Planning your Semester

STRATEGIC ACADEMIC PLANNING

Long range planning begins EARLY! Planning out your semester will help you reduce confusion and anxiety by exactly defining the demands you will face in each course. By anticipating and planning out your semester, you can also plan your coping strategies. With this in mind, a Strategic Academic Planning Calendar sample is available at the bottom of this page. By following the steps listed below and applying them to your use of this type of calendar, you will be organized and well prepared to do your best here at UNCA! A printable (.pdf) version of our Strategic Academic Planning handout is also available.

Collect all of your course syllabi.
Under the Course column, list each course title by priority. It’s best to put your most difficult or worrisome course at the top and your easiest or least troublesome course at the bottom. Fill in the rest of your courses into the calendar accordingly.
Under the Instructor column, write down the name, office hours, location, and phone number for each of your instructors. Make an effort to stop in and visit with each of your instructors during their office hours within the first month you are enrolled in their respective classes. Get acquainted with your instructors early, especially those teaching your more difficult courses. By doing this, you will become more likely to seek and receive help from them before grade-related problems arise.
Under the Exams column, list the date and type of each scheduled exam, along with how much it counts towards your final grade. Do the same for Projects, Papers, Presentations, and Other columns (quizzes and homework assignments that factor into your final grades can be reported in the Other column).
Under the Attendance Policy and Late Make-up Policy columns, note any special requirements that your instructors have indicated in these categories.
Place this chart in a prominent location where you will see it regularly.

Below are some helpful hints to assist in the execution of your Academic Planning

BE SURE that all of your assignments are also listed in your daily planner and on your semester calendar.

There are wide variations in what instructors require under their attendance and late/make-up work policies. If you have an instructor who takes these into account when calculating grades, be sure to make note of class meetings or assignments that you miss or turn in late on your Strategic Planning Calendar. That way, you always know exactly where you stand.

To help you set goals early, record the final grade you want in each class under the title, and then track your progress as you get each assignment back from your instructor.

Use a pencil to fill in your information, especially due dates and grades. Things can change frequently as instructors adjust their schedules and grading methods. Using a pen and then having to re-write your calendar every time there is a change can make this process too troublesome to maintain.

STRATEGIC ACADEMIC PLANNING CALENDAR

Course	Instructor	Exams	Projects	Papers	Presentations	Other	Attendance Policy	Late & Makeup Policy
Desired Grade:							Classes Missed:	Points Lost:
Desired Grade:							Classes Missed:	Points Lost:
Desired Grade:							Classes Missed:	Points Lost:
Desired Grade:							Classes Missed:	Points Lost:
Desired Grade:							Classes Missed:	Points Lost:
Desired Grade:							Classes Missed:	Points Lost:
Desired Grade:							Classes Missed:	Points Lost:
Desired Grade:							Classes Missed:	Points Lost:
Desired Grade:							Classes Missed:	Points Lost: