Let it Go!: Tips To Stay Sane Until Grades Post

Right now Finals Week at FSU is just starting off. It’s a tense time for a lot of people. What could be more stressful than final exams?

The answer: Waiting to see how you did!

For some students, the grade they earn on the Final Exam can make the diffference between passing or not passing a course, or between earning an honor-roll GPA, or not. Either way, that week between taking your exam and finding out your final grade can be full of worry, doubt, and huge, glaring What-if’s.

However, there’s normally not much you can do about it, and it’s hard to plan until you know for sure where you stand. So here’s my advice to you:

Let. It. Go. 

(Frozen will never stop being relevant.)

If you’ve followed our tips for Final Exams, then you know you’ve put in the hours, done the work, and tried your hardest.  Stressing about the outcomes won’t change a thing. So instead of worrying what comes next, try some of the activities here to let that stress out of your system.

1. Get Outside!

Tree-to-Tree adventures at the Tallahassee Museum

If you’re reading this today, you might look outside and think “Yeah, Right!”, but Spring has Spring in Tallahassee (and all over!). It’s officially the time of outdoor festivals, concerts, and eating on patios. At FSU we’re lucky enough to have the Reservation, where you can spend some time in or on the water, and lots of great outdoor experiences just a short drive from campus! If you’re still in Tallahassee after your finals, maybe take a day to bike down St. Mark’s Trail, or head to the beach for the day, or visit the Tallahassee Museum for some zipline adventures!

If you’ve already headed back home, check around in your area to see what outdoor fun is avaialble to you there.

You’ll not only enjoy a great time, you’ll also enjoy some pretty intense health benefits!

2. Connect With Friends

Whether you’re still on campus, or back home around your old friends, make some time to connect in person. Humans are social animals, and taking time to be around people we care about helps us re-charge and de-stress. Even if you’re an introvert, you can still enjoy the benefits of a rejeuvinating conversation. Just make sure not to overload yourself.

If you’re an extrovert, surrounding yourself with a large group of people at a party or event can help your mood light up! If you’re an introvert, you might prefer a coffee date with just one or two good friends.

3. Make Something!

You don’t have to be in the FSU Art Therapy program to know that drawing, coloring, or sculpting with play-doh can help boost your mood! On campus you can do paint-a-pot at the Oglesby Union, or just create on your own!

If visual art isn’t your thing, try writing a story or poem, dancing, or music to get your creative energy out. It will help you feel less stressed and maybe even inspire you to start someting new!

4. Give Back

Taking the time to help others in your community can take your mind off of your own stress, and there are some pretty fun ways to do it here in Tallahassee. For example, the Humane Society uses volunteers to play with puppies to exercise them while they’re waiting to be moved into their new homes. You can also find a list of organizations in the area to work with through the Center for Leadership and Social Change at FSU.  If you’re already back home, check out local agencies and non-profits that might need some extra help.

So now you have it! My top 4 tips for staying positive, happy, and sane while you wait for your grades this semester. What are your tips? Share them here or tweet me at @ChemCompSciADV

Building Your Best Schedule: Part 2

So now that you’ve thought about what you’ve accomplished this semester, and what you really want from next semester, it’s time to start planning it out.

I’ve often thought, when I work with students who are building a college schedule, that it feels a lot like a sudoku puzzle! You’re not just looking for the correct answer for this semester, but you also are concerned about how what you put in that box will impact the rest of the puzzle, or in this case, your college career.

At FSU we have a few different resources you can use to help solve the puzzle. Here’s the exact process I go through as an advisor (or as a student) when I’m building a schedule:

Step 1: Follow the Map

At FSU each major has a map with certain milestone courses. You can find these maps in our Academic Program Guide, find your major in the list, and click “M” for Map. Here’s an example for the Computer Science, B.A. major: 

The awesome thing about the map, is that summer semesters don’t count! So to figure out your map term, count how many semesters you’ve been in college, and subtract the summers! For example, if you started in the Summer or 2014, and took classes each semester since then, you would be starting your map term #3 in Fall 2015.

You can also see your official map term when you log into your my.fsu student central and click on “academics”.

Once you know your map term, you can see what courses are absolutely required for your next semester. Already finished them? Great! Move on to the next term’s milestones!

(The left-hand side of the map is one suggested schedule, one that would likely have you finish college within 4 years, but it is not the ONLY possible schedule. It is a good way to get an idea of what courses are generaly O.K. to take at the same time.)

Step 2: Keep Moving Forward

Now that you know what the minimum expectations are for your next semester, don’t stop there! You want to have about 15-17 hours on your schedule each semester after your first year at FSU, so there’s lot’s more to add.

The next thing you’ll want to add in are required courses for your major. Some courses have very specific sequences that the courses should be taken in, others are more flexible. By this time you should have a good idea of which category your major falls into.

You can find out what courses are required for your major by visiting the Program Guide, and clicking “P” for program. Here’s an example from the Economics major: 

You’ll normally want to pick at least 1-2 required courses for your major each semester, even if you don’t need to meet any milestones.

Most majors also require a minor. You can work in a class for your minor as well!

Step 3: The Liberal Studies

Some students seem like they are rushing through their FSU liberal studies and graduation requirements, but with the exception of English, and Math, you have until you graduate to complete all these requirements. There’s no need to rush! Liberal Studies courses are a great way to explore new academic disciplines, and allow yourself to take a class that just sounds fun!

You can use your Academic Requirements Report in your my.fsu student center to see what Liberal Studies or FSU requirements you still need to complete, or, you can keep track of them on your own using the checklist in your It’s All Academic booklet.

If you still have liberal studies requirements you haven’t met, see if there’s a course that you can work into your next semester’s schedule. Unless you’re in some sort of hurry, it’s better to wait and take a class you like, than to take a course you aren’t interested in just because it “meets a requirement”. The It’s All Academic booklet lists out all the courses that meet each requirement, along with a description of the course. This is a great way to browse through! Keep in mind, though, that not every course is offered each semester.

Step 4: Elective

FSU has some great elective courses, including a 1 Credit course at the FSU circus!!!

The “elective” course sometimes gets a bad reputation. I have students tell me they don’t want to take a course that “doesn’t count for anything”. However, most students will have to take at least a few electives just to meet FSU’s graduation requirements (each student needs at least 120 hours of courses to graduate).

Don’t let anyone pick your electives for you! This is your time to do you!! When I was in my last semester of college, I took beginner Portuguese, a philosophy seminar, and a 1 credit class where I worked on a farm, just meet my 120 hours! It was probably my favorite semester, because the only requirement was that I take classes I really thought would be fun! If you have space for an elective in your schedule, make sure it’s something that really gets you excited!

Review:

Once you’re done building your schedule, look back over what you’ve created. Make sure you have at least 12 hours if you’re planning to be a full-time student! You should have a schedule that meets any upcoming milestones, advances you through your major program, and includes classes you are excited about!

Most students do NOT NEED to meet with an advisor before building their schedule (unless, of course, you have an advising hold on your account!). If you do want to go over your schedule with an advisor, set up a time to meet with them as soon as you can! If you can’t see them until after your registration window opens, DON’T WAIT to register. Instead, sign up for classes as soon as you can, and make any changes you discuss with an advisor at a later time.

Questions? Comments? Let me know! You can tweet me @ChemCompSciADV

“To Drop or Not to Drop…. That is the Question”

In this blog, guest writer William Leparulo, Advising First advisor for Engineering majors, answers the age old question:

“To be or not to be…that is the question”

or

“To drop or not…..that is the question”

So maybe you’ve done everything right, going to class, office hours, ACE tutoring, study groups, but something just isn’t clicking.

Or maybe it is the 7^th week and you have bombed every quiz and the test you got back shows that you are barely literate despite all of your best efforts!

So now you are thinking “maybe just maybe I need to pull the plug (drop this class) on this one, but what are the consequences of such action?”

Unfortunately the only advantage to dropping a class is that you don’t have to let the poor grade hurt your GPA and if you are on Academic Warning or Probation (below a 2.0 GPA) this is an option you should use, but unfortunately there are some disadvantages… so let’s talk about the bad news.

Dropping of classes have several consequences:

1. If you use Bright Futures then expect your future to include paying for the class you just dropped.  It would be a good idea to make sure you have the funds to do this, b/c FSU will put a hold on you as soon as you drop the class.

2. If you use Bright Futures they require you to uphold a certain credit hour standard! You may need to be especially careful about dropping under this credit hour standard b/c you may lose Bright Futures entirely. #contactbrightfutures for the specific information

3. Depending on how “hardcore” your major is, you may fall behind in the Map academically. Certain majors expect you to pass certain classes by certain semesters. You can find FSU’s academic maps in our Academic Program Guide. If you drop a class you are failing you may be indirectly also be out of a major. #contactanadvisor before doing such an action

4. Penalties related with Excess credit. So there is this nasty rule that says you can’t drop or fail or take the wrong kind of class or be charged “excess credit”. You have a buffer, but just remember if the buffer is already out than you may be paying a surcharge. #contactanadvisor before doing such an action.

So to summarize:

Drops are good for saving your GPA, but they could be bad if you don’t get all of the information…so do your homework, and talk with your advisor!

Class with a Cold: Tips for when you’re sick at school

What season comes right after the Holiday Season? That’s right! Cold and Flu season! I’ve seen so many people on campus in the past week or so who are feeling under the weather, and even caught a cold myself. Everyone gets them, so we tend to make light of the utter agony that is the common cold, to say nothing about bigger sicknesses like flu (ugh!). Especially at college, missing class can mean falling behind really quickly, but going to class sick is usually not the best option.

So to help you through this sneezy, drowsy, dizzy season, here are my tips for handling your cold with class!

Tip #1: Stock up on the essentials

When you start feeling a little under the weather, make sure you take the time to stock up on the things you’ll need: tissues, tea or juice, lots of fresh fruit and veggies and cold medicine! At home, we normally have these things laying around from the last time someone was sick, but when you’re away at school it’s up to you! Go out and get them now while you still have the energy! Don’t get caught in a big snotty sneeze without a tissue!

Tip #2: Take some time for you

We know there are always a billion things to do on campus, especially at FSU. Spending the night in can feel like missing out (a terrible fate for those of us with FOMO!). But staying in and resting is normally the best way to get better. Let your body rest, and then catch up with all the fun when you’re feeling 100%.

Tip #3: Use your Health and Wellness Center!

When you know your sick, make an appointment at your health center. You can find out how to make an appointment at FSU on the Health Services website. The doctors there can help you figure out if what you have is just a cold, or if it might be something more. They can also write perscriptions if necessary, and provide a “verification of visit”, which can come in handy if you’re professor asks for documentation when you miss class.

Tip #4: Keep your germs to yourself!

If you live on campus or with a roommate, if you decide to go to class while sick, or if you visit university offices while sick, it’s very important to take measures not to infect others! Be considerate and keep any used tissues to yourself until you find a trash can. After class or using a computer in the computer lab, wipe down the surfaces you touched with a disinfectant or antibacterial spray. Someone else will use it later, and you don’t want to spread your germs! And maybe, just for a few days, hold off on the handshakes or hugs?

Tip #5: Eat healthy foods!

When your sick and sad, it can be tempting to fall back into your favorite comfort foods ( I may or may not have had a Lucy & Leo’s cupcake last night to make me feel better…) but those foods tend to be high in sugars, dairy, salt, and other things that aren’t necessarily nourishing our bodies. Instead, stop by the campus dining halls and get some nourishing soup, and fruits and veggies that will help boost your immune system. And maybe eat an apple for desert instead of one of those delicious cookies, just until you’re feeling better!

Remember, it’s hard to do your best work if you’re not feeling your best, so make time to take care of your health first!

For more resources about health and wellness on campus, check out FSU’s University Health Services and the wellness services available through campus recreation.

Do you have tips for other students? Share how you stay well in comments, or tweet me @ChemCompSciADV

5 Resolutions for the New Semester

Vacation is over folks! Ensure a successful semester by making some improvements. Take a look at our suggestions for new semester resolutions.

1. Stop procrastinating

Procrastinating can feel rewarding but it’s actually holding you back. Think about it: if you can have relative success by putting things off and doing everything at the last-minute, imagine what you can achieve by making a timely effort to study and complete assignments. Don’t put off seeing your advisor or attending office hours either; handle issues before they’re urgent. Beyond the classroom, staying organized and planning ahead allows you to be more productive and flexible, and less wasteful. To avoid wasting time and having to pull all-nighters, try using productivity tools like these: Self Control , best productivity apps. So this semester, stat by adding important academic dates to your calendar, planning for major deadlines, and making a weekly schedule for recurring activities like class, work, club meetings, and studying.

2. Utilize more campus resources

One of the greatest perks of college life is that you have access to an abundance of resources. Beyond the obvious facilities and libraries, there’s database and academic journal access, technologies and premium computer programs, health and fitness services, and several academic support resources. Also at your disposal is the wonderful Career Center and helpful workshops offered by various departments. Make an effort to take advantage of resources that you have yet to use. Remember, it’s costing you or someone else quite a bit of money for you to be here, so get your money’s worth.

3. Get  involved

There are over 600 recognized student clubs and organizations at FSU; that sounds like enough to suit everyone’s interests. But joining is only the first step, it’s important to be active within clubs and organizations. Aim to be a contributing member by partaking in events or working on a committee. Stay connected by following organizations on social media and make sure you’re on the list serve to receive correspondences. You can also attend campus wide events: check out the campus calendar and Nole Central to see about fun and interesting events.

4. Make new connections

Your undergraduate experience should be more than a scholastic one, it’s also social. As your home away from home, you need a supportive family here at FSU. Don’t limit yourself to the social circle that you established during freshman year; each day is an opportunity to grow your network. Reach beyond your current crowd to make friends with classmates and peers, take advantage of networking opportunities to build professional relationships, and get to know some professors so that they can serve as mentors. These relationships can be sources of joy and mutual support that won’t be bound by your time in college; you’ll always have your FSU family so make it a great one.

5. Find balance

There is plenty of time to study, work, and have a social life. Whether its schoolwork, an extracurricular group, or leisure, your time shouldn’t be dominated by any one activity. Planning ahead gives you an opportunity to insert balance into your schedule. Your planner can have your class and study schedule as well as the time you want to devote to working out and watching TV. You’ll find yourself in academic trouble if you spend all of your time working, socializing, and playing club sports, but being cooped up in the library 24/7 is not practical either. Be honest about what commitment’s you can make this semester, and how you can maximize your contentment and productivity.

Feel free to customize these resolutions and come up with your own personal goals. Stick to your resolutions until new, positive routines are habitual. Have a great semester!

Drop/Add like a Boss!

It happens every semester: the drop/add week. Some colleges call it “shopping week”, the idea being you can try your classes out for a week, and then change your schedule without any financial penalties.  But some classes don’t actually teach during that first class meeting, am I right?

How many of you have sat through an hour of course policies and reviewing the syllabus, only to leave class with no clue what your professor’s teaching style is?

There are some REALLY helpful things you can do during the drop/add week to prepare for the coming semester and figure out which courses might be an issue. So follow my advice to make the most of your drop/add!

Tip #1: Know your No’s

Hopefully, you have a pretty good idea of what you like and what you don’t like in a course.  Do you prefer multiple choice tests to essays? Do you never ever want to wake up before 8am ever again? Do you do better in classes with multiple homework assignments, or with just one big test? While you sit through those syllabus reviews, keep an eye out for your deal breakers. If you find a lot of them in one class it might be a sign that you should look for a different course (if it’s an elective) or a different professor (if it’s required).

If you can’t change the class, make a note on the front of your syllabus that this class might be difficult for you. That will come in handy for your next step.

Tip #2: Plan Ahead

Most professors put some sort of course schedule in the syllabus, letting you know what topics will be covered and when. Almost all professors will tell you when the big assignments are coming up. Go through your syllabus and highlight these things: when are homework assignments do? when are your exams? when are the review sessions?

Once you’ve found all the dates, write them in on a calendar (if you don’t have one, our Academic Center for Excellence has a great template here!), and color code the classes. Think back to the assignments you think will be hardest for you and highlight them so they stand out. Now, hang the calendar up somewhere you will see it every day (I always kept mine right above my laptop), so you’ll always be reminded what’s coming up!

Tip #3: Set up your System

It’s important to monitor your progress in each class as you go along. I really like to use apps for this, since I’m pretty bad at math. Most professors include their grading system in the syllabus. You can use an app like Grades 3  or School Grades Tracker to program in the grading schemes. Then, as you get each grade back, add it into the app to help calculate your grade!

Tip #4: Find a Buddy

The last tip I have for your drop/add week success is to find one buddy in each class. This can be a friend taking the class with you, or just someone you sat next to on the first day.  Ask them whether they’re planning on keeping the class on their schedule, and if they are, exchange emails/phone numbers so that you have someone to ask for help if you need to miss a class, or you can’t read your notes for a certain day.

Helpful hint: People in the front row tend to take lots and lots of notes. They make great course buddies!

So, I hope you find these tips super helpful as you start your Spring 2015 semester! If you have more questions, leave them in the comments or tweet me @ChemCompSciADV

Did You Get Coal in your Stocking This Semester: 5 Tips on Dealing With Poor Grades

It always seems like a weird twist of fate that right as the semester ends and the joy of the holidays is bustling all around us, final grades are released for the fall semester. Sometimes you get exactly what you were hoping for, but sometimes it can feel like a big lump of coal in your stocking! So, in the spirit of the holidays, I bring you the 5 steps of dealing with your grades!

On the 5th day of Grades-mas, my advisor gave to me……

1. A dose of reality. The most important thing to keep in mind about your grades is that they are not randomly assigned letters! Just like Santa’s naughty/nice list, this is the result of your own choices throughout the year. It might not be what you were expecting, but try to get out of the mindset of grades being “given” to you, and into the mindset that grades are a result of your own actions. That’s actually a great thing! Why? Because it means YOU have the power to change them going forward.

2. An investigative attitude. Like the best detectives, the best students know when something’s just not right! Does a grade seem way off base to you? Go back through the grades you earned in that class, and use your syllabus and the grading policy your professor outlined to calculate your final grade on your own. If you notice something is incorrect, email your professor as soon as possible and try to resolve the issue together.

3. An opportunity for reflection. Sometimes our grades bring a dose of harsh reality, but it can also be a chance to really think about what went well and what didn’t over the past few months. The best students are able to reflect back on what they did or didn’t do that led to the grades they earned. Take some time and a peice of blank paper and write down some of the things you did over the past semester that either helped you get good grades in classes you did well in, or that held you back in your more difficult courses.

4. A “Good Academic Standing” Policy. At FSU all students are required to mantain a 2.0 FSU GPA or higher to be in “Good Academic Standing”.  If you drop below this you may be placed on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or even Dismissed from the university. To find out where you stand be sure to consult the official policy on the registrar’s website.

5. A Plan for the New Year. If you will need to re-take any courses, you should adjust your schedule for the Spring as soon as possible. Advisors are still on campus, so email your advisor if you have questions. Figuring out what you need to move forward will help reduce the stress for the rest of the holiday season.

5 Ways to Boost Your Mood this Finals Week

Yes, it’s that time again! It’s Finals Week here at FSU. The end of the semester is so close you can taste it! But before you can enjoy your holidays you need to make it through this week.

We all know that finals can stress us out like few other things ever can, so here are my 5 tips on how to keep your mood and your energy up throughout this finals week.

1. Shake it off

Regardless of your feelings on Taylor Swift, you know you feel better after you get your body moving! Try taking a break every 20-30 minutes to get up and have a goofy dance party! This can help you let go of your stress and release some of that nervous energy.

2. Dress to impress

If you are anything like me, your go-to outfit for your finals week probably includes sweatpants, your pajama shirt, and slippers. While it’s good to wear clothing that’s relaxed and comfortable while you’re studying, wearing something a little more fancy can help you feel confident, powerful, and in-control when you go to take your test. As a bonus, it also shows your professor that you’re taking the test seriously! So pop a blazer on over that t-shirt you’ve been wearing for 3 days straight, and see if you feel more in-charge.

3. Share something positive

We use twitter, instagram, and facebook to connect with our friends, and it can be comforting to go online and see that everyone else is just as stressed as you are. But be careful! What you say, even through emojis, can influence your own mood and the mood of others who read it. Try sharing something positive instead, like words of support or an inspirational quote, and you’ll start feeling the difference in no time!

4. Keep it fresh

In between studying for your exams and writing your final papers, you might feel like the last thing you have time for is a well-balanced meal. We’ve all been there! But the food you eat is what fuels your body and your brain, and this is not the time to go for bargain-brand gasoline! To keep your energy levels high and your brain firing on all cylinders, stock up on healthy snacks, and make time to eat some balanced, nurishing meals. Maybe opt for Fresh Foods or Suwanee over those Chick-Fil-A fries and milkshake. Your body and brain will thank you.

5. Keep a To-DONE list

Sometimes it can be stressfull to think about all the things you need to do! So, while you’re keeping track of your exams, study schedules, and paper deadlines, why not start a DONE list as well? Take a moment to list out all the things you’ve already accomplished today, like review those last few chapters, or finished the practice exam. Looking back at the things you’ve completed so far can help you feel productive, powerful, and ready to keep going!

The Finals Crunch: Top 5 Things You Should Do Right Now

It’s December!  Store windows are filled with holiday decorations, Christmas songs are playing on the radio, and all over campus that finals-time rush is setting in! These next few weeks can be pretty overwhelming, but there’s no need to panic!  Today I’ll be giving you my top 5 tips for what you should be doing this merry Finals season!

1. Review your exam schedule.  Take out your calendar, planner, phone, or whatever you use to keep track of your schedule and write down your Final Exams (include any paper or project deadlines as well!). You can find a breakdown of the FSU final exam schedule online at the Registrar’s website .  Also, your syllabus may have the final exam date, time, and location as well.  Keep an eye out for any conflicts and highlight them or note them in BOLD. If you have conflicting exams, contact your professor immediately to request a makeup exam, and be prepared to show them a copy of your exam schedule.
2. Map out a study plan.  Sit down with a calendar for the next two weeks and start to develop a study plan. The Academic Center for Excellence has a great 5-Day Study Plan you can use for each class. It’s important to develop and stick to a schedule so you don’t end up cramming everything in during the last minute!
3. Check your Syllabus for review sessions. Go through your syllabus for each course, or talk with professors and TAs to see if a review session is being held. If it is, write the day, time, and location into your study plan and GO!  To make the most out of your session you should come prepared with questions already written out so you don’t forget them. If your classes isn’t offering a review session, see if ACE is offering a group tutoring session or set up a study group with friends in your class.
4. Look at your grades.  I know, this is a tough one. But sit down and take a really good look at your grades. Review your professor’s grading policy, and use the grades you’ve already earned to figure out where you stand. Be realistic and figure out what effort you will need to put forth to get the grade you want or need in each course.  A D may satisfy some university requirements, but a C- or higher is required for most major requirements. Also, you should review the FSU policies on academic standing and warning/probation.  ACE has a handy tool you can use to calculate or estimate your GPA.
5. Plan your play. When you’re scheduling your study time, make sure to plan for some relaxation time as well. Letting yourself get too bogged down isn’t helpful, and some physical activity can help boost your energy levels and productivity! Pay attention to how you get your energy. If you always feel more energized after a good workout, schedule some time to visit the fitness center, or if you are energized by being around friends, maybe plan to attend the Winter Wonderland at the Oglesby Union! And don’t forget to schedule in Breakfast for a Buck! Check out the Oglesby Union website for daily activities(link).

photo credit: Geoffery Fairchild

Ready for Research?

 

As a freshman in college I applied for one of the few spots in my school’s undergraduate research program. This program was meant to help sophomores experience the kind of research that went on at our university, and connect with professors in their field. I didn’t know much about what research was at that time, but I knew that this was a competitive program, and I was an honors student and I needed to do it so that I could achieve the greatness to which I aspired!

Just kidding! At the time, I’m not sure I would have had an answer if you asked me why I was applying. It was another item to add to my list of achievements and experiences. It sounded like the kind of thing I was supposed to do. My friends were doing it. I did it too.

For all that I had a fun year getting to know my faculty advisor and my research partner (who, despite being a huge nerd about linguistics, was far cooler than I can ever hope to be), I didn’t take much away from that experience. Probably because I didn’t know what I wanted from it in the first place.

My second experience with research was drastically different. At the end of the fall semester of my junior year, my favorite professor asked me to stay after class. “You really seem to get this material,” she told me. At the end of our conversation, she offered me a spot in her lab for the upcoming semester. I would do research for credit, and would be required to develop my own mini-project using her huge database of information. I would attend lab meetings with the rest of the team (made up of graduate and undergraduate students) and at the end of the semester I would write a research paper to present what I’d found.

I loved that lab! Because it was a topic I was already excited about, it was easy to come up with my own question, and I became more and more excited each day as I worked out my own system to find the answer.  My professor became a huge influence on my life.

Every research experience is different, but like most things in college, you get out of it what you put in. That’s why, if you are considering taking on a research position, I encourage you to consider these tips:

1. Starting Out

Before you decide to do research, it’s important to do some reflection and figure out what you are looking for. One of the best ways to do this is by paying attention to what classes are the most interesting to you. Is there a class you are always excited to go to? One where you participate the most in class, where you feel you connect with the professor, or where you find you leave class wanting to read more about what you just learned? That’s probably a good sign.

Generally, it’s easier as a junior or a senior to get a research position because you have taken more classes, learned more about what topics interest you, and you may have had more professors that you truly engage with. However, you can also normally browse different research project on your major’s website. Most of our faculty at FSU are engaged in research, and they keep a lot of information about their projects online.

If your goal with this project is to get a feel for what research is all about, we have a great program for that as well. At FSU this program is called UROP, the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, but there are similar programs at research universities across the country. These programs normally are geared towards freshman and sophomore students, and take some of the anxiety out of finding a project. They’ll set you up with a professor and a project, and offer lots of support along the way.

2. Reaching Out

Once you know what you want out of your research experience, do some background research before contacting faculty members. You can normally find some of their recent publications up on their website, or the school library can help you get a copy. Do the research in advance so you know what kinds of projects your professor is working on, and you can converse with them about the topic. Your interactions will go a lot better if you and your faculty member are on the same page, and you’ll be able to show them that you’re not just interested in research in general, but their project in particular. This can set you apart from other students.

Once you’ve done your preparation, email your professor about your interest in their work. Start by introducing yourself (even if they already know you) and if you are in a class with them, be sure to mention which one! Here are some things to include in your email:

• Your major
• Your year in school
• Relevant courses you’ve taken
• Why you are interested in their work
• A copy of your resume

At the end of the email, let them know that you’d like to meet in person to talk about opportunities for you to get involved in their research. Be ready to follow up in a week or so if they don’t respond right away.

3. Close it Out.

Once you’ve met with your professor, if you both decide it’s a good fit, you’ll want to work out the details. Make sure you agree on the expectations. Will you be researching for course credit? Will you be earning a grade? How will that grade be evaluated? You’ll also want to discuss how many hours a week you’ll be dedicating to your research.

The last step is to make sure all the paperwork is in order. Universities love paperwork, and every department probably has a slightly different form you’ll need to fill out to add your research to your schedule. You’re academic advisor can normally help with this, so reach out to them if you have questions!

Resources for Getting involved in Research

• How to successfully email professors
• Sample email for inquiring about research positions
• FSU’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program

Photo Credit: Paul Albertella