A Fresh Start

The great thing about the fall is that we get a fresh start on academic success. Most important questions to have answered by Monday morning: 1) is my schedule complete? Even if it is not, make every effort to attend all class meetings, whether or not you are formally enrolled. 2) check out each course on Blackboard and download the syllabus. Begin thinking about what you will learn and how you will use the information you receive. 3) have a notebook and pen ready to take to each class. Don't fall for the myth that nothing important happens on the first day. 4) plan on getting to each class early enough to get a front row seat. Now, get a good night's sleep and make sure you have set your alarm. Have a great semester!

Summer plans

So, was your spring semester as successful as you envisioned it would be last January. If you answered "yes," congratulations! If "no," now us the perfect time to begin preparations for your next classes. Are you already registered? Have you reviewed your degree audit? If you need to contact your advisor, remember that summer orientation for freshmen begins this week; many advisors will be tied up with that program. Here's a tip: they typically don't advise on Mondays, so that day might give you the best opportunity to discuss your plans.

Get a Head Start on the Semester

Classes begin on Monday, but it's not too late to get a head start. Check your Blackboard account to see which classes have been activated. Look over the syllabus and begin thinking about what you will be discussing in each course. Be sure you know where your classrooms are located -- and, most importantly, the closest parking if you are driving to campus. Give yourself some extra time for the first week by arriving early on campus. A good parking space is often very difficult to find, but if you are early, you stand a better chance. Be sure you know about the Baylor shuttle service.

Prehealth Advising Workshops in BSD, D109

Premed, Predent, Prevet and Preoptometry students: Friday, Sept 24 4-5 p.m. OR Tuesday, Sept 28 5-6 p.m.

Prepharmacy, Prephysician Assistant, Prephysical Therapy and Preoccupational Therapy students - Monday, Sept 27 4-5 p.m. OR 5-6 p.m.

Don't be the mad bear who registers for an inappropriate class and then finds it is a wasted class because it doesn't advance his or her degree plan.

To cheat or not to cheat - is that the question?

NY Times today - A Professor's Review of Online Cheat Sheets - Here's a really informative piece on how to use (and not use) SparkNotes. Decide for yourself if study guides constitute cheating. Decide with your professor if study guides give you additional perspective not achieved in class.

Good Luck Charms for Academic Success

The NY Times reported last week that studies show lucky charms really work. Well, maybe. Read the article and see what you think for yourself. Serena Williams won't change her socks when she is winning in a tournament. She just won her second consecutive Wimbledon (4 wins in all); she might be on to somthing. Do you have a lucky charm? Have you tried using it during finals week? Give it a try and let us know how it works for you.

Advising Information

You have already received an email with this message. However, it bears repeating. And, you will be one mad bear if your don't prepare for your advising appointment and meet with your advisor every semester, even when it is only "recommended." Little misunderstandings about your degree plan can become really big problems when you are ready to graduate.

Subject: Important Advising Information for Early Registration
Text of message:
Who is Your Academic Advisor?
Your specific advising areas are listed for you. Log into BearWeb – www.baylor.edu/bearweb >Student Services and Financial Aid > Advisement > Advisement Contact Information to verify that your major is listed correctly, determine if advising is required, and find your assigned advisor(s). Also, verify that your “educational goal” is correct – premed or any pre-healthcare field, prelaw, etc.

Verify Your Major
It is very important that your major is correct so that your assigned advisor(s) will also be correct. If you need to update your major, go to this link: http://www.baylor.edu/advising > Academic Goals > Changing Majors/Minor/Program and follow the change of major procedures. Call Academic Advisement if you need more information at (254) 710 – 7280. Any time you make a change to your major, minor and/or program, refer to BearWeb again to find your new Advisement Contact Information.

Check Your Program
If you need to add or delete participation in one of the following programs or educational goals, please notify the office where you are directed to change your major:
Pre-Dental, Pre-Dental Assistant, Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Dental Hygiene, Pre-Medical, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Pharmacy,
Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Pre-Law.

When do You Register for Spring Classes?
Find your registration date: http://schedule.baylor.edu/ > Registering for Classes > Current and Returning Students>Early Registration Schedule


If you need additional assistance with any of the information above, send an email to Academic_Advisement_Office@baylor.edu.