Scary Grades? What to Do if You Received an Academic Warning

The transition to the rigor of college-level work can be challenging, and Baylor has a system to alert students if their grades are significantly low.  The purpose of the academic warnings is to alert a student in enough time that the grades could still be improved.  This improvement does not happen by magic.  If you received an academic warning, here are some steps you can take to orient yourself back to a successful path:

1) Talk to your professor.  The professor is the person who noticed your difficulties and was concerned enough to issue the academic warning.  Your professors want to help you, and this is why they have office hours.  If you are unavailable during your professor’s office hours, contact them about scheduling an appointment.  Professors are the foremost experts on their own classes.  Therefore, they have the potential to offer more specific assistance than anyone else could.

2) Seek assistance and use the resources of Academic Support Programs.  Supplemental Instruction, tutoring, and academic coaching on study skills and time management can work wonders for your grades.

3) If you are really struggling in a class specific to your major or your chosen career path, perhaps it is a good time to re-evaluate the goal.  Meeting with a career counselor is a confidential way to explore your options.  If there is a certain type of class that you would like to avoid, career counselors are knowledgeable about which majors might allow you to focus more energy on your strengths.  Click here to schedule an appointment.

The bottom line is to take action to improve your grades.  You have a team of faculty and staff eager to help you succeed.  Just ask, and we are happy to help.

Missions Opportunity for Freshmen

 

I recently saw an announcement for a wonderful opportunity for freshmen, hosted through Baylor’s Spiritual Life office:  the Freshman Spring Break Mission Trip.  The photo above shows damage that occurred in LaPlace, Louisiana as a result of Hurricane Isaac.  Baylor freshmen have the opportunity to serve residents of LaPlace through disaster relief efforts on the Spring Break trip.  Not only will this opportunity allow you to help others, it might even help you to discern what major or career path will suit you the best.  The trip is open to students of all majors.  Please visit the Spiritual Life website for more information.

Career Spotlight: Computer Programmer

For students who like working independently, staying up-to-date on the latest technology, and being in an office setting, a career as a computer programmer could be a good fit.  Earning a Bachelor’s degree in computer science is the most appropriate educational path for this occupation.  Additionally, students can increase their career opportunities through working in relevant internships.  For more information on the work of a computer programmer, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*NET OnLine.

Get Ready for Early Registration

Early registration season is upon us, as students make decisions about Spring 2013 semester schedules.  An important resource available to you is the Academic Advising website.  From the GPA Calculator to Major Academic Planners (MAPs), the website is full of tools that can help you in planning out your future semesters.  There are also pages that will explain how to change your major or identify your academic advisor.  Reading up on policies and Baylor protocol will increase your chances of getting the schedule that you want for next semester and make it more likely that you will graduate on time.  Best wishes in snagging the classes you want!

Pathways to Teacher Certification

Future educators, and those exploring teaching as a career possibility, have numerous pathways at Baylor for preparing for teacher certification.  Here are some options to consider:

Family and Consumer Sciences: Teacher Certification (Major)

Music Education (Major)

  • Vocal/Keyboard
  • String
  • Wind/Percussion

Business for Secondary Education (Major)

Elementary Education (Major)

  • English as a Second Language (Supplemental Certificate)
  • Gifted and Talented (Supplemental Certificate)
  • Special Education (Supplemental Certificate)

Middle Grades English, Language Arts, and Reading (Major)

Middle Grades Mathematics (Major)

Middle Grades Science (Major)

Middle Grades Social Studies (Major)

Secondary English, Language Arts, and Reading (Major)

Secondary Life Science (Major)

Secondary Mathematics (Major)

Secondary Physical Science (Major)

Secondary Social Studies (Major)

All-Level Physical Education (Major)

All-Level Special Education (Major)

All-Level Spanish (Major)

Health Science Studies- Secondary Science Education (Major)

Communication Sciences and Disorders-Deaf Education Track (Major)

Biology Major with Science Education Minor

Mathematics Major with an Education Minor

Most of the programs listed above have courses that follow a sequence, so the earlier you declare one of these majors, the better your chances of graduating on time.  For those who discover later in the college career (or even after college) that they want to pursue teaching, a postbaccalaureate program is available.  Visit the Strickland Scholars web page for more information on this program.

Questions about any of these major?  Contact an academic advisor or career counselor.

What is an Actuary, and Why Would I Want to Be One?

Students tend to avoid learning about careers that are unfamiliar to them.  Unless you have a family member who is an actuary, or you stumbled upon the option while viewing your career assessment results, you may not have heard of actuaries.  Students who are mathematically-inclined should visit the following links to get more details on this high-paying career.

Be an Actuary

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Casualty Actuarial Society

Exciting Opportunities for Prehealth Students

It’s an exciting time to be a prehealth student at Baylor.  Our university has long possessed a reputation for outstanding academics, but there are great learning opportunities outside of the classroom, as well.  Read on for two ways to increase your knowledge of health care careers and get an edge on the competition.

Science and Health Living and Learning Center

Mapping Your Way to Success– hosted by the Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students.  Guest speakers include:

Monday, October 22nd (Chemistry and the Future Physician with Dr. Pennington )

7:00pm-8:00pm

BSB Room D. 110

Tuesday, October 23rd (Physics: Succeeding on Your Path to a Career in Healthcare with Dr. Kinslow)

7:00pm – 8:00pm

BSB Room D. 110

Wednesday, October 24th (Biology and the Premed Student with Dr. Rushing)

7:00pm – 8:00pm

BSB Room A.108

Thursday, October 25th (The 2015 MCAT: What You Should Know with Mr. South, Assistant Dean of Medical Admissions and University of Arkansas College of Medicine)

6:00pm – 7:00pm

BSB Room D.110

New Podcast: Recreation and Leisure Services

There is a new podcast up in our Meet the Majors series, an interview with faculty from the Recreation and Leisure Services major.  Students who enjoy the outdoors, management, psychology, or sociology might find this program interesting.  I encourage you to take a listen.  While you are visiting our site, please peruse the other podcasts available in the series.  These podcasts allow you to hear major information directly from professors, without the need to add another appointment to your busy schedule.  Kick back, and enjoy!

Be There or Be Square

Today is the day.  The University-Wide Majors Fair only takes place once a year, so this afternoon is your best opportunity to talk to representatives from multiple academic programs without trekking all over campus.  Please join us on the 2nd floor of the Bill Daniel Student Center for free Dr Pepper floats and great conversations.  Come get your questions about majors and minors answered.  The event will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and it is a come-and-go event.  See you there!

University-Wide Majors Fair Tomorrow!

Don’t forget!  Faculty representatives will be available from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. tomorrow to discuss majors, minors and secondary majors at the University-Wide Majors Fair.  There are so many programs represented that this fantastic event will take place throughout the 2nd floor of the Bill Daniel Student Center.  Click here for a list of the majors and minors that will be represented.