The following list contains important information that can help keep you on track your first year of college.

Library Resources: Utilizing your FGCU library is an essential component of your academic success. The library has a vast amount of hard copy texts and journals as well as offering many online full text articles from scholarly publications which can be easily accessed through the FGCU website LINK. Tutorials are available online as well as by scheduling a time with library services by calling or emailing INFO. The sooner you get to know your library and become familiar with its resources the less stressed you will be when it comes time for you to perform research and write papers.

CAA (Center for Academic Assistance): Some of the best students gain academic enhancement by utilizing this department's tutors. Tutoring can serve as an excellent means for reinforcement of material and study groups are also coordinated by CAA. Staff in this department can also work with you in developing study methods, time management, and learning style assessment.  CAA additionally offers Supplemental Instruction, Academic Retention Program, and mentoring. If you need assistance call (239) 590-7906.

CAPS (Counseling & Psychological Services): This department located in the Wellness Center in the main campus plaza offers personal and career counseling services and can provide assessments for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse for students that may be experiencing personal adversity while in attendance at FGCU. Services are free and confidential is assured. This department can also provide a great resource for helping students manage stress during their academic pursuits. Appointments can be made by calling 590-7950.

Health Services: Located in the Wellness Center in the main campus plaza this department has two Nurse Practitioners on duty full time and has a general practitioner MD on site twice a week for student appointments and walk- ins. If you are sick, injured, need testing, vaccinations, or a flu shot this office is the place to go.

THINGS TO KNOW - FROM STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN THERE!

• Self-Determination: You have complete freedom to be successful or fail out - it's all up to you!
• Most students who participate in campus activities have better grades, become more aware of themselves and of their community and are less homesick and don't forget the resume benefits!
• BUT…Education is Priority ONE! Other obligations like work and social life are part of the college experience but should be secondary to academic life

MORE THINGS TO KNOW

• Daily and weekly planners are essential - Schedule sleep too! Work out a weekly schedule relative to demands, but prioritize study time when you are most cognitively aware (i.e. when you can think the best). College is an exciting place with many social opportunities- those who master the art of balance between academic and social life will find success. Successful students use reward systems to regulate their time by giving themselves social rewards for studying.
• Education is NOT entertainment. It is often fun and exciting, but sometimes it isn't. If college was easy - everyone would have a degree. BE PREPARED TO WORK HARD.
• Find, get to know and use your undergraduate advisor. You have one and they can make your life a lot easier. Later, get to know and use your college advisor… that's after you've chosen a major. Learn about DROP, ADD and WITHDRAW and the dates that go with them. It can make you or break you academically.
• At first, you might not succeed. You can survive academic probation - but GET HELP. Tutors are NOT for 'dumb' students. They are for smart students who want to succeed. Use tutors for more than just help - use them as a tool for excellence. Learn where the tutoring center is and it's hours. Find it and Use it!

• Attend a library information session early in your first semester
• Most college-level work is based on reading. YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO READ EVERYTHING YOU ARE ASSIGNED. Learn to read quickly and how to tell what to read and what not to read.
• Learn what methods of studying can you incorporate to make the most of your study time? Develop a habitual regiment for when, where, and how you study. Practice taking good notes - you'll take a lot! Use a tape recorder if it helps. Become aware of how you best learn material. Are you more of a visual, or auditory learner?
  
  Visual learners can employ: retyping class notes into computer and making abridged study files from notes, watching supplemental class videos…
  
  Audio learners can employ: Recording class lectures to listen to over again later, read class notes into a recorder and listen while driving, exercising, etc..

MORE THINGS TO KNOW:

• Form a study-group at the beginning of the course. Write your name and phone # and that you want to start a group on the board at the beginning of your first classes. About four people is best - choose group members wisely: hard workers, available and dependable.
• Develop a goal-setting, or, goaling schedule for your first semester and note how it aligns with your overall collegiate and life planning goals. Remember to follow the DAPS rule: Goals need to be: Dated, Achievable, Personal and Specific. Developing short and long term goals and adhering to a plan to achieve them could be the best practice of your college career.
• The first class meeting sets the tone for the entire course - DON'T miss it! Attendance must be carefully considered. Be sure to know the instructor and the college's policies and then decide for yourself. Successful students don't miss class.
• Keep abreast of what's happening in your city, county, state, nation and world. Subscribe to a newspaper or on-line information source (Professors will assume you're informed)
• Learn to register on-line.
• Read and use your University Catalog, your Course Catalog and your Student Handbook. They're different and have lots of very important information.
• Most importantly - if you need it: ASK FOR HELP!

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