I can’t believe that it’s already week five of fall term. It seems like just yesterday I was getting sunburned at the College of Liberal Arts CONNECT week scavenger hunt. But it’s true, fall is underway and I’m seeing several tell-tale signs that indicate the middle of the term is here:
- It seems like everyone has the “bug” that’s going around, and they keep coming to class anyway; the large lecture hall in Milam turns into a symphony of coughing, sneezing and blowing noses.
- “More Coffee!” is the cry of the masses struggling to pull through their first round of midterms.
- The hours of daylight are shrinking as we prepare for the marathon of grey rainy days that is the blur of winter in Oregon.
- And the buzz around campus is related to what everyone is dressing up as, yep, that’s right, for HALLOWEEN!
It’s here folks; the first holiday of the year that reminds us all that it’s time to go in and talk with your academic advisor. To schedule an appointment either call 541-737-0561 or come by Gilkey 213.
But before meeting with your advisor, take some time to think back over the past weeks of this term and ask yourself some questions. First, how is it going? Overall, are you happy at OSU and doing well in your classes? If not, try to identify what isn’t working for you. Maybe you don’t like the majority if your courses or you’re considering changing your major. If that’s the case, it’s time to talk to your advisor about finding different content areas that you are interested in. As advisors, we can help you make connections based on your interests and career goals that you might not know are possible.
What about involvement on campus? Are you already involved in five campus activities and two intramural sports and can’t find the time to fit in studying? Or perhaps you are overwhelmed with how much free time you have now that you’re in college and you have no idea where to start. If that’s the case, your academic advisor is a great resource for helping you evaluate your priorities so that you can learn to create a healthy and happy balance in your life.
Whether you are struggling to find your footing here this first term, or you feel like you have this “school thing” all figured out. Come in and talk with your advisor in order to make plans for the future, make connections with campus resources and develop a personalized plan for your educational journey.
When I first came to OSU, I quickly found out that I hated my major. I also knew that I wanted to be involved, but not as involved as I was in high school (we’re talking like 12 co-curricular activities). I was overwhelmed with the idea of picking a new major and I had no idea where to start when getting involved. There were so many choices that the sheer number made me not want to choose because I was scared of making the wrong choice. Luckily, it was my academic advisor who helped me recognize that one of my favorite BACC Core courses (ECON 202, I know, right?) was my true academic passion, and the major I graduated with!! He also helped me talk through my life goals and interests and pointed me in the direction of some key activities that were the foundation of my choosing a career in academic advising.
