GRADUATE IN FOUR
MAKING A SUCCESSFUL
TRANSITION
INTO COLLEGE
Starting the College Journey
WELCOME TO COLLEGE
 What really matters in college?
 What are the key degree requirements?
 How do I go about getting advice to help me make
good decisions?
 What specific recommendations should I know
about to help navigate registering for classes today?
 How do I create and maintain a program for
success in college?
WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN COLLEGE?
 A liberal arts education is the best and most
powerful preparation for:
1) A productive career; and
2) Dealing with life’s challenges
oEmployers say “it takes more than a major” to prosper in
an economy that is constantly changing.
oEmployers want individuals who can communicate, think
critically, and make informed decisions
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Earn a minimum total of 124 credit hours
General Education Program requirements
Major and Minor requirements
General Electives
Deciding on a Major
DECIDING ON A MAJOR
 It’s okay to be undecided
 Once decided, it’s okay to change your mind
and switch majors
 However, switching majors on a whim without
receiving guidance may:
 Delay your graduation
 Increase your tuition bills
NOTE: Seek out a Career Coach in the University Advising
and Career Development Center (UACDC).
Choosing Classes
GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS?
Must take AT LEAST 30-32 credit hours per year
 Take15/16 credit hours Fall and Winter semesters
and/or
 Take additional credit hours during the Summer
NOTE: A minimum of 12 credit hours is required to be
considered a full-time student. Some financial aid may
require 15 credit hours to be considered a full-time student.
SEEKING ACCURATE ADVICE
Seek out accurate information on important degree
requirements
 Online catalog 2016-17 ** check after July 1 **
 Online class schedules
 my.emich Student Services tab
 Academic Advisors
NOTE: Meet with advisors every semester!
GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
 Effective Communication
 Written Communication and Oral Communication
 Quantitative Reasoning
 Knowledge of the Disciplines
 Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences
 Perspectives on a Diverse World
 Global Awareness and U.S. Diversity
 Learning Beyond the Classroom
THE FIRST TWO SEMESTERS
 Satisfy the Written Communication and Oral
Communication requirements during your first two
semesters
 Take the necessary steps towards satisfying the
Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
Why??? EMU students completing these requirements
their first year have much higher grade point averages
(GPAs) and graduation rates.
MORE DECISIONS TO MAKE
 Consider registering for a first-year experience
… UNIV 101L3 [satisfies LBC Group 3]
… Successful Starters
 If decided on a major, take any courses
recommended for that major
 Take additional Gen Ed courses to fill out your
schedule
 Create a plan – follow the plan!
Create a Plan for Success
EMU will provide students with
high-impact learning experiences
and then support them to reach
their full potential
Being Successful in the Classroom
SUCCESS IN COLLEGE
• Take control of your education
• Meet instructors during their office hours
• Create your own support systems. Seek help!
• Take control of your time. Plan ahead!
• Make thoughtful course decisions – challenge
yourself; don’t just satisfy a requirement
• Set goals for the semester, … the year, … your
college career
Students Going it Alone
WHAT CAN FAMILY AND FRIENDS DO?
• Stay in communication - ask questions – but also
give students some breathing room
• Plan to visit in the fall if student is living on campus
or just to see what campus events are like
• Encourage student’s curiosity and academic
interests
• Encourage your student to take advantage of
support services
• Encourage your student to GET INVOLVED!
NEXT STEPS – FINAL THOUGHTS
 Students prepare to meet with advisors
and take the first steps in making
thoughtful decisions
 Family members prepare to let their
students meet with advisors and
become an EMU Eagle
Final Thoughts on College
Dr. Chris Foreman
General Education Program
cforeman@emich.edu