Midterm grades are out! Congrats to everyone on their efforts. Remember, your grades reflect your knowledge at a given time, not your potential.
To those who have met or exceeded their expectations, well done on your accomplishment. Cherish it, but also understand the reasons behind your success. Try to identify what methods or practices worked best for you.
To those who didn't get the grades they were expecting, it's crucial to remember that setbacks and difficulties are part of life and a significant aspect of academia. Understand that a low grade is not an indication of your capabilities or future potential but rather an opportunity to learn, grow, and bounce back stronger.
Reflect on your midterm performance. Think about the factors that could have contributed to your grade:
- Preparation: Did you give yourself enough time to study? If not, plan how to manage your time better during finals.
- Study Methods: Did your current study methods work? If not, investigate other strategies that might be more effective.
- Health and Wellness: Did stress, lack of sleep, or any other health concerns impact your performance? If so, consider exploring resources on campus related to mental health, counselling and wellness.
After reflecting, it’s time to action. Convert your reflections into a strategy for the second half of the term:
- Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART) goals.
- Organize your study schedule.
- Reach out to your advisor and discuss the implications of withdrawing from a course and/or a plan to improve.
- Speak with the instructors of courses where you can improve.
- Remember the Midterm Workshops offered by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. Students may sign up through this website.
- Utilize tutoring, the Study, the Writing Center and the Library to improve your academic performance.
- First semester students (transfer students or members of the Class of 2027) should also know about the replacement policy to help them recover academically if they end up receiving grades of “D” or “F” in 1 or 2 courses this semester.
- Take care of your physical and mental health.
As a friendly reminder, course withdrawals must be completed by November 29, 2023. I encourage students to initiate the process at least one week before the deadline to make sure they receive the appropriate signature required to withdraw. Students are only required to have either their faculty member or advisor sign a change of registration (withdrawal form) before submitting the form to the Academic Advising Support Center in Maryland Hall 138. Student athletes must also receive approval from their athletic advisor. The form is found on the Records Office Website.
Remember, you are capable. Don't let one setback derail you. Learn, persevere, and ask for help when needed. Engineering teaches endurance, resilience, and problem-solving. Embrace these skills and bravely face the journey ahead.
If you need any further guidance or support, please do not hesitate to reach out.
I wish you all the very best in your studies and the remainder of the term.
Keep Soaring,
\\\ Dr. Raenita A. Fenner
Chair, Department of Engineering
Associate Professor in Engineering
Director, African and African American Studies
(Pronouns: she/her/hers– What’s this?)
410-617-2512 \ rafenner@loyola.edu \ loyola.edu
Schedule a Meeting with Microsoft Bookings (Loyola Students, Faculty, and Staff)
MORE THAN READY. LOYOLA READY.
|
