Thursday". Turn the paper in next Thursday. Stuff like that. It requires application. It requires persistence. This is college, remember? In college, in order to get out you have to get through. And in order to get through-this term- do what the instructor says.

Planet College Reminder: Grad Check.

Returning to campus is another opportunity to assure you are closing in on graduation. Right now before your schedule gets crammed is a good time to determine how close you are to graduation.

If you already have a major your department office is a good place to find out what you still need to finish your degree. After that your campus's administration building probably has an office that could help. It is usually the registration. One helpful tactic is to go to that office or the graduation office if there is one and file the forms necessary for graduation. There is usually a fee for this but the results can be helpful. The results will show up in the form of a printout with what you have completed and hopefully what you need to do to complete all of the requirements for graduation. If you get it soon you can plan this year effectively and maybe get back to Earth with your degree next year.

If you don't have a major it is likely you need to declare something before you can graduate. If you've been around the campus for a while it is time to start actually doing something about finding and pursuing a major. This is your next step toward graduation.

Remember on Planet College graduation starts today.

Planet College Recognition: Mike Did It Right.

On Planet College opportunity is found where ever. Just before graduation with a BA in Psychology Mike applied for a program, a certificate in School Psychology. The program was at a university in another state. Because of the lateness of his application he was informed he was on a wait list. In the middle of August Mike received notice that he had been admitted to the program. The school was several hundred miles away in another state. Mike packed up his car and drove to his new school. Once there, with no accommodations, he, for a few days slept in his car and showered in the school gym. He was a late add for most of his courses but he did start his program with a full load. Meanwhile he found employment as a part-time counselor on the campus and a room mate from one of his classes. Because he had filed his fafsa as usual that year his financial aid was available within a few weeks of the new term. This was helpful because among other things the out of state fees for Mike'd new University were pretty hefty and Mike needed all the help he could get. During his second semester Mike found a temporary position as a school counselor through a referral from his Department's office. Mike completed his certificate that school year and his temporary position turned into a permanent School Psychologist position at the same school.

With quite a bit of experience on Planet College Mike was able to move forward in his chosen career by basically doing everything right. He moved as soon as he was admitted. He added the courses he could when he could. He found a room mate and a job on campus. Because he had a fafsa in place, updated, his financial aid came through soon after classes started.

This is an example of a student who, through continuous application and persistence, was able to move forward into a chosen career fairly promptly. Mike simply had the experience of having been on Planet College for a typical student career. Because Mike knew the basic moves he was able to use this experience and now has what is for him a worth while job on Planet Earth.

You can do this too. If you've been on Planet College for a while you can trust your own experience to move on. Get through school and back to Earth with a real job. Start looking now. Where do you want to work? And what do you have to do to get there.

Doug Carried Lisa Through Graduation

On Planet College stuff happens on the road to any student's degree. While enrolled part-time and workin Doug learned he was to become a parent. Obligations like family demand a lot so Doug left school to work full-time. When his daughter, Lisa, was born Doug decided that someday, no matter what, he would finish his degree. Holding his tiny newborn in his arms Doug imagined himself carrying Lisa through the University's graduation ceremony. When time allowed Doug re-enrolled and started back on the road to graduation. Like most students stuff happened and the road became longer. Doug finished what courses he could but the road became longer, much longer than he had forseen. All the time Doug held the image of carrying Lisa through the ceremony. Eventually Doug did graduate. And when he did Lisa was nine. Still Doug did carry Lisa through the ceremony. When his name was called Doug had asked the graduation announcer to include "and Lisa" in the announcement. Doug proudly walked across the stage, his daughter's pretty red dress and matching red hair ribbons contrasting with Doug's flowing blue graduation gown. Doug received his diploma and shook hands with the President and the Dean. So did Lisa. Everyone beamed. It had been a long road but in that moment Doug knew it was all worth it.

How about you? Have you got somebody you'd like to carry, figuratively if not literally through your graduation ceremony? Perhaps the thought of someone who is very special to you can be an inspiration over the long, long road that Planet College often becomes. When you feel discouraged think of them. Or think of Doug and Lisa. They made it. And so can you.

Dorm Norms

Of all of the peculiar situations encountered on Planet College most veteran students will agree there is nothing quite so peculiar as dorm life. Since you've been on campus for a while by now you've probably noticed that the housing office has an uncanny knack for pairing opposites when it comes to room assignments. I'm sure you recall your first roommate. How could you forget? If you were tidy they were an unbelievable slob. If you're idea of kicking back was herb tea and Sibelius theirs was a Fourty and Fifty Cent at max volume. If you preferred sleeping all night they spent the wee hours arranging hook-ups real or imagined or worse yet talking to mom.

You adjusted and all of that is past. At this point campus housing may be the best deal going. You don't have to worry about getting to campus, for the most part meals are provided and everyone else in your building is also a student. Maybe not a regular class attendee but still a student.

While you have adjusted to these peculiarities you may need to be reminded that since you are paying you do have a right to what is called "peaceable habitation. " Now, in a environment where watching a flaming sofa drop past your dorm room window is no big deal, peaceable habitation has a way different connotation. But the basics still apply. Only you can say when your generous and tolerant boundaries have been crossed. If your campus living situation interferes significantly with the reason you are there, to be a student, you need to be aware that have choices.

When your campus housing situation becomes more than even you can tolerate there are some essentials which you need to follow through on. Basically they are: talking with your suite mates, talking to the RA, and finally talking to the housing office. If these tactics are ineffective you may wish to simply leave.

If leaving campus housing during the term is your choice you may choose to apply for a re-fund of the remaining balance on your account. Be advised though that, except in the case of an extreme emergency*, housing offices are notoriously reluctant to refund a student's housing fee. So this could take some doing. Essentially, you will have to document in writing why the housing situation is wholly inappropriate. You will also need to show that you have taken all of the recommended steps to adjust and adjust to the situation. You will have to submit this to the housing office and then await an answer. This may take some time. Do not expect a speedy reply and don't expect an affirmative answer. As stated earlier housing offices really don't like to do refunds. So all you can do is try.

So, if you find that you have been sleeping on your friend's aunt's couch rather than go back to your dorm and someone else is using your meal card and you don't care, it may be time to leave campus housing. As with all other campus actions and activities follow the recommended procedures, consider carefully the consequences and move on with your life.

*Extreme emergency is usually defined as an unavoidable situation for example medical condition or family emergency such as a death or other change in the student's ability to continue to occupy the housing assignment. These are very, very rare.

Do you really need your car this term?

Most students on Planet College will be heading back to campus soon. Some will fly. Some will catch a ride with a friend and some will take the bus across town. Many will drive. This post is about just what it says. Do you really need your car this term?

For most students the recession or The Recession, which ever you prefer, is hardly news. Living in pretty nearly a permanent economic drought is something students on Planet College deal with annually. This is why it might be time to consider: Do You Really Need Your Car back at school?

The expenses are obvious, gas, insurance, parking fees, maintenance, etc. They occur daily and they add up. The benefits are clear. Your car offers valuable personal opportunities. As evidence of autonomy and symbols of personal expression cars are unsurpassed. You can drive to The Summit to ski next weekend and you can drive to Padre Island next break. You can pick up friends at the airport and chauffeur most of your crew to a concert.

Benefits vs. liabilities. Ultimately it costs you money. Without your car you would depend on public transportation, your bicycle and friends. You would still be spending money but probably not in such volume.

So, once again, Planet College is about choices: Do you really need your car this term?

Friends, The best thing about Planet College.

The best thing about Planet College is the friends you make while your there. If this seems debatable try this test. Find some one who has been out of school a few years. Five years is good even more, maybe ten. Ask that person what their major was. They may know immediately but it may take a few seconds for them to remember. Ask them what school they actually got their degree from. Again, it may take a few seconds for them to remember which college actually, finally, granted them their degree. Then ask them who their friends were in school. I bet they will tell you right away. What does that tell you? The best thing about college is the friends you make.

Bankruptcy.

This is not a site for legal advice. However because now Bankruptcy has become a serious consideration for student's who maybe mired in debt. The term itself evolved from a time when trading was done by individuals who traded in various items including currency. In the Merchant of Venice, the antagonist, Shylock is a trader. In that drama the gathering place for traders is The Rialto. Trader's in this setting traditionally sat on benches. When a trader went broke he literally smashed his bench. Breaking the bench became the term "bankruptcy". This term evolved to mean going broke and being unable to pay debts.
The legal process now termed "Bankruptcy" is held in a Federal Jurisdiction. The procedure is called a filing and there are several steps involved. Initially the person who is filing must choose which type of bankruptcy they will be filing. This person is called the petitioner. This person obtains the appropriate forms from their local Federal courthouse. The petitioner fills out the forms and returns them to the court with a fee. This fee is for filing. The paperwork is a list of the petitioner's, now termed "debtors" assets and a list of those individuals and institutions to whom money is owed. These are termed creditor's. The court may then notify all of the petitioner's creditors that this individual is filing a Bankruptcy petition. This process can take several months. Eventually the petitioner/debtor will appear before a judge who will examine this petitioner. This judge may ask the debtor as many questions as he or she feels appropriate about the petitioner. The judge may then choose to allow, deny or stay the petition.

The process of filing can often be difficult for students who chose to do so. It is wise to get some legal assistance during the process. Legal assistance usually costs money but often there are clinics and even individuals with legal experience who will donate some time to examine the paperwork. This is important because it is a legal proceeding and everything depends on the paperwork being in order.

Also, though, there is a sizable emotional component to a personal bankruptcy filing. Although the number of bankruptcy filings have increased recently still it is personally extremely distressing. Often feelings of shame and failure accompany this act and it is wise and useful for a student who has chosen bankruptcy to get some emotional support. Emotional support can be found at the campus health center, local support groups, spiritual organizations and other traditional sources of support. Planet College recommends getting every type of help, assistance and support necessary during this time.

A word about "easy."

Some words catch on and become part of the currency of daily living on Planet College. Easy is such a word. It has an attraction, "Easy." Sounds appealing. Take it easy, Easy street. The appeal of "easy" permeates our culture.

Some times students become too captivated by "easy." Often they feel taking the easiest courses or courses which are supposed to be easy is the best way through school. As some students have learned easy isn't always the answer. What is easy for one student is sometimes surprisingly difficult for another.

Rather than remain captivated by the alleged easiness of one course or another it is wise to ease out of 'easy' for the duration of your education. Rather than 'easy' substitute 'degree of difficulty' as a scale for measuring courses. Some courses are simply more or less difficult. If a course is less difficult for you that can free up your time to apply yourself to completing the requirements for more difficult courses.

A successful schedule, like the one coming up next term, is one which contains courses with varying degrees of difficulty. You probably know by now which courses or instructors are more or less difficult in your major. Avoiding difficult courses simply prolongs your time on Planet College and that can get real expensive.

If this has been your approach you may be surprised to learn that most students are stimulated by a difficult course and a challenging instructor. Whereas continuing 'easiness' leads students to boredom and disinterest. This fact is demonstrated on one campus which uses instructor evaluations. Often students have commented, " He made the course too easy." This has not been intended as a complement.

If you are stuck in "easy" you probably aren't making all of the progress possible toward your degree. Next term approach your schedule without the thought of "easy". This time use "degrees of difficulty" as a standard. Schedule a mix of courses which include varying degrees of difficulty. You may be stimulated to apply yourself for the first time. And the results may surprise you.

Essentials of C-manship

This site is called Planet College. This site is dedicated to the proposition that not all students are created equal. But everyone can get a C. A grade of C is a passing grade. The essentials necessary to pass practically any college course are within the range of every student who was ever admitted to any college. All that is necessary is a plan, an approach, a strategy. I call these essentials C-manship, the ability to pass any class. The most necessary element of any strategy is one basic tactic. The basic tactic which is necessary for a plan to pass any class is to attend. Attend the class. This is so essential that students often over look it. After a while and maybe successfully passing the first exam in a course some students often think, "Oh, I'm doing ok, I don't have to go." Yes. You do. No matter how well you think you are doing in any course you still must attend every session if you expect to complete the course with a passing grade. This is a basic of C-manship.

There are other essentials. Turn it every assignment, check with the instructor a few times during the term to see how you are doing, basics like these. But none of these can be accomplished unless you go to class.

When should I call back?

Soon.

At this time where job getting is critical ,new returnees to Earth from Planet College may be a little hesitant about following up on calling employers back after interviews. Following rounds of interviews sometimes potential new hires can me timid about calling the company back after an interview. Sometimes, thinking they don't want to look to hungry because it might erode their bargaining position, a candidate may delay or skip calling back entirely. This in other times might be coy and even effective.
Not now.
It is wise, smart, useful, clever and even necessary to call any company you've interviewed with and ask if the position has been filled or are you still being considered. This now is crucial. There are quite a few graduates who are trying for very few jobs.

A useful time frame for a call back is about a week after the initial interview. If you are not too clear on the details it is ok to simply call the reception and ask for Human Resources. When they answer, introduce your self and tell them you had interviewed recently for a position and you'd like to know if you are still being considered or should you continue looking elsewhere.

Right now, you really need to know, so, do this. Call back and good luck!

Secured Credit.

On Earth in General and on Planet College much of the basic assumptions have changed. One area in particular has changed and affected life everywhere. That is finance. Finance is money or credit. Finance. Previously it had been fairly easy for a college student to get a credit card. Not so any more. Now, the requirements are steeper and applied more stringently. One of the terms you may now encounter which you had not previously is "Secured Credit" or "Secured line of credit." While up until recently credit cards had been issued on the simple assumption that the user would pay the bill. Now, however, credit issuers are requiring more. This means they may require some security before they issue a card. The security may be money. Secured line of credit means the borrower has provided some real object, usually either money or property, in order to insure the lender they will repay. This is what is meant by secure line of credit.

If you've got it, well, flaunt it.

OK. At this point if you graduated it is time to boast. The rush of emotions usually associated with finally graduating does not last forever. So, while it lasts tell everybody. Tell friends, relatives and total strangers. Tell everybody at work. Tell 'em all. "Hey! I graduated!" Let the world know you finally made it. Graduation glow will not last forever but your degree will. It is now yours. Permanently. You earned it and no one can take it away from you. Now that is really something to shout about.

BAC vs. GPA

On Planet College now, student thoughts turn to summer. Jobs, parties, trips and summer school classes. Before we disburse to our various destinations it could be important to go over final grades. Especially if they are not up to the standards you projected back in January. If they are there is no need to read on. You've made your grade goals and life can go on.

If not it could be useful to check your average BAC during the last term. Your BAC is your blood alcohol level. Blood Alcohol Level is simply the percentage of your blood which consists of alcohol. In most jurisdictions, and jurisdictions are where this becomes important, if you have a blood alcohol level of .08% you are considered to be under the influence. This content impairs your ability to function, most notably in operating a motor vehicle.

Alcohol use is a legendary part of Planet College. Some schools are more directly aware of this than others. Some of these schools even have programs directed toward moderating student alcohol use.

But what about you? How is your BAC awareness holding up? Did it exceed your GPA. If so there may be a clue to your over all performance this last term. Check it out.

Simple formula; When your BAC exceeds your GPA your career on Planet College is impaired.

If this has been a factor in your progress or lack of progress think about getting some help. And help can be as simple as talking things over with a friend.

Back To Earth Part Two: What does this company do?

In a hurried swelter of interviews which often accompanies graduation some students get a little lost as to exactly who they are talking to and what they are interviewing for. Sometimes even which company and what it does is unclear.

It is a safe bet that unless your uncle owns the company, you are interviewing for what amounts to an entry level position. Customer Service, Executive Assistant, Marketing Associate these are some of the titles which are available to what the companies call "new hires."

When you are being interviewed it is probably by someone from a department called Human Resources or HR. There often are other individuals at the interview but you will probably be dealing largely with the HR person.

Now, what does this company do?

Beyond the obvious, well known national and even regional or local companies, it is sometimes unclear what a company does. Usually for example with a company called Solid Waste Management Incorporated it isn't too tough to figure that their business has something to do with managing solid waste. If you are in the offices of Airport Car Rental then it wouldn't be unlikely that this company rents cars from offices at the airport.

If, however you find yourself in the offices of National Allied or The Amalgamated Group you might be wondering what exactly this company does.

Here is a Planet College tip for interview success. Ask. Ask the receptionist. You may have to arrive a few minutes early but you've been doing that anyway, right? When you do arrive usually you find the reception area for the company. When you do introduce your self, tell the receptionist you are there for an interview. Check out the walls for posters, advertising or plaques with the company name on it. This is to make sure you are in the right place. If it seems to you that it isn't clear exactly what business this company is in, ask the receptionist.

"Excuse me, I just want to make sure I'm in the right place. What does this company do?"

Ask politely. Be really careful not to sound like your making a joke. (College students have a reputation as fun-loving pranksters. But you are here for an interview for a real job.) Listen carefully to what the receptionist says. And politely repeat it back to her.

This should help cut through the confusion often generated by interviewing at many companies in the same week. It will also save you from the embarrassment some have experienced during interviews when it became apparent that the interviewee did not know what business the company was in.

Good luck!

Back To Earth.

At this time of year most students are thinking job. Summer job, better job, more work, real job. Summer is the prime earning time for many residents of Planet College. For some, though, graduation can mean returning to earth for a real job. The next permanent step in your career.

And a real job means a real change.

Particularly if you have been slobbing your way through the past four or five or six years. The same pair of jeans and t-shirt you've been wearing to class for the last year and a half is not recommend attire for job interviews.

Preparing for your interviews does not necessarily mean buying a snappy new three piece from Barney's of New York at the cost of half of your expected annual income. It does mean paying a little more attention to your appearance than you have been.

Right now your best reference for this is one of those rare "jacket and tie required" events which you may have borrowed a jacket and tie to attend.

Now it is time to step up and get your own.

About that interview or Just exactly what does this company.

Right about now, especially if you are graduating, a big part of Back to Earth from Planet College is jobs. A big part of jobs is just simply getting one. You've probably had several but if you are getting your degree this term then this time the job is a little different. It is the next step and maybe even the first step in your career.

If you are now involved in interviews there are a few basic points to bear in mind. The simple ones may seem obvious but as the TA said at your last class meeting, "Let's review." For any given interview first of all show up on time. In the world of business on time means a few minutes early.

Back it up with paper.

Record keeping on Planet College can get to be as distressing as everything else which requires detailed attention. It is wise to keep a printed copy of every paper you submit whether it is submitted electronically or not. this can really help clarify your status when the system fails. And as you know by now electronic systems often do fail. So keep a copy.

There is another area of submissions in which it is very important to keep a copy. Job applications. Usually by now you know that a resume is important. If you are approaching graduation you really realize how important resumes. You should by now have a neatly printed copy of your resume. This copy should be printed on at least letter grade paper.
It is wise to keep a file with several copies printed. This can be available if you come accross an employment opportunity and no on line submission process is available.

There is one other important reason to keep a printed copy of your resume. Follow-up
Whether graduating or not if you have been submitting job applications and resumes on line following up with a printed copy is a very useful tool to keep your name in front of the recruiter.

The Project On Student Debt.

Right now, foremost on most student's mind on Planet College is money. Fees, loans, grants, debt, tuition - money. Looking towards fall right now the future seems much different than it once did even just a short while ago. The vast changes in the economic picture nationwide have caused virtually everyone to re-consider their own personal finances. You may be facing reduced aid. You may need to work more hours. You may even be considering fewer courses in order to free up time to work to pay for school.

One large factor in the life of every student on Planet College is loans. Loans are money which has to be paid back. You need to carefully consider whether loans, any loans, are a necessary part of your school financing.

To help you consider this further http://projectonstudentdebt.org/ is available. This site has an extensive list of resources and opinions for your consideration.

Take a look right now. It may help you make a decision for fall.

Transfer Dancers

Students are mobile. Transferring on Planet College is practically a given in almost every student life. You may have already transferred from a community college to a four year school. You may have transferred from one school to another. Maybe more than once. You may be a member of the Frequent Transferers Club. For whatever reason transferring is one of the givens, an inevitable part of life on Planet College for most average students.

Right now, due to costs, it might seem cheaper to finish your lower division stuff at a community college. These schools are less costly than four year institutions but provide qualified education for the basics. If you've spent some time at a four year campus you may be "too cool" for those schools but if you are going back to save money you still need to follow their procedures.

If you are considering transferring to any other school there are some basics to remember.

Inform every one. That's simple but don't forget. Tell everyone you know you are now at another school. If you are using your current school's e-mail system you probably need to forward you new email to your contact list. Schools don't usually provide e-mail forwarding.

Find out when the transfer student orientation is on your new campus. Even if you think you know everything you will probably need to be there for your new campus id photo.

Get the transcript request and fees in. This is crucial. Your new school or whichever school needs your information needs your transcripts. And this all costs money. So make sure the fees are in along with the transfer requests.

Find out from your new school if you will need a hand-carried transcript for the student orientation. Not to burden you with agonizing details but this will mean you will, in fact, need a transcript copy from your old school to carry to your new school.

How about housing? Do you have a place? Well. You'll need one. So get on it.

Permits etc. Can you bring your car? Will you need it? Find out now. If you do bring your car you will no doubt need at least one parking permit.

There are, as always on Planet College, numerous details to transferring. Start now and get it done.

It takes more than talent.

Shocking isn't it? When you think about it. But. Do think about it. You, like most students on Planet College, are really not that talented. At just about anything you do you could probably rate yourself as average. Out there, somewhere, there are great talents and even good ones. Stories of success are often tales of someone who unearthed a personal genius for something and went to the top. But they aren't about you and probably aren't going to be. You have one set of skills and they are pretty average.
But.
It ain't what you got it is what you do with it.
You have used your skills to get you where you are. Right now that is probably over all passing most of your courses most of the time. This steady, unspectacular application is in fact the most worthwhile thing you possess.

No. You are not a genius. You are not that talented at anything. But you are persistent. Finally it is your persistence which will get you your degree. Persistence is the real basic talent. And you've shown that. Keep on pushing.

It's May. Do you know where your next final is?

By now as a Planet College veteran you are aware of some of the quirks of student life. One on- going quirk is the location of the finals for your classes. Finals for many courses are not actually examinations. Often they are monologues, recitals, demonstration or the presentation of a group project. Still many courses have traditional finals. Finals for many classes are often not held in the same classroom location where the lectures, demonstrations or labs have occurred. Commonly for example, finals for many general education or lower division courses are held in large lecture halls or campus auditoriums. Some finals may be held in alternate locations not on campus. One one campus, for example, the final for an upper division Creative Writing course is held in a local Mexican Restaurant. The reason is the professor likes the guacamole. Your campus, too, has a variety of venues for the administration of finals. Right now it is important to make sure you know where the final for each of your classes will be held. Check the syllabus, check with the TA or instructor. Check everywhere you can. You wouldn't want to miss your final.

Final Projects: Your small group.

At this point in the term on Planet College final projects are coming due. The individual projects may contain a report to the class. By now you may have handled a few of these and know your way through. If you are working with a group however every class, term or project presents a new set of challenges. Primarily the challenge is developing the presentation and completing it on time. This is tough enough on your own, with two, three or more other students it can be nearly impossible. The problem? The other students. You, of course, have done your part. Has everyone else? If you learn that another student in your group has not contributed their portion of the work you may have some choices. First at the next meeting of your group discuss the options available. Can the remaining student's fill in the missing part? If this is possible offer to discuss with the instructor completing your parts during the regularly scheduled time slot. She will probably appreciate your efforts and may assign a fair grade accordingly.

You are not your SAT score.

We are a culture fascinated possibly even obsessed by numbers, statistics, rankings and scores. Student life contains an exceptional amount of this. You probably already have your student ID number along with your driver's license number and your social security number. Even GPA, the quantification of your current value as a student, is summed up in a number.
Every system has its benefits. Summing up according to a number is a handy way of sorting and assigning a large group of students. Every system has it's liabilities. Most average students on Planet College understand they are more than the various numbers which have been assigned to them. This is over all true except for the lingering influence of one statistic, your SAT. The value of SAT scores is often a continuing influence on the life of a student. Your score may have said you couldn't get in to the "right" school. It may even be influencing your choice of a major.

While some enlightenment has occurred regarding the actual significance of an SAT score its influence continues to affect many students on Planet College.

This is regrettable. While the score can not be changed, your attitude concerning it can. Reflect now. Remember the day you took the SAT? Are you the same person you were that day. Definitely not. An uncountable array of experiences have occurred since that day. Some have been enlightening, some have been encouraging but over all you have negotiated and at least survived all of them. These experiences and your handling of them have contributed to your development not only as a student but also as a person. Although right now the focus is on student it is wise to remember that you have come this far through your skills and developing talents as a person. Fortunately there is no number that can quantify that. But recognize now that you are more than any number, even your SAT.

Lets go watch the rabbits.

A large busy community college located on the West Coast has grassy areas scattered through out the campus. Some time back, no one remembers when, rabbits took up residence in the bushes which surround one of these meadows. As rabbits do, they multiplied and now a busy community of rabbits can be seen frolicking around the grass. Students often sit or lay on the grass, reading, eating studying, sleeping but sometimes just watching the rabbits. Watching rabbits doesn't necessarily enhance the students' abilities in class or on the athletic field but still it is a popular pastime, in fact ,practically a tradition at this school. And that is just the point. Not every endeavor at college needs to result in something. And many schools have memorable if pointless pastimes. Watching the rabbits at this school is a memorable part of the student's experience. On your campus there are probably a few pointless traditions and pastimes. If you haven't indulged in one or more of these do so. You wouldn't want to graduate with out at least having spent some of your time watching the rabbits.

SI

SI is supplemental instruction. Many schools have such instruction for courses which many students often have difficulty. Chemistry, Statistics, College Writing the list eventually became almost as extensive as the course catalogue. SI is usually provided by a student, often a graduate student, who has shown proficiency in the course. Usually the requirement for an SI instructor is to have gotten and A in that same course. If you are struggling with a course or if you are unsure of your capacity to pass the course SI could be useful. Look for SI instruction list in your campus learning center or tutoring center. Often SI course are available in your school's schedule of classes. Although it may be too late in the term to enroll in the SI course you may be able to receive individual help. SI, get all the help you can.

But my boss is an idiot.

Work can be tough sometimes and having an unreasonable boss doesn't help. Most experienced Planet College students have had several jobs while financing their college careers. Along the way most have also had a difficult boss, supervisor or owner. No matter what the position there always seems to be at least one difficult person who has authority or is in control. The forms of unreliability or difficulty are many; clearly favoring one worker over another, issuing conflicting instructions, unreasonable expectations, even perfectionism, for the time available. You've probably seen it and can expand this list.

This can only be frustrating. Especially when you really need this job. And who doesn't?
What to do? Well, first of all quitting, is rarely an option. It is tempting when you are doing your best and it just doesn't seem good enough, at least according to your supervisor.

A little perspective often helps. Recognize it for what it is. A job you need - well OK- a pay check you need now. This job, at least this company, is a lot more important to your supervisor than it is to you. She probably has a great deal invested in her position. This means that being right is real important to her.

So. The solution? Agree. That is it. Just go along and be agreeable. For now realize that this is not the last stop of your career. (And for your cranky bos? It probably is the last stop of her career.)Your opportunities are expanding as you work toward your degree. Keep this in mind for the time you are at work.

Meanwhile complaining about work is a time honored tradition among hardworking, stressed-out students. So go ahead. You are permitted. You will find that almost everyone has or has had a difficult, unreasonable or even impossible boss. Go out with friends after work for pizza and soda or even a beer. Make sure you are a safe distance from your work place and complain away. Enjoy getting all that nasty boss work stuff out. And when you leave work. Leave it there. Things change. They always do. And you will be able to call this just another experience. An experience which will equip you to better deal with some future nasty boss down the road. And believe it, they're waiting for you back on Planet Earth.

Notice your credit card bill lately?

Up until recently it was possible to skip a payment on your credit card bill- well , OK, not skip it but- pay late. Of course, as most students on Planet College have at this point realized, there have been hefty fees for paying late. Still, as long as some payment was made the credit would continue, you could use your card.

Not so anymore. Due to what is generally known as a credit crunch students have found payments declined when the most recent payment due was not made and made in full. Failing to make the payment due and on time could result in the card being frozen or even cancelled.

This might be helpful in the long run as it may discourage frivolous spending. Spending which must be paid back with interest. So for now make sure you get your payment in. Right away.

Where will you be in five years?

Or ten or twenty or . . . who knows? As evident from recent events few people can accurately foretell their own future. Things change and there are two many factors out of your control. Still among the favorite or most common questions asked during interviews, usually job interviews, is the time honored ,"Where do you see yourself in five years?" Experienced interviewees usually have a fairly well practiced answer, something which will suffice for the time. In truth no one knows. Yet there is on thing over which you do have some control. Your degree. With application and persistence you can have your degree in five years. Five years may seem like a long time, in fact, five years is a long time. Whether you get your degree or not five years will still go by. So, decide now. No matter how difficult it has been or how difficult it is becoming you will finish. You will finish, graduate and have your degree. Then when you are asked, " Where will you be in five years?" you can answer, "Where ever I am I will have my degree."

Fafsa time

It is Spring and it is time to update your fafsa. If you are a veteran on Planet College you probably know what a fafsa is and have probably had one for some time. This is just a basic reminder that it is a good time now to update your fafsa. You'll need the information for the 2009-2010 school year. If you don't have a fafsa it is time to get one. If you don't know what a fafsa is it is time to go to your student aid office and have this basic term explained to you. Fafsa. Even if borrowing is not a part of your college financing plan it is quite likely you need a fafsa. It's spring. It is time to update your fafsa. Do it now.

Planet College added note. If you are currently attending a post-secondary school, that is a college, community college, private college, for profit college, or trade school of any kind and you do not know what a fafsa is it is timed you found out.  Occasionally students, often if their college cost are being paid by some one else, do not know about or realize the value of a fafsa. Or if you just don't know what a fafsa is use the search up on your left. Enter 'fafsa'. The responses from this site will supply enough information to get you at least oriented to the subject.  If there is a finance office, financial aid office or student finance office on your school site a visit there can help clarify fafsa further.  Planet College emphasizes obtaining good information about every aspect of student life. A fafsa is something you should not about. Even if you think you don't.

Seriously, are you serious?

A question to entertain during the break or time out or what ever your campus is enjoying right now. It is about school because Planet College is all about school but it is also about your life. The question and you've heard it often is, " Are you serious?" Are you serious. That is it. Are you serious about your education. Not grimly serious but steadily purposeful. That kind of serious. It is really quite simple to find out what you are serious about. How have you been spending your time. Or. Where have you been spending your time. Sleeping? Partying? Playing Rugby? Fixing your car. Talking to friends. Talking to anyone at all. Just talking period. A quick glance back at the past few weeks or the past few terms will tell you what you are serious about. If most, ok, a lot of your efforts have been generally aimed at completing your required courses then, you are serious. If most of your time has been used up in peripheral activities not directly related to graduation then you are not really serious. Really serious about graduating and getting back to Planet Earth with a job and a real life. So, really, are you serious?

Internships

When seeking work, especially meaningful work of the kind which could lead to a career, the subject of internships often arises among students on Planet College.

So it might be time for an intern "orientation".

First internships are rarely paid positions. What is offered is usually a position in an industry in which the intern might want to work, sometimes meals and transportation costs are included. This can add up to a modest sum often in the form of a payment. This payment is sometimes called a stipend. It is not a wage or a salary.

An intern may be asked to do a variety of tasks like getting coffee or taking out the trash or picking up supplies. These are usually under the heading of "gofer" and most internships are really gofer jobs. Still the opportunity to work with professionals who are in the business is helpful.

Interns are notoriously cheerful and upbeat. Which is why many business like them. Interns often provide fresh energy and a new perspective to their daily work .

If you are interested in an internship but might not know how to get started looking, ask at your department office. College departments often receive requests for students who may be interested in an internship.

If you do locate a potential position regard it as seriously as you would any job interview.

Be prepared to talk about what you feel you can contribute to the business for which you are a potential intern. Some students have found that a brief thank you note addressed to the interviewer is not only courteous it also helps keep your name in front of the interviewer.

As with any position for which you may be interviewing a call back within a week to the interviewer is standard practice. This call should be brief and to the point. "If the position is still open I am still interested."

Getting spins.

Of the many student pursuits on Planet College one of the most popular is music. Either as an individual or with your group you are very likely to have been a person who has been devoted to music for most of your life. Whether an audience member, as an artist or both music is an important aspect of your life on Planet College. It is a natural tendency of students to share their music with others. Many students who perform music, often as individual or with a group, record their music. When this has been accomplished these students, now recording artists, whish to share their creations and interpretations with others. College radio is a natural choice for these artists.

Taking your music to a professional level requires a great deal of dedication. A number of music making students have encountered the frustration of trying to get their music played on radio. Usually the procedure is that the program director, PD, has to become aware of your work. He or she then adds it to the list, the play list, for the station. This music is now available for individual show hosts to play or "spin" during their show. Getting "spins' is often seen by college musicians as the key to taking their music to the next level. Those who have tried know it may sound simple but it just isn't that easy.

Planet College is aware of the value of experience in any effort. Some one who has been there and knows the way can be a useful guide in any enterprise.
In the world of music marketing one such individual with a record of success is Bryan Farrish. His website is here http://www.radio-media.com/.

Take a look. You might learn something and it could save you some time.

March Madness. Basketball? Spring break?

What is your definition of March Madness. For many students on Planet College it is not basketball nor is it Spring Break. It's mid-terms.

Are you ready? Are you prepared? Do you even know?

Your courses this term probably involve some type of mid-term project. Often this is a test. This test is a good opportunity to find out exactly how you are doing.

If you got to class some morning late as usual and found the rest of the class poring over a sheet with questions and you reaction was, " Test? Nobody told me there would be a test." you are probably somewhat out of touch.

If however you at least knew there was a test you are on track to pass that class. If you were prepared, i.e. had studied, then your chances of passing the class are above average.

Wherever you are and whatever you have been doing, mid-term and the tests that usually go along with them is a good opportunity for you to assess your progress so far.

If you are not sure how you are doing. If this is all not that clear it might be wise to talk with your instructors. A brief visit with them, especially if you are iffy about their particular class, can help clear up your status as a student this term.

Are there any questions?

Not long after you started attending classes you noticed the instructor often asked,"Are there any questions?" Being an average student you probably thought, "Not from me."

This tactic, avoiding anything in class which might prolong the agony of ,well ,being in class is often used by average students.

By now you may have not realized that the instructor's," Are there any questions?" isn't just to show off how much she knows. It is, in fact, a tactic instructors employ to make sure the topic under consideration has been covered adequately.

When there is a response from a student it is an opportunity for the instructor to explain, possibly in more depth, the subject. In short, student's questions are teaching tools.

Conversely, when there are no questions the instructor can assume that she has presented the material adequately and she can move on.

Armed with this perspective you might now consider actually asking a question in class. Even though for most of your career on Planet College you have avoided questions in class.

If you are still reluctant to raise your hand during class to ask a question here is a Planet College tip. When the instructor asks, raise your hand and for your question simply repeat back in question form the last thing the instructor has said about the topic.

In an American History class for example, at an appropriate time, having been paying attention, you might say," So, you're saying that the Battle of Gettysburg was the high tide of the Confederacy?"

This will accomplish something more important than the eventual answer to the question. It will establish your presence as an interested student. This simple procedure can also help you get the grade you seek in this course.

Try it. Just ask.

Planet College Explanation: Education versus Training.

Some time ago it was deemed beneficial to the general good or social order or what ever you want to call it to have an educated population. For this to occur two types of learning were relied upon. During your life you will probably be exposed to and may even benefit from both types of learning. One is called education and the other is called training.

Training is usually applied to learning a set of skills in order to accomplish a task. These tasks are usually associated with a trade. A trade is literally a set of skills which a tradesman or woman exchanges for a wage, money. Some training of which you may be aware are x-ray technician, electrician, dental hygienist among many. You may know, know of or even be a trades person. This is essentially what is meant in the world by training.

Education is meant to teach people to think. This may not have been explained to you when you began your education. Since you were very young at the time you simply started "school". But, school, whether you knew it or not, was essentially meant to supply you with the skills necessary to think independently and function as a member of society.

These are the essentials and you need both education and training to function.

The Census is coming! The Census is coming!

Are you ready? The 2010 census is coming. This is a chance for you to be counted. Maybe your first.
So make sure you are included.

Also and even better right now. The Department of Commerce is hiring, right now, census workers. True you won't be employed until next year. But. There is a good chance you will need employment next year. It looks like the pay isn't too bad and the applications are online. Why not sign up now?

More with less, can you do it?

Can you do what you need to do with the resources your have? Resources, your resources, can be generally reduced to two essentials: money and time. How much do you have of each. Right now, chances are you have less of both. You are probably spending more time to get the same amount of money. Which means less time for -what? Well OK. What? Less time for friends. Less time for studying. What are you now trading your time for now? If your priority is getting back to earth from Planet College then you have the time to spend on that effort. Friends can become a study group. A text book brought to work can be useful on breaks and lunches. Less time because of work? Use what time you do have efficiently. Make it count towards your graduation.

You can do more with less.

Where did you wake up today?

This is important. Where did you wake up today. If you woke up today, where? Friend's couch? Your car? Your room. Really? Your own residence. Or someone else's? A surprising number of students find themselves homeless at one time or another during their career on Planet College. This may be simply expediency: you find some one to sleep with so, you sleep with them. Or finances. You sleep in your car until you find a place to stay.
Right now. It is early in the term. Short term housing and even no real housing are often a fact. At least for some time. But. No real residence can affect your career as a student. It certainly can effect the quality of your life.

If you are a student and have no real personal address that you can call your own you may be facing more than just a temporary housing challenge. You may in fact be homeless. Elsewhere in this site there is a more comprehensive entry about homelessness and students.

Right now, though, if you regularly wake up someplace other than your own residence it may be time to address this basic issue.
How? Start with the housing office. Post a notice on the bulletin board in your department. In short. Ask for help.
It is going to be a long term. You need to worry about things other than housing. So. Get some help.

Pass What Class?

Before things get too far along this term it is important to take a minute or two right now to determine what class you are going to pass. All of them? Well by now you know stuff comes up on Planet College and as a student you often don't finish everything you start. At least not in the same term. So what class must you pass this term? This is important. Are you serious? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to pass this one class? If your answer is anything but yes you are probably wasting your time. And, it is your time.

Roommate Wars, How to avoid them.

Roommate disagreements happen. Even among the best of friends. The best way to avoid roommate disagreements is to get everything in writing. Ok. You can't think of everything. But up front, even before you move in, get as much as possible written down.
Finances first. Who pays what and for what. House rules, that's housekeeping, i.e. who cleans what and when. These can be printed and posted. Usually that is in the kitchen and the bathroom. These are the "common" areas where the most common problems occur.

Stay over rules are something else again. Whose friend(s) and when. And when does a guest become another roommate.

You're thinking,"Yeah like this is practical". Well, no, you just can't think of everything that might come up. And no one ever thinks they will have a disagreement with their friend. But. Here are the two most common areas of human disagreement. Love and money. Yup. I'll bet if you think back to the major and minor disagreements of you life. They were about either love or money. The rules of love aren't generally written down. But. Money can be determined and divided up easily.

So to keep a roommate as a friend get stuff in writing. If you've already moved in and especially if "stuff " is coming up take some time to talk about it now. Now, before disagreements become a war. And there are no winners in that one.

To do and to don't.

Around this time of the term it is common to find yourself writing lists. Usually of things to do. These lists help clarify daily activities which need to be accomplished. There are many such methods available on line and they are usually under some time management heading. Most students have some method of compiling these lists from sophisticated day runner multiple reference overlay or iPhone apps to a short list scribbled on the back of a Domino's receipt.

However you do this, it is important that you do. Do a list. Do a 'to do' list. Some lists are too general, i.e. "file taxes." Others are too specific containing tasks the student might be doing anyway like "brush teeth". Unless it is unusual or uncommon for you to brush your teeth it is probably not necessary to write down such mundane tasks.

Still your list is your list. And if commonly occurring mundane tasks give you a feeling of getting some thing done then write them and do it. Some list is better than no list at all.

Not often found but equally effective are don't lists. This negative approach can actually jar a student into a greater level of awareness. Don't park in the dean's parking place, don't forget the paper for Comp Lit. Don't spend your share of the rent on Jeager, stuff like that. Dont's are important too.

If you are not familiar with the common 'to do' or less common 'to don't' lists then right now get a piece of paper and write down three things you can do today toward your graduation. Three things. Simple.

However you do it and what ever your approach get to it. It is that time of year.

What do you do when you got no class?

A great deal about negotiating Planet College is about all of the small things that add up to a student's day. When you are in class it is pretty easy to be a student. You know the drill. Sit there and look like your taking notes. Occasionally glance at the instructor in order to appear interested. By now you may even have perfected sleeping with your eyes open. If you feel particularly ambitious you may actually be taking notes.
That's class, by now you know how you do it.
What about when you are not in an actual class session. what do you do then? Most of your real student life is outside of the classroom.

What you do with your time and your life outside of the actual classroom will eventually add up to how much time you will spend on Planet College.

Well? Isn't it time you decided when you will get back to Earth? You can greatly help your own cause by focusing your out of class time on completing your degree.

It is up to you.

Another year older and deeper in debt.

Every new year brings with it some form of reflection. Resolutions. To do lists. Goals, new and old. For students the start of a new calendar year can mean many things. But one thing it means for sure. More money for school. School costs money. School stuff costs money. Often this money is borrowed. Loans. Currently nationally the economy is adjusting majorly. This could mean fewer hours at work. It could mean overall money is harder to get. It often is for most students. Most students live in limited economic environment, their own personal recession. So. The current "downturn" wont be such news. Still. Right now. Early in this calendar year. Is a good time to pause to review. How much do you owe? How much more will you owe at the end of the year?

Take some time to consider this. And consider what you may be gaining from it. Right now you are investing your time and money in your own future. A future which will last your life time. Take care to use it well. Next year at this time will you be wiser? More capable? More employable? Will you be more than just another year older and deeper in debt?

Think about it.