By Lindsey Warsnak

The beginning of a new semester is a time when students are settling into new classes and adjusting to being back on campus. Starting the semester off strong plays an important role in academic success throughout the remainder of the year. To help students manage the early weeks, several professors at Hastings College were asked to share the most important piece of advice for students at the start of a new semester.

“Commit to a single, non-negotiable hour of study every day. It is not about the length of time, but the unwavering consistency and intensity of your focus during that window. Treat this sixty-minute block as a sacred appointment with your education—distraction-free and firmly embraced—and this simple, daily discipline will compound into long-term mastery and success.”

— Dr. Pedro Vizoso, Professor of Spanish

“My academic advice is to read course syllabi closely and communicate with professors about any questions or concerns throughout the block. On a personal level, students should build downtime into their daily schedules to disconnect from technology and reconnect with self, others, and nature (the mantra for my outdoor class)!”

— Dr. Stephanie Furrer, Professor of Psychology

“Repetition over a long period of time can be important when learning new content in a course. This does not involve passively re-reading the same material over and over, but instead using different active learning methods for understanding the new material. Examples of methods include taking and rewriting notes, making mind maps, making and answering practice questions, and discussing new concepts with others.”

— Dr. Jason Carbaugh, Professor of Biology

As we start this semester, the advice given by Hastings College professors shows the importance of quality study, communication, and the use of downtime. Application of this advice to your schoolwork can help start you off on the right foot and set you up for a successful semester!