General Tips for College Students

The transition from high school to college can be challenging for many students. In order to set yourself up for success, you should be aware of what to expect in terms of your academic responsibilities. To help you navigate the transition, you should also be aware of the resources available to support you throughout your time at OWU.

Knowing what to expect and where to go for support will allow you to make the most of your college experience.

Materials and Preparation

Ensure access to course materials

By the first week of class, you should have access to any textbooks and online materials that are required for your course. Learn more about the process of obtaining course materials on this page.

practice navigating owu's online systems

As a student at OWU, there are a variety of systems that you will need to navigate regularly in order to view course materials, submit homework, check your grades, register for classes, and more. These are the most common platforms that you will likely need to utilize:

• BishopMail (Gmail)
  
  • Email platform for receiving campus updates and communicating with professors, classmates, and others at OWU.
• Blackboard
  • Most professors use Blackboard to provide course content to their students. Depending on the course, students may be required to submit homework or complete other assignments through Blackboard. Most instructors also post grades to Blackboard, so you can use Blackboard to monitor your performance in your classes as the semester progresses.
• Google apps (Calendar, Docs, Drive, Sheets, etc.)
  • OWU uses the Google software systems (sometimes referred to as G-suite) for creating and sharing documents, spreadsheets, and other content.
• MyOWU
  • MyOWU is a single webpage that allows you to access the vast majority of OWU's platforms. This can be a useful page to have bookmarked, especially as you are familiarizing yourself with the various systems.
• Self-Service
  • Self-Service is the main "hub" for accessing your course schedule and registering for classes.

For assistance navigating these platforms and others, consult the Information Services Help Desk website.

Organization

Success in college requires discipline and organization. Try various planning systems to see what works best for you. For ideas, check out the Time Management page.

Communication

consistently check and respond to email

At minimum, you should be checking your OWU email at least once per day, and responding to any time-sensitive messages accordingly. 

communicate with your professors

If you have any questions, will be missing class, or otherwise need assistance, make it a priority to communicate with your professors as early as possible.

Communicate with your academic advisor

Your academic advisor should be your first point of contact for a variety of academic concerns. Reach out to your academic advisor if:

• You have questions or concerns about your current course schedule
• You are planning to drop/withdraw from a class
• You have one or more "U" grades at midterm

General Communication Guidelines

• Read emails and check other course information sources before reaching out
  • You may find the answer to your question in your course syllabus or a recent email
• Try to "batch" your questions in one message rather than sending multiple emails throughout the day
• Be clear and concise in your messages
  • Put your name, course number, and brief description in the subject line of your email
    • EX: Bob Bishop - ENG 105 - Question about sources for research paper
• How do I start my email?
  • If you're unsure whether someone prefers to go by Dr. [Last Name], Mr./Mrs./Ms. [Last Name], etc., use "Professor [Last Name]", or even "Good morning" to begin your message.

Know Your Resources

College is challenging, and you aren't meant to go through it alone. There are many resources in place to help you succeed in all aspects of your life at OWU:

Career Connection

Career Connection assists students of all levels and backgrounds to find find jobs and internships, work on their resumes and cover letters, and prepare to enter the workforce after graduation. Be sure to take the StrengthsFinder Assessment to identify your Top 5 Strengths, and use the resources on the Career Connection website to enhance them.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services supports students' wellbeing through confidential, individual counseling and campus-wide programming. For more information on getting started with Counseling Services, click here.

Library Services

OWU's robust Library Services allow students to access digital and print material, as well as to receive support throughout the research process. Read through the LibGuides for your courses, get citation help, or meet with a Liaison Librarian to gain new skills while you research.

Office of Multicultural Student Affairs

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) exists to support students of all backgrounds to build community and experience a sense of belonging on campus. OMSA offers resources, hosts events, and provides support to student organizations that uplift diverse perspectives.

Sagan Academic Resource Center

The Sagan Academic Resource Center (SARC) provides academic support for students through tutoring, skills coaching, and accessibility advocacy. Download the Penji app or visit web.penjiapp.com to make appointments and view the support available for your courses.

Student Involvement Office

The Student Involvement Office (SIO) helps students find their community on campus through student organizations and programming. Set up a profile on Engage to explore student organizations and view upcoming events.

These are just a few of the many resources available to you at OWU. Make use of them early and often to maximize your potential for success.