Grow PA Scholarship Grant ProgramUp to $5,000 Annual Awards Available. All Penn College discipline-specific associate's and bachelor's degrees pre-qualify.
Visit the Financial Aid office if you have any unresolved concerns.
Advice
Homesickness is natural. If your feelings about home, however, are affecting your ability to be successful, go to Counseling Services to make an appointment to speak with someone. Sometimes, that may be all you need.
Find a sense of belonging by engaging and getting to know others.
Attendance is key to academic success. If you need to miss a class due to an illness or emergency, contact your instructor BEFORE the missed class, if possible.
Track due dates and deadlines. Submit assignments on time.
Continue to practice a daily routine and take extracurricular activities in consideration as you settle into this routine.
Tasks
Sleep in on Monday. The college is closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Use this time to plan and work ahead.
Make any final adjustments to your schedule. The end of the second week of the semester marks the last day to add a class with a possible 70% refund.
Explore Tutoring Services to determine what works best for you. Add tutoring sessions to your weekly schedule which will encourage you to treat these sessions as a regular occurrence instead of a hit-and-miss opportunity.
Advice
Explore all the dining opportunities on campus and don't forget to include some of the best off-campus places to eat.
As you begin to develop a sense of belonging, connect with those you have met and make plans to attend an event on campus.
Plan to spend an additional 10-15 hours completing assignments and working on projects outside of your regularly scheduled class/lab time.
Visit your instructor during their office hours if you need guidance on how to complete and/or submit assignments. Give yourself plenty of time. Do not wait until those assignments are past due.
Connect with students in your classes and labs. Make a plan to meet for group study and review sessions.
If you are taking First Year Experience (FYE), prioritize attendance and participate during class. It's a worthwhile experience.
Contact those who support you. Let them know that you are doing OK. If you need to talk with someone on campus, check in with your RA or Counseling Services.
Missing your family or other support people is part of the transition to being an independent college student. Don't hesitate to reach out to those who support you, even if it's just a simple check-in.
Stay motivated by practicing self-care techniques. Exercise, find ways to relax, and get about 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Set both personal and academic goals for yourself.
Use a weekly list to track deadlines. A weekly list allows you to focus on the immediate and prevent the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do.
Tasks
Schedule a meeting with a Coordinator of Student Success to discuss your success plan.
Explore the many resources offered at Penn College.
If you would like to learn better study habits, register for Mastering College on P.L.A.T.O.
Advice
Get involved. Joining at least one club or organization can be rewarding and add to your overall college experience.
Stay healthy with the proper amount of rest and good nutrition. Visit College Health Services for basic items, such as band-aids and ibuprofen.
If you must miss class due to an illness, contact your instructors PRIOR to the class from which you will be absent. Reference the syllabus for each course's absence policy.
Set weekly goals. Stay focused on the week and feel accomplished by Friday.
Tasks
Struggling with any courses? Make use of your instructors' office hours to confirm that you are on the right track.
Start preparing for the Career Fair. Visit Career Services and take advantage of all the resources available to you.
Advice
If you are taking FYE101, make attendance a priority. Much of what you will gain from the course takes place during class time. Engage with other students in the course and
Familiarize yourself with Penn College's policies and procedures.
Stay motivated. A walk around campus can sometimes rejuvenate you and provide that extra bit of energy to complete the day's to-do list.
Maintain communication with your instructors. Utilize their office hours and don't forget to check your email messages daily.
Always contact your instructors PRIOR to class if will be absent due to a documented illness.
Practice good time management to keep you from falling behind on assignments. If you need assistance on time management, reach out to the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence.
In the face of a setback, it is always best to take care of yourself and look at all the things you have accomplished so far this semester.
If you feel lost and are unsure what direction to go after midterms, touch base with a Coordinator of Student Success. You can also make an appointment with Counseling Services or talk with someone you know who has provided support in the past.
Enjoy Spring Break. Take advantage of the time by doing fun activities or catching up on some sleep and self-care.
If you are local or staying in Williamsport over Spring Break, check out an area restaurant.
Take time to catch up on assignments and projects or get a jump start on the second half of the semester.
Tasks
If you have not done so already, check in with the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence to explore strategies on how to be successful the second half of the semester.
Email your academic advisor to schedule your advising meeting to discuss your spring schedule.
Check the Student Portal for midterm grades and schedule a meeting with a Coordinator of Student Success to address any concerns.
Advice
During Spring Break, discuss your academic progress and your overall experience at Penn College with those who support you.
Check your PCT email account often and pay close attention to the emails that will guide you through next semester scheduling.
Welcome back. Continue to stay connected with your network of support people on campus.
Gear up for the remainder of the semester by making a list of those tasks necessary to achieve academic success.
Work hard, but make time for breaks. Team up with friends and take advantage of the Student Discounts.
Tasks
Use this resource to guide you through the process on how to get your schedule for next semester.
Prepare for your advising meeting with your academic advisor by building a tentative spring schedule using the Scheduling Worksheet provided by the Registrar's Office. Consider creating more than one tentative schedule in case the section or course you prefer is full when you officially schedule your courses.
If you have not done so already, contact your academic advisor to schedule your advising meeting. Your academic advisor is listed on your schedule.
Advice
Plan for the week ahead by creating a Monday through Friday calendar that displays all expectations.
Keep up with assignments throughout the week so that you can enjoy weekend activities.
Treat yourself at Bookmarks Café in the Madigan Library. While there, check out the private study rooms available to you.
Find other quiet areas on campus to study. Most of the buildings on campus offer study lounges.
Tasks
If you are not graduating this spring or summer, then this is the time to get ready to schedule for the fall semester. By now, you should have made plans to meet or have already met with your academic advisor.
When thinking about your fall schedule, consider tutoring sessions offered by Tutoring Services. Include those opportunities in your future schedule.
Feeling anxious about the rest of the semester? Contact Counseling Services.
Advice
Pay attention to any outreach from those who may be contacting you soon to share opportunities on how to improve your academic success.
Stay healthy and make smart decisions. Student Health & Wellness offers some information on how to do so.
If you do not have a summer internship, visit Career Services to talk about other options to gain work experience.
Consider other opportunities this summer. Plan at least one adventure.
Taking any summer courses? Start thinking about what books, tools, and other materials you may need.
Tasks
April 14 is the last day to withdraw from a course. Talk to your academic advisor, in addition to a Financial Aid staff member, to determine the best course of action for you.
Create your schedule for the fall semester if you have not done so already. If you are having difficulty navigating Web Scheduling, stop by the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence for assistance.
Choose one or more of the resources that can help you finish the semester strong.
Advice
Going home for the summer may have some adjustments. Talk with your RA about any practical tips or check in with Counseling Services for assistance with any anxiety or stress.
Warmer weather is upon us. Check in with Student Engagement and see what activities will be taking place outdoors this spring.
Finish strong by taking advantage of all the resources on campus.
Find ways to stay motivated as the end of semester approaches.
Stress is fairly common so reach out to the network of people you have established to discuss strategies on how to cope.
Check out Stall Wall and make a plan to attend an event. Taking a break from rigorous academic coursework might be refreshing and motivate you when you return to those assignments.
Tasks
Check in with Financial Aid if you need to explore additional scholarships and resources to assist you with future tuition costs.
If you reach your limit on printing to network computers on campus, stop by the Madigan Library to add to your print balance. Bring your Penn College ID.
Make a list of things that you would like to accomplish this summer.
Advice
Preparing for finals can be daunting. Be sure to check out all the resources available to you.
Do not procrastinate. Know what lies ahead while completing what you can as soon as you can.
Pick one or more of the resources suggested by the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence. We, and many others on campus, would like you to finish the semester strong.
Start making travel plans if you need to travel for an internship or summer job.
Planning to stay in Williamsport over the summer? Check out the many local events around the area.
Stay positive and continue to take care of yourself as you prepare for the end of the semester.
Tasks
Take some time to explore opportunities for possible employment during summer, if you have not done so already.
Work ahead if you can to complete work on any assignments or projects. This will help you avoid being overwhelmed during the final week of classes.
Need to add more prints to your print balance? Stop by the Madigan Library. Bring your Penn College ID.
Advice
While visiting one of our dining facilities, check out the small displays on the tables. The Center for Academic Excellence has a few suggestions on how to finish the semester strong.
Find time to relax as you gear up for the final week of classes.
Make a plan this week to balance finals preparation with packing as you prepare to head out for summer break.
Watch for events around campus meant to assist you with the stress of Finals Week.
Eat well and rest well. It's easy to skip meals and stay up later than usual to cram for a test, but adequate rest and nutrition will benefit you this week.
Tasks
Verify the deadlines for projects and confirm any times and locations for final exams.
Visit the Financial Aid office if you have any unresolved concerns.
Advice
Homesickness is natural. If your feelings about home, however, are affecting your ability to be successful, go to Counseling Services to make an appointment to speak with someone. Sometimes, that may be all you need.
Find a sense of belonging by engaging and getting to know others.
Submit assignments on time by tracking due dates and deadlines.
Attendance is key to academic success. If you are unable to be where you are supposed to be due to illness or emergency, contact your instructor PRIOR to the start of class.
Continue to practice a daily routine that includes when you need to wake up and when you plan to go to sleep.
Tasks
Make sure to finalize your schedule. Friday of the 2nd week of the semester is the last day to add a class.
Continue to build a weekly checklist to track due dates for projects and assignments.
Stop by Tutoring Services to explore your best options for receiving supplemental instruction and support..
Advice
Enjoy the food on campus and begin to discover some of the best off-campus places to eat.
As you begin to develop a sense of belonging, connect with those you have met by planning to attend a PC3 event together.
The Hudock Center for Academic Excellence continues to offer assistance with semester start. Stop in at the Center, located in the Davie Jane Gilmour Center (DJG), Rm. 1049.
Attend Fall Fusion to learn more about clubs, resources, and recreation.
Advice
Make those final decisions about classes that you may wish to remove from your schedule this semester. Be sure to check in with the Registrar's Office to find out the last day to drop a class with a possible 70% refund.
If you are a new student and taking a First Year Experience (FYE) class, embrace the opportunity. It's supposed to be an experience, not a chore. The course is packed full of useful information, and can ease your transition into college life and give you the tools for the rest of your journey here at Penn College.
Contact those who support you and let them know that you are doing OK. If you need to talk with someone on campus, check in with your RA or Counseling Services.
Missing your family or other support people is part of the transition to being an independent college student. Don't hesitate to reach out and contact those who support you.
Your motivation will slip if you are not practicing self-care techniques. Exercise, find ways to relax, and get about 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Set high yet achievable personal and academic goals for yourself.
Break your tasks down into manageable tasks. Making a weekly list of tasks to accomplish can sometimes allow you to focus on the immediate and prevent the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do.
Tasks
Check in with your instructors to see if you need to improve anything before mid-semester grades are posted.
Take advantage of every resource Penn College has to offer.
If you are struggling and would like to learn better study habits, register for Mastering College.
Get involved. We are still in the first half of the semester, where exploration is a large part of your college experience. Go to a meeting and find out what some of the clubs and organizations can offer.
In the face of a setback, it is always best to take care of yourself and look at all the things you have accomplished thus far.
If you are feeling lost and are unsure what direction to go after midterms, there are many people to assist. Consider making an appointment with Counseling Services, or talk with someone you know who has provided support in the past.
Enjoy the extra days off during fall break and take advantage of the time by doing fun activities or catching up on some sleep and self-care activities.
If you are local or staying in Williamsport over break, check out one of the many places that offer Student Discounts.
Take time to catch up on assignments and projects or get a jump start on the second half of the semester.
Tasks
Email your academic advisor to schedule your advising meeting to discuss next semester's schedule. Remember that your academic advisor is listed on your schedule in the Student Portal.
Check the Student Portal for midterm grades and schedule a meeting with your instructor to address any concerns.
Stay connected with your network of support people on campus.
Gear up for the remainder of the semester by making a list of those tasks necessary to achieve academic success.
Work hard, but make time for breaks. Team up with friends and take advantage of Student Discounts.
Tasks
Prepare for your advising meeting with your academic advisor by building a tentative spring schedule using the Scheduling Worksheet provided by the Registrar's Office. Consider creating more than one tentative schedule in case the section or course you prefer is full when you officially schedule your courses.
Team up with fellow classmates to discuss possible study groups to prepare for end-of-semester assignments, such as final papers, projects, and exams.
Start to think about employment opportunities for semester break.
Advice
Continue to plan the week ahead by creating a Monday through Friday calendar that displays all obligations and due dates.
Reply to any emails from your instructors. Schedule a meeting if you need to address any concerns with your midterm grades.
The Hudock Center for Academic Excellence continues to be your go-to for academic success. You just need to take the initiative. Stop in at the Davie Jane Gilmour Center, Rm. 1049.
Keep up with your assignments throughout the week so that you can enjoy weekend activities.
Treat yourself to a coffee or other beverage at Bookmarks Café in the Madigan Library. While there, check out the private study rooms available to you.
Find other quiet areas on campus to study. Most of the buildings on campus offer study lounges.
Tasks
Feeling anxious about the rest of the semester? Contact Counseling Services.
Get ready to schedule for spring soon. By now, you should have made plans to meet or have already met with your academic advisor.
When thinking about your spring schedule, consider the many days and times offered by Tutoring Services and work those opportunities in to your future schedule.
Advice
Pay attention to any outreach from those who may be contacting you soon to share opportunities on how to improve your academic success.
Reach out to family and friends to make plans to connect during the Thanksgiving break. If you are not heading home for the break, check in with Residence Life to share your plans to stay on campus.
Keep your eyes on the portal for pie and cookie sales. You can purchase these items with your flex dollars.
Start thinking about what books, tools, and other materials you may need over break to study and work on projects.
Tasks
The last day to withdraw from a course is approaching. Talk to your academic advisor, in addition to a Financial Aid staff member, to determine the best course of action for you.
Create your schedule for next semester if you have not done so already.
Choose one or more of the resources that can help you finish the semester strong. The staff at the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence is here to help. YOU BELONG HERE.
Advice
Going home for a longer period of time may have some adjustments. Check in with Counseling Services for assistance with any anxiety or stress.
November brings colder weather. Stay warm and stop in at the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence for a hot beverage. While you are here, grab some coloring sheets for relaxation as you begin to prepare for the end of semester.
Finish strong by taking advantage of all the resources on campus. Connect with someone at the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence for more information.
Find ways to stay motivated as the end of semester approaches.
Stress is fairly common so reach out to the network of people you have established to discuss strategies on how to cope.
Check out Stall Wall and make a plan to attend an event. Taking a break from rigorous academic coursework might be refreshing and motivate you when you return to those assignments.
Tasks
Check in with Financial Aid if you need to explore additional scholarships and resources to assist you with next semester tuition costs.
If you reach your limit on printing to network computers on campus, stop by the Madigan Library to add to your print balance. Bring your Penn College ID.
Make a list that includes what you may need over break. Include books, tools, and other materials necessary to study and work on projects.
Advice
Preparing for finals can be daunting. Be sure to take advantage of resources to help you prepare,.
Do not procrastinate. Know what lies ahead while completing what you can as soon as you can.
Travel safely if you are going home or to another location for the Thanksgiving break.
Planning to stay in Williamsport during the break? Check out the many local events around the area.
Stay positive and continue to take care of yourself as you prepare for the end of the semester.
Tasks
Take some time to explore opportunities for possible employment during winter break.
Complete work on any assignments or projects during break to avoid being overwhelmed during the final week of classes.
Need to add more prints to your print balance? Stop by the Madigan Library. Bring your Penn College ID.
Advice
The Hudock Center for Academic Excellence has a few suggestions on how to finish the semester strong. Stop in at the Center to grab a snack and to gather information that can assist you with the end of semester.
Find time to relax as you gear up for the final week of classes.
Stay healthy and make smart decisions. Check out Student Health & Wellness for information on how to do so.
Take a break and check out the Keystone Dining Room's Midnight Breakfast. FREE student event, featuring breakfast sandwiches, home fries, bacon, yogurt bar, ice cream, and more!
If you are struggling with a topic or concept for a particular class, make time to meet with your instructor this week.
If you live on campus, you should have returned from break to find something hanging on your door. Check out these resources as you prepare for finals week.
Make a plan this week to balance finals preparation with packing as you prepare to head out for the break.
Watch for events around campus meant to assist you with the stress of Finals Week.
Eat well and rest well. It's easy to skip meals and stay up later than usual to cram for a test, but adequate rest and nutrition will benefit you this week.
Tasks
Check your SIS for times and locations of finals.
Stop by the Center for Academic Excellence to de-stress for a bit. Play a game, work a puzzle, or just relax with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Before you depart campus, be sure to complete the check-out instructions provided by Residence Life.
Advice
Take it one day at at time. Take breaks. To avoid procrastinating, attempt to work ahead as best as you can. Go in to an exam with a positive mindset.
Look back on what you have already accomplished and move forward with confidence.
Visit the Financial Aid office if you have any unresolved concerns.
Advice
Homesickness is natural. If your feelings about home, however, are affecting your ability to be successful, go to Counseling Services to make an appointment to speak with someone. Sometimes, that may be all you need.
Find a sense of belonging by engaging and getting to know others.
Attendance is key to academic success. If you need to miss a class due to an illness or emergency, contact your instructor BEFORE the missed class, if possible.
Track due dates and deadlines. Submit assignments on time.
Continue to practice a daily routine and take extracurricular activities in consideration as you settle into this routine.
Tasks
Sleep in on Monday. The college is closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Use this time to plan and work ahead.
Make any final adjustments to your schedule. The end of the second week of the semester marks the last day to add a class with a possible 70% refund.
Explore Tutoring Services to determine what works best for you. Add tutoring sessions to your weekly schedule which will encourage you to treat these sessions as a regular occurrence instead of a hit-and-miss opportunity.
Advice
Explore all the dining opportunities on campus and don't forget to include some of the best off-campus places to eat.
As you begin to develop a sense of belonging, connect with those you have met and make plans to attend an event on campus.
Plan to spend an additional 10-15 hours completing assignments and working on projects outside of your regularly scheduled class/lab time.
Visit your instructor during their office hours if you need guidance on how to complete and/or submit assignments. Give yourself plenty of time. Do not wait until those assignments are past due.
Connect with students in your classes and labs. Make a plan to meet for group study and review sessions.
If you are taking First Year Experience (FYE), prioritize attendance and participate during class. It's a worthwhile experience.
Contact those who support you. Let them know that you are doing OK. If you need to talk with someone on campus, check in with your RA or Counseling Services.
Missing your family or other support people is part of the transition to being an independent college student. Don't hesitate to reach out to those who support you, even if it's just a simple check-in.
Stay motivated by practicing self-care techniques. Exercise, find ways to relax, and get about 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Set both personal and academic goals for yourself.
Use a weekly list to track deadlines. A weekly list allows you to focus on the immediate and prevent the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do.
Tasks
Schedule a meeting with a Coordinator of Student Success to discuss your success plan.
Explore the many resources offered at Penn College.
If you would like to learn better study habits, register for Mastering College on P.L.A.T.O.
Advice
Get involved. Joining at least one club or organization can be rewarding and add to your overall college experience.
Stay healthy with the proper amount of rest and good nutrition. Visit College Health Services for basic items, such as band-aids and ibuprofen.
If you must miss class due to an illness, contact your instructors PRIOR to the class from which you will be absent. Reference the syllabus for each course's absence policy.
Set weekly goals. Stay focused on the week and feel accomplished by Friday.
Tasks
Struggling with any courses? Make use of your instructors' office hours to confirm that you are on the right track.
Start preparing for the Career Fair. Visit Career Services and take advantage of all the resources available to you.
Advice
If you are taking FYE101, make attendance a priority. Much of what you will gain from the course takes place during class time. Engage with other students in the course and
Familiarize yourself with Penn College's policies and procedures.
Stay motivated. A walk around campus can sometimes rejuvenate you and provide that extra bit of energy to complete the day's to-do list.
Maintain communication with your instructors. Utilize their office hours and don't forget to check your email messages daily.
Always contact your instructors PRIOR to class if will be absent due to a documented illness.
Practice good time management to keep you from falling behind on assignments. If you need assistance on time management, reach out to the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence.
In the face of a setback, it is always best to take care of yourself and look at all the things you have accomplished so far this semester.
If you feel lost and are unsure what direction to go after midterms, touch base with a Coordinator of Student Success. You can also make an appointment with Counseling Services or talk with someone you know who has provided support in the past.
Enjoy Spring Break. Take advantage of the time by doing fun activities or catching up on some sleep and self-care.
If you are local or staying in Williamsport over Spring Break, check out an area restaurant.
Take time to catch up on assignments and projects or get a jump start on the second half of the semester.
Tasks
If you have not done so already, check in with the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence to explore strategies on how to be successful the second half of the semester.
Email your academic advisor to schedule your advising meeting to discuss your spring schedule.
Check the Student Portal for midterm grades and schedule a meeting with a Coordinator of Student Success to address any concerns.
Advice
During Spring Break, discuss your academic progress and your overall experience at Penn College with those who support you.
Check your PCT email account often and pay close attention to the emails that will guide you through next semester scheduling.
Welcome back. Continue to stay connected with your network of support people on campus.
Gear up for the remainder of the semester by making a list of those tasks necessary to achieve academic success.
Work hard, but make time for breaks. Team up with friends and take advantage of the Student Discounts.
Tasks
Use this resource to guide you through the process on how to get your schedule for next semester.
Prepare for your advising meeting with your academic advisor by building a tentative spring schedule using the Scheduling Worksheet provided by the Registrar's Office. Consider creating more than one tentative schedule in case the section or course you prefer is full when you officially schedule your courses.
If you have not done so already, contact your academic advisor to schedule your advising meeting. Your academic advisor is listed on your schedule.
Advice
Plan for the week ahead by creating a Monday through Friday calendar that displays all expectations.
Keep up with assignments throughout the week so that you can enjoy weekend activities.
Treat yourself at Bookmarks Café in the Madigan Library. While there, check out the private study rooms available to you.
Find other quiet areas on campus to study. Most of the buildings on campus offer study lounges.
Tasks
If you are not graduating this spring or summer, then this is the time to get ready to schedule for the fall semester. By now, you should have made plans to meet or have already met with your academic advisor.
When thinking about your fall schedule, consider tutoring sessions offered by Tutoring Services. Include those opportunities in your future schedule.
Feeling anxious about the rest of the semester? Contact Counseling Services.
Advice
Pay attention to any outreach from those who may be contacting you soon to share opportunities on how to improve your academic success.
Stay healthy and make smart decisions. Student Health & Wellness offers some information on how to do so.
If you do not have a summer internship, visit Career Services to talk about other options to gain work experience.
Consider other opportunities this summer. Plan at least one adventure.
Taking any summer courses? Start thinking about what books, tools, and other materials you may need.
Tasks
April 14 is the last day to withdraw from a course. Talk to your academic advisor, in addition to a Financial Aid staff member, to determine the best course of action for you.
Create your schedule for the fall semester if you have not done so already. If you are having difficulty navigating Web Scheduling, stop by the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence for assistance.
Choose one or more of the resources that can help you finish the semester strong.
Advice
Going home for the summer may have some adjustments. Talk with your RA about any practical tips or check in with Counseling Services for assistance with any anxiety or stress.
Warmer weather is upon us. Check in with Student Engagement and see what activities will be taking place outdoors this spring.
Finish strong by taking advantage of all the resources on campus.
Find ways to stay motivated as the end of semester approaches.
Stress is fairly common so reach out to the network of people you have established to discuss strategies on how to cope.
Check out Stall Wall and make a plan to attend an event. Taking a break from rigorous academic coursework might be refreshing and motivate you when you return to those assignments.
Tasks
Check in with Financial Aid if you need to explore additional scholarships and resources to assist you with future tuition costs.
If you reach your limit on printing to network computers on campus, stop by the Madigan Library to add to your print balance. Bring your Penn College ID.
Make a list of things that you would like to accomplish this summer.
Advice
Preparing for finals can be daunting. Be sure to check out all the resources available to you.
Do not procrastinate. Know what lies ahead while completing what you can as soon as you can.
Pick one or more of the resources suggested by the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence. We, and many others on campus, would like you to finish the semester strong.
Start making travel plans if you need to travel for an internship or summer job.
Planning to stay in Williamsport over the summer? Check out the many local events around the area.
Stay positive and continue to take care of yourself as you prepare for the end of the semester.
Tasks
Take some time to explore opportunities for possible employment during summer, if you have not done so already.
Work ahead if you can to complete work on any assignments or projects. This will help you avoid being overwhelmed during the final week of classes.
Need to add more prints to your print balance? Stop by the Madigan Library. Bring your Penn College ID.
Advice
While visiting one of our dining facilities, check out the small displays on the tables. The Center for Academic Excellence has a few suggestions on how to finish the semester strong.
Find time to relax as you gear up for the final week of classes.
Make a plan this week to balance finals preparation with packing as you prepare to head out for summer break.
Watch for events around campus meant to assist you with the stress of Finals Week.
Eat well and rest well. It's easy to skip meals and stay up later than usual to cram for a test, but adequate rest and nutrition will benefit you this week.
Tasks
Verify the deadlines for projects and confirm any times and locations for final exams.
Visit the Financial Aid office if you have any unresolved concerns.
Advice
Homesickness is natural. If your feelings about home, however, are affecting your ability to be successful, go to Counseling Services to make an appointment to speak with someone. Sometimes, that may be all you need.
Find a sense of belonging by engaging and getting to know others.
Submit assignments on time by tracking due dates and deadlines.
Attendance is key to academic success. If you are unable to be where you are supposed to be due to illness or emergency, contact your instructor PRIOR to the start of class.
Continue to practice a daily routine that includes when you need to wake up and when you plan to go to sleep.
Tasks
Make sure to finalize your schedule. Friday of the 2nd week of the semester is the last day to add a class.
Continue to build a weekly checklist to track due dates for projects and assignments.
Stop by Tutoring Services to explore your best options for receiving supplemental instruction and support..
Advice
Enjoy the food on campus and begin to discover some of the best off-campus places to eat.
As you begin to develop a sense of belonging, connect with those you have met by planning to attend a PC3 event together.
The Hudock Center for Academic Excellence continues to offer assistance with semester start. Stop in at the Center, located in the Davie Jane Gilmour Center (DJG), Rm. 1049.
Attend Fall Fusion to learn more about clubs, resources, and recreation.
Advice
Make those final decisions about classes that you may wish to remove from your schedule this semester. Be sure to check in with the Registrar's Office to find out the last day to drop a class with a possible 70% refund.
If you are a new student and taking a First Year Experience (FYE) class, embrace the opportunity. It's supposed to be an experience, not a chore. The course is packed full of useful information, and can ease your transition into college life and give you the tools for the rest of your journey here at Penn College.
Contact those who support you and let them know that you are doing OK. If you need to talk with someone on campus, check in with your RA or Counseling Services.
Missing your family or other support people is part of the transition to being an independent college student. Don't hesitate to reach out and contact those who support you.
Your motivation will slip if you are not practicing self-care techniques. Exercise, find ways to relax, and get about 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Set high yet achievable personal and academic goals for yourself.
Break your tasks down into manageable tasks. Making a weekly list of tasks to accomplish can sometimes allow you to focus on the immediate and prevent the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do.
Tasks
Check in with your instructors to see if you need to improve anything before mid-semester grades are posted.
Take advantage of every resource Penn College has to offer.
If you are struggling and would like to learn better study habits, register for Mastering College.
Get involved. We are still in the first half of the semester, where exploration is a large part of your college experience. Go to a meeting and find out what some of the clubs and organizations can offer.
In the face of a setback, it is always best to take care of yourself and look at all the things you have accomplished thus far.
If you are feeling lost and are unsure what direction to go after midterms, there are many people to assist. Consider making an appointment with Counseling Services, or talk with someone you know who has provided support in the past.
Enjoy the extra days off during fall break and take advantage of the time by doing fun activities or catching up on some sleep and self-care activities.
If you are local or staying in Williamsport over break, check out one of the many places that offer Student Discounts.
Take time to catch up on assignments and projects or get a jump start on the second half of the semester.
Tasks
Email your academic advisor to schedule your advising meeting to discuss next semester's schedule. Remember that your academic advisor is listed on your schedule in the Student Portal.
Check the Student Portal for midterm grades and schedule a meeting with your instructor to address any concerns.
Stay connected with your network of support people on campus.
Gear up for the remainder of the semester by making a list of those tasks necessary to achieve academic success.
Work hard, but make time for breaks. Team up with friends and take advantage of Student Discounts.
Tasks
Prepare for your advising meeting with your academic advisor by building a tentative spring schedule using the Scheduling Worksheet provided by the Registrar's Office. Consider creating more than one tentative schedule in case the section or course you prefer is full when you officially schedule your courses.
Team up with fellow classmates to discuss possible study groups to prepare for end-of-semester assignments, such as final papers, projects, and exams.
Start to think about employment opportunities for semester break.
Advice
Continue to plan the week ahead by creating a Monday through Friday calendar that displays all obligations and due dates.
Reply to any emails from your instructors. Schedule a meeting if you need to address any concerns with your midterm grades.
The Hudock Center for Academic Excellence continues to be your go-to for academic success. You just need to take the initiative. Stop in at the Davie Jane Gilmour Center, Rm. 1049.
Keep up with your assignments throughout the week so that you can enjoy weekend activities.
Treat yourself to a coffee or other beverage at Bookmarks Café in the Madigan Library. While there, check out the private study rooms available to you.
Find other quiet areas on campus to study. Most of the buildings on campus offer study lounges.
Tasks
Feeling anxious about the rest of the semester? Contact Counseling Services.
Get ready to schedule for spring soon. By now, you should have made plans to meet or have already met with your academic advisor.
When thinking about your spring schedule, consider the many days and times offered by Tutoring Services and work those opportunities in to your future schedule.
Advice
Pay attention to any outreach from those who may be contacting you soon to share opportunities on how to improve your academic success.
Reach out to family and friends to make plans to connect during the Thanksgiving break. If you are not heading home for the break, check in with Residence Life to share your plans to stay on campus.
Keep your eyes on the portal for pie and cookie sales. You can purchase these items with your flex dollars.
Start thinking about what books, tools, and other materials you may need over break to study and work on projects.
Tasks
The last day to withdraw from a course is approaching. Talk to your academic advisor, in addition to a Financial Aid staff member, to determine the best course of action for you.
Create your schedule for next semester if you have not done so already.
Choose one or more of the resources that can help you finish the semester strong. The staff at the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence is here to help. YOU BELONG HERE.
Advice
Going home for a longer period of time may have some adjustments. Check in with Counseling Services for assistance with any anxiety or stress.
November brings colder weather. Stay warm and stop in at the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence for a hot beverage. While you are here, grab some coloring sheets for relaxation as you begin to prepare for the end of semester.
Finish strong by taking advantage of all the resources on campus. Connect with someone at the Hudock Center for Academic Excellence for more information.
Find ways to stay motivated as the end of semester approaches.
Stress is fairly common so reach out to the network of people you have established to discuss strategies on how to cope.
Check out Stall Wall and make a plan to attend an event. Taking a break from rigorous academic coursework might be refreshing and motivate you when you return to those assignments.
Tasks
Check in with Financial Aid if you need to explore additional scholarships and resources to assist you with next semester tuition costs.
If you reach your limit on printing to network computers on campus, stop by the Madigan Library to add to your print balance. Bring your Penn College ID.
Make a list that includes what you may need over break. Include books, tools, and other materials necessary to study and work on projects.
Advice
Preparing for finals can be daunting. Be sure to take advantage of resources to help you prepare,.
Do not procrastinate. Know what lies ahead while completing what you can as soon as you can.
Travel safely if you are going home or to another location for the Thanksgiving break.
Planning to stay in Williamsport during the break? Check out the many local events around the area.
Stay positive and continue to take care of yourself as you prepare for the end of the semester.
Tasks
Take some time to explore opportunities for possible employment during winter break.
Complete work on any assignments or projects during break to avoid being overwhelmed during the final week of classes.
Need to add more prints to your print balance? Stop by the Madigan Library. Bring your Penn College ID.
Advice
The Hudock Center for Academic Excellence has a few suggestions on how to finish the semester strong. Stop in at the Center to grab a snack and to gather information that can assist you with the end of semester.
Find time to relax as you gear up for the final week of classes.
Stay healthy and make smart decisions. Check out Student Health & Wellness for information on how to do so.
Take a break and check out the Keystone Dining Room's Midnight Breakfast. FREE student event, featuring breakfast sandwiches, home fries, bacon, yogurt bar, ice cream, and more!
If you are struggling with a topic or concept for a particular class, make time to meet with your instructor this week.
If you live on campus, you should have returned from break to find something hanging on your door. Check out these resources as you prepare for finals week.
Make a plan this week to balance finals preparation with packing as you prepare to head out for the break.
Watch for events around campus meant to assist you with the stress of Finals Week.
Eat well and rest well. It's easy to skip meals and stay up later than usual to cram for a test, but adequate rest and nutrition will benefit you this week.
Tasks
Check your SIS for times and locations of finals.
Stop by the Center for Academic Excellence to de-stress for a bit. Play a game, work a puzzle, or just relax with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Before you depart campus, be sure to complete the check-out instructions provided by Residence Life.
Advice
Take it one day at at time. Take breaks. To avoid procrastinating, attempt to work ahead as best as you can. Go in to an exam with a positive mindset.
Look back on what you have already accomplished and move forward with confidence.
