Advice to New Undergraduates
The key to success as a busy student with too much to do and too little time:
Time management is the key. The person who is best organized gets the most done!
Purchase and use a daily planner, or use an on-line calendar. Prioritize tasks and
commitments at least once daily on a separate “to-do” list.
How to be noticed as a serious student by an instructor in a large class of several
hundred? You need to make a positive impression on all occasions – and with all
instructors -- that you are an articulate, intelligent, exceptionally eager learner, one that
he/she will inevitably recall when you need a letter of recommendation, or when he/she
needs an assistant on a research project, a candidate for a fellowship, etc. Arrive early, sit
in the front of the class, avoid annoying mannerisms, do not eat or chew gum, but do take
copious notes, look – and be – interested in the instructor’s presentation (even if
sometimes it’s torture!). Ask an exceptionally perceptive and pertinent question if the
instructor asks, “Are there any questions?” Or ask such a question prior to the instructor’s
exit from the lecture hall or classroom. Go to your instructor’s posted office hours at
least once per semester. There will not be 300 students in line! Prepare your visit in
advance; know something about his/her interests and research; maybe read some of the
professor’s articles or books. If you meet an instructor walking across campus, have
something to ask after you say, “Hello,” as, “How did you get interested in X ?” or
“Where did you did you earn your doctorate?”
Advisement and Networking: Usually students are assigned one advisor in their major
department. Obtain advice also from others: professors, and dependable, older, upperdivision and graduate students. This way you have options. Much useful dissemination of
valuable information exchanged on a college campus does not occur in the classroom.
Read your university's catalog (though it may be soporific!); learn how the university is
organized, what services are available to students, and where these are located.
Keep a manila file with all communications and receipts from the university -- for future
reference. Keep your study plan therein, and your grade reports. Take your file with you
when you go to see an advisor. Go prepared to make a positive impression on your
advisor: arrive with a detailed plan of study as a basis for discussion, for approval or
modification. Keep notes on what your advisor tells you. Double-check the advisor's
advice, if possible.
Accelerating Your Undergrad Studies. Fresno State allows undergraduate students to
challenge certain courses, including General Education courses by Credit by Examination
(Catalog, p. 80). You may enroll in a certain number of required courses (but usually not
in the major) on a Pass/Fail basis called Credit/No Credit. (See 2008-09 CSUF General
Catalog, p. 74- 75). Always enroll in any "fun," not required, enrichment course (Basic
Whatever 1A, etc.) through CR/NC. Consider taking required GE courses during the
summer at a Community College; be sure in advance that any such course units will count
at CSUF (check with an advisor, or with the Evaluations Office, 278-4076).
Research: As a junior, try to get involved in a professor’s research or in writing grants,
particularly if your major is in the sciences. Request Independent Study (190) credits for a
substantial amount of work.
Writing and Presentation Skills Development: Writing is a skill each of us can always
improve -- a lifelong effort -- and requires practice; one may become "rusty" at writing.
As for oral presentations, it is necessary to thoroughly prepare when it is your turn to
"shine." In the future look for opportunities to make oral presentations in your discipline.
If
possible, attend professional meetings, especially if they are scheduled on the West Coast.
Try to get on the program to make an oral presentation or joint presentation, or poster
session. Mingle with other presenters. Such meetings are valuable for meeting people, "
networking, and "exposure to new "cutting edge" ideas.
Work on Campus! Preferably as a student assistant in your major department office, for
convenience (it’s close to your studies!) and it’s great for networking opportunities.
Schedule up to 20 work hours of work around your courses. Learn how to deal with
people, and there are potential, real advantages from knowing the department chair,
faculty, staff, = a source of recommendations later on.
Apply for All CSUF University Scholarships for Which you Are Eligible On-Line! See
the menu on the csufresno.edu homepage. Also check scholarships by Googling major
corporations, like this: “Target + scholarships for college,” or “Target + scholarships for
minorities for college.” Polish your personal statement; retain an E-copy in your
computer.
Broaden Your Horizons! Participate in a Junior Year of Study Abroad. Check with the
international Programs office in FFS 111. Such an experience will be life-changing, and
you will develop valuable coping and problem-solving skills that employers look for!
Crime Stats: Google csufresno.edu + crime statistics. What, where, what time of day have
“things” happened on or near campus? Hopefully just wallets and bicycles are “ripped
off,” but don’t count on it. Universities are required by the federal government to
maintain up to date crime statistics, and to report on previous years as well; notice trends.
The report to look for is called the “Cleary Report.” If you have to be on campus after it
gets dark and it’s “creepy,” use the campus escort service. Carry a cell phone. If you see a
dangerous situation, or need help, dial 911. Also memorize the CSUF Campus Police
numbers: 278-3132, or 278-4000. (To use a classroom phone to call Campus Police, dial
8-2132, or 8-4000).
Assertiveness: If it doesn’t come naturally, being assertive and becoming a leader are
skills that one can learn. Others have learned (Dr. Ross for example!), so can you. Plan to
become a leader, an administrator, a boss. Deliberately observe real leaders in action:
what
qualities do those persons have? People usually treat you the way you treat them. But not
always. What if a pathological grouch doesn't respond by adhering to the usual, Golden
Rule pattern of behavior? What then? Defend yourself. But how? These are skills that can
be learned: take a course (as Women Studies 112), or purchase a self-help book on the
topic at Border's, or Barnes and Noble.
Plan ahead, starting now. Where do you want to be, where do you see yourself in five, ten
or more years? Postdoc work? Teaching combined with important research?
Administration + research? On a job?
Printed Resources: Getting What You Came for: the Smart Student's Guide to Earning a
Master's or a Ph.D. (Revised Edition), by Robert L. Peters. ISBN 13: 97803774524777.
Despite the title, this volume contains invaluable information for undergraduates as well,
especially those who plan to earn advanced, postgraduate and/or professional degrees.
There is a copy of Dr. Peters’ book in the CSUF library. It is a book to read, keep and use
as a reference later on. So purchase one right now from Amazon.com! Google: Peters +
Getting What you Came for + 1997.
Document updated March 19, 2009 by:
David Ross, Ph.D.
Acting Director, University 1
davidro@csufrresno.edu
278-6480
http://zimmer.csufresno.edu/~davidro/