Academic Counseling and Registration
Session for 13th Platoon
• Advisors:
– Associate Professor Paul Miller, Naval Architecture
and Ocean Engineering (Group 1)
– Associate Professor Catherine O’Neil – Language
Studies (Group 3)
• Goals for this Session (first of two before
classes start)
– Intros, course choices, validations, academic
opportunities
ACR Session
• Validation questions for department
representatives - 1425-1445
• Plebe Academic Advising Sheet
– Varsity Sports – time commitment
– ECA – typically less time commitment
– Majors – “Engineering”, “Math/Science”,
“Hum/SS” or more specific, e.g. “Russian”, “Aero”
USNA Academics
• Similar to civilian schools, same accreditation,
similar academic workload and difficulty to Ivy
League schools, fewer hours available to
study, so more challenging…
• But, more resources available!
• The trick is “time management”!
Validations and Credit Hours
• Due to a high exam score or grade (AP, placement,
transcript) you may opt to not take that course if it is
required in your major matrix.
• You may still take it and get credit.
• You still need to have at least 15 credits/semester
and 139-145 credits to graduate.
• Credits are abbreviated as Lecture Hours-Lab HoursCredit Hours per week (e.g. 3-0-3 or 2-2-3 or 3-2-4
or…)
TYPICAL PLEBE YEAR
FALL
SM121
SPRING
4 CR
SM122
Calculus I
SC111
Calculus II
4 CR
SC112
Chemistry I
HE111
HE112
English I
HH104
U.S. Government
NN101
Seamanship
2 CR
Intro to Navigation
2 CR
NL110
Prepare to Lead
PE101/PE111
3 CR
U.S. Naval History
2 CR
NL110
3 CR
English II
3 CR
NS101
4 CR
Chemistry II
3 CR
FP130
4 CR
2 CR
Prepare to Lead
0 CR
PE102
0 CR
Physical Education
Physical Education
18/16 Credit Hours
18/16 Credit Hours
MATHEMATICS (SM)
FALL
SM005
SPRING
4-1-4
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
SM121A
SM121A
4-1-4
Calculus & Analytic Geometry I
4-1-4
Calculus & Analytic Geometry I with
Trigonometry
SM121
4-0-4
Calculus & Analytic Geometry I
SM131
3-0-3
Calculus & Analytic Geometry I
SM161
5-0-5
Calculus I with Computers
SM122
Calculus III with Vector Fields
(Plebes Only)
4-1-4
Calculus & Analytic Geometry II with
Laboratory Study Period
SM122
4-0-4
Calculus & Analytic Geometry II
SM122
4-0-4
Calculus & Analytic Geometry II
SM162
5-0-5
Calculus II with Computers
4-0-4
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
SM221P
SM122A
4-0-4
SM221
4-0-4
Calculus III with Vector Fields
SM212P
4-0-4
Differential Equations
(Plebes Only)
Chemistry (SC)
FALL
SC111
SPRING
3-2-4
Foundations of Chemistry I
SC151
SC112
3-2-4
Foundations of Chemistry II
3-2-4
Modern Chemistry
(Course for One Semester Validators)
No Specific Follow-On Course
Possibilities Are: HH215P, FP210,
FP220, FP230, HE217, FE210M, FE210,
SI204, SP211P, FL___
ENGLISH (HE)
FALL
HE101
3-0-3
SPRING
HE111W
3-0-3
Practical Writing
HE111
3-0-3
Rhetoric and Intro to Literature I
HE111S
3-0-3
Rhetoric and Intro to Literature I
(Honors course for those who almost validate)
Rhetoric and Intro to Literature
I
HE112
3-0-3
Rhetoric and Intro to Literature
II
HE112S
3-0-3
Rhetoric and Intro to Literature
II
(Follow-On Course to HE111S)
HE112V
3-0-3
Rhetoric and Intro to Literature II
No Specific Follow-On Course
Possibilities Are:
LEADERSHIP, ETHICS, LAW (NL)
SEAMANSHIP, NAVIGATION (NS/NN)
POLITICAL SCIENCE (FP)
HISTORY (HH)
FALL
SPRING
NL110
2-0-2
Approximately Half the Plebe Class
NL110
2-0-2
Approximately Half the Plebe Class
Prepare to Lead
Prepare to Lead
NS101
1-2-2
Seamanship
FP130
NN101
1-2-2
Intro to Navigation
3-0-3
U. S. Government and Constitutional
Development
HH104
3-0-3
American Naval History
FIRST SEMESTER COURSES - CLASS OF 2014
Most of the courses that a plebe is likely to encounter in his/her first semester
at the Naval Academy are described in the following list.
Department or
Division
Mathematics
Course
Number Credit
SM005
4-1-4
Course Description
Pre-calculus Mathematics. A pre-calculus course for those who need more
preparation in algebra and trigonometry. Summer school is required. SM005
counts as a free elective (in matrices where there is a free elective).
SM121A 4-1-4
Calculus and Analytic Geometry with Trigonometry I. A first calculus course for
those who have not had a significant amount of calculus. An extra hour is added
for reinforcement in trigonometry.
SM121
4-0-4
Calculus and Analytic Geometry I. A first calculus course for those who have not
had a significant amount of calculus and have a good background in pre-calculus
mathematics.
SM131
3-0-3
Calculus and Analytic Geometry I. A first calculus course for those who have had a
significant amount of calculus and prior differential calculus skills and almost
validated one semester of calculus.
SM161
5-0-5
Calculus and Analytic Geometry I with Computers. A first calculus course which
integrates calculus and computer programming. Completion of SM161 and
SM162 count as a free elective (in matrices where there is a free elective).
SM122
4-0-4
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II. A second calculus course for one semester
validators.
SM122S 4-0-4
Calculus and Analytic Geometry II. A second calculus course for one semester
validators with particularly good mathematic skills.
First Semester Courses - Class of 2014 Continued
Department or
Division
Mathematics (Con’t)
Chemistry
Physics
English
Course Number
Credit
SM221P
4-0-4
Course Description
Calculus and Analytic Geometry III. A third calculus course for two semester
validators.
SM212
Or
SM222
Differential equations. Required of majors in most technical disciplines.
4-0-4
Differential equations with matrices. Intended for mathematics and quantitative
economics majors.
SM481
1-0-1
Mathematics Problem Solving. This one credit course is for plebe volunteers
with an extensive mathematical background.
SC111
3-2-4
Foundations of Chemistry I. A first college level course in chemistry.
SC151
3-2-4
Modern Chemistry. A one semester course which satisfies the plebe chemistry
requirements for those who are well prepared in chemistry but are unable to
validate for a full year.
SP211
3-2-4
General Physics. A first college-level course in physics.
SP221
3-2-4
Physical Mechanics. A first college-level calculus-based physics course.
Primarily for physics majors and others seeking a deeper understanding.
HE101
3-0-3
Practical Writing. For those whose writing skills need reinforcement prior to
taking HE111W & HE112W.
HE111
3-0-3
Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature I. Stresses writing of rhetorically
effective and grammatically correct expository prose. Reading includes essays,
short stories, and plays.
First Semester Courses - Class of 2014 Continued
Department or
Division
Course Number
Credit
English (con’t)
HE111S
3-0-3
Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature I. An honors level course for those
who have well-developed writing skills.
HE112V
3-0-3
Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature II. A continuation of HE111 for one
semester validators. Readings include novels and poetry.
HH104
HH104X
3-0-3
3-0-3
American Naval History. The history of American sea power
Same course for International Plebes fall semester.
FP130
3-0-3
U.S. Government and Constitutional Development. A study of American
democracy and the structure and function of its government and the
Constitution that midshipmen take an oath to defend.
FP130X
3-0-3
The basic concepts of American democracy and the Constitution placed in
comparative context for midshipmen from foreign countries.
History
Political Science
Only offered spring
semester
Course Description
Leadership
NL110
2-0-2
Preparing to Lead. An introduction to the fundamentals of self-leadership, in
the context of theories and principles of individual and group leadership.
Seamanship
NS101
1-2-2
Fundamentals of Seamanship. Provides basic maritime background in
general ship characteristics, ship handling and Rules of the Road. Includes
at-sea labs on YPs.
Languages &
Cultures
FLXXX
3-0-3
Here is to be found a large collection of courses in Arabic (FA), Chinese (FC),
French (FF), German (FG), Japanese (FJ), Russian (FR), and Spanish (FS),
from the beginning level to advanced readings in literature for foreign
cultures.
FX101
3-0-3
English for non-native speakers. This core course for foreign midshipmen
replaces HE111. The course emphasizes writing and American culture and
values.
PRE-REGISTRATION 2014
Fall Semester Course
Spring Semester Course
SM005
SM121A
SM121A
SM122A
SM121
SM122
SM131
SM122
SM161
SM162
SM122
SM221
SM122S
SM221S
SM221P
SM212P (Preferred)
SM212 or SM222
No Follow-On Course
SM481 (Math Problem Solving)
No Follow-On Course
SC111
SC112
SC151
HH215P (Preferred) or HE217, FP210, FP220, FP230, FE201M,
FE210, SI204/SP211P, FL___
HE101
HE111W
HE111
HE112
HE111S
HE112S
FX101
FX102
HE112V
HH215P (Preferred) or HE217, FP210, FP220, FP230, FE201M,
FE210, SI204, FL___
FP130
HH104
HH104
HH104X
FP130
FP130X
NL110
NL110 (Approximately Half the Class Each Semester)
NS101
NN101
FLXXX
FLXXX
PE101
PE102
PE111
PE102
Summer School
Yes
No
Questions?
• Talk to Squad Leader if urgent (validations,
course selection) and ask them to get you in
contact with us.
• Or, see you in a week!
• Stay cool!
Academic Adivising Session for 13th
Platoon
• Advisors:
– Associate Professor Paul Miller, Naval Architecture
and Ocean Engineering (Group 1)
– Associate Professor Catherine O’Neil – Language
Studies (Group 3)
Goals for Today
•
•
•
•
•
•
Learn your fall semester schedules
Introduce Plebe Academic Handbook
Discuss academic expectations
Review strategies for academic success
Discuss where to go for help
Questions
MIDS
What can I use MIDS for?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pre-register and register for classes
Get your class schedule
Get your professors’ schedules
Get final exam schedule
Query grades and other academic info
Provide excusals for absences
Compare matrices for majors
Read MAPRs … and more!
Getting your Schedule
Your Schedule
May say
STAFF
Class
Time
No
scheduled
classes
Lab
Time
Class
Roo
m
Lab
Roo
m
Schedule Codes
• Buildings
• Days of the Week
–
–
–
–
–
M = Monday
T = Tuesday
W = Wednesday
R = Thursday
F = Friday
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
CH = Chauvenet
LJ = Lejeune
LU = Luce
MD = Macdonough
MA = Mahan
MI = Michelson
MU = Maury
NI = Nimitz
RI = Rickover
SA = Sampson
Michelson
Hall
(Chemistry)
Sampson Hall
(English,
History)
Chauvenet
Hall
(Math)
Luce Hall
(Leadership,
Seamanship)
Daily Schedule
Period
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
75 min
periods
2 = 3 hrs/wk
Duration
0755-0845
0855-0945
0955-1045
1055-1145
1330-1420
1430-1520
1530-1620
8 0755-0910
9 0955-1110
10 1330-1445
Normal
Academi
c Day
Seldom used
(some long labs)
Weekly Calendar View
Caution
• Schedules can change right up to the first
day of classes.
• Use MIDS to check on your schedule just
before classes begin.
Questions about Schedules?
•
•
•
•
•
In what building do Math classes meet?
In what building do English classes meet?
What is one of your 3-hour courses?
What is one of your 4-hour courses?
How many “open” periods do you have in
a week?
Info
available!
Help
available!
Plebe Academic Handbook
• Academic Calendar, inside front cover
– Preregistration, 14 – 18 Sep
– Academic Reserve (Exam) Periods
– 6 and 12 week grade submission dates
– Registration 23, Nov – 12 Dec
• Academic departments, locations and
phone numbers, pgs. 2 – 3
• Validation, pg. 7
• Help with academic problems, pgs. 7 – 9
Plebe Academic Handbook
• Computers, pgs. 11 – 14
– Using MIDS
– Getting help or getting it fixed
• Attendance Requirements, pg. 16
• Computation of Grades, pg. 16
• Academic Honors, Deficiencies, Academic
Board, Special Opportunities pgs. 17 – 22
• USNA Statement on Plagiarism, pg. 23
How are Academics at USNA different
from those in High School?
• More competition for your time.
• Faster pace.
• Higher expectations.
– Analytical or critical thinking skills
– Writing skills
– Mathematical skills
• Greater freedom to mess up.
– More time between quizzes or major assignments
– Professors expect you to be responsible
What do professors expect?
• EFFORT!
– Be prepared for class (read ahead)
– Turn in quality work (neat and on time)
– Show interest (even if you fake it)
– Show respect to professor and classmates
– On-time and awake!
• Communication
– About how to make up missed work
– About what to do when you need help
What does my Professor Expect?
• Most will tell you on day 1
• Pay attention to their stated preferences,
pet peeves, etc.
• Read the Course Policy Statement for
information on
– Course objectives, requirements, etc.
– Homework Policy
– Test Policy
– Grading Policy
Course Policy Statements
ACDEANINST 1531.58:
• instructor/department grading policy
• homework policy including collaboration
• preference on formats
• quizzes
• departmental/instructor examinations
• extra instruction procedures
• classroom work
• laboratory work (if applicable)
• course objectives
Questions about Expectations?
•
•
•
•
•
What does a section leader do?
Can you drink or eat in class?
Is it important to read your textbooks?
Is your homework graded?
What happens if you turn in an assignment
late?
• How are your grades calculated?
Time Management
• So many things to do.
• So little time.
• So what?
Typical 4/C Weekly Schedule
How many
hours
should I be
studying?
FP130
FP130
FP130
SC111
SC111
SC111
NS101
Guideline:
2 hours for
each hour
in class.
SM131
HE111
SC111
NS101
SC111
NS101
NL110
SM131
NL110
HE111
Physical Mission Period
19 hours in
class.
Need ~ 38
study
hours.
Forrestal
Lecture
SM131
HE111
When will I
find the
time?
Home
Football
Game
Free
Periods
(10 hrs)
Study Pds
(18 hrs)
Weekends
(10 hrs)
Basics of Time Management
• To Do List
– Your memory will fail. Write assignments down.
– Consolidate assignments onto one list.
– Include the due dates.
• Daily calendar
– Discipline yourself to use it.
– Recurring events should be placed on the calendar
once.
– Paper calendars have mobility advantages.
• Plan
– Look at your To Do List and Calendar and plan when
you will accomplish the events on them.
– Otherwise they are actually a waste of your time.
Strategies for Academic Success
http://intranet.usna.edu/AcCenter/documents.htm
Tips to Success at the U. S. Naval Academy
A Baker’s Dozen
1. Sit in the front row and pay attention in class.
2. Start working hard the very first day. Don't fall behind.
3. Stay awake. Stand if necessary.
4. Do all the assignment before going to class skim for major points then read
for details.
5. Make sure you grasp basic concepts as you go along. Ask questions about
what you don't understand.
6. Participate in class. Don't let anything go by that you don't understand.
7. Learn from questions asked by others. Pay attention to what is going on.
8. Take good notes in class. Class notes help you understand what the
professor wants.
9. Be sure to copy down problem types and examples given in class.
10. Organize your notes as soon as possible after class. Fill in the blanks.
11. Arrange for extra instruction (EI) if you start falling behind or, as you
become confused. Go at the first sign of difficulty.
12. Study and review with others. Begin your review for exams at least one
week before the exam date.
13. Study subjects you like later than the ones you don't.
Problem Solving Courses
• Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Statics,
Dynamics, EE, Boats, Steam, Weapons,
Navigation….
• Rule 1: Always do your class assignments
• Rule 2: Be an active Participant during class
When all else fails, see Rule 1
Non-Problem Solving Courses
• History, Poly Sci, English, Leadership,
Ethics, Naval Science
• SQ3R System
– Survey
– Question
– Read
– Recite
– Review
Repeat
Questions about Study Skills
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
How much should I study?
Where should I study?
What about group study?
Should I take notes? How?
How do I get EI?
How should I prepare for EI?
How should I prepare for tests?
What if I need help?
• Getting in trouble
• Getting back out
Academic Deficiency
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
have a semester QPR below 1.50.
fail two or more courses in one semester.
fail any course after having failed two or more courses previously.
fail to earn a 2.00 in summer school.
fail to remove probation.
fail to fulfill any condition as prescribed by the Academic Board as
the result of a previous deficiency.
fail to successfully complete all requirements for graduation by the
end of that semester in which you are scheduled to graduate.
fall two or more courses behind the number of courses required by
the end of a given semester according to that major's matrix.
fail to achieve the required standards in prescribed summer training.
deficient in physical education at the end of a semester or receive
failing grades in conduct and military performance.
fail a remedial course such as HE101, SM005 or HE344.
Getting Help
•
•
•
•
•
START EARLY — as soon as you think you need it.
EI — The first resort! Call, email or visit your professor.
Ask other mids — But don’t just copy their work.
MGSP — Group Study led by a mid. A process, not a quick fix.
Department Resources:
– Chemistry Resource Center: MI100
– Math Lab: CH130
– Writing Center: SAG20
• Academic Center
–
–
–
–
–
Plebe Intervention Program (by invitation)
Plebe Advising Program
Learning Skills Program
Extra Help Classes (Math, Chemistry, Physics)
Evening Tutoring
• Chaplains, MDC, Medical
What’s Next?
• Parents’ Weekend: 7 – 9 Aug
• Computer Issue: 13 Aug
• Majors Briefings: 17 – 19 Aug (and up to
March)
• Classes Begin: 24 Aug
• Pre-registration: 11 – 18 Sep
– You must meet with your advisor first to get
approval for your spring courses
– We’ll be sending you email and arranging
meetings, probably in the Company wardroom
Closing Thoughts!
• This is your college
education.
• You will need to
work hard but you
can succeed.
• Your instructors are
pulling for you.
• Get organized,
challenge yourself
and have some fun!