Plan for the full year Once the waiting game is over and students know where they stand regarding courses, they face the first day of college life. It’s exciting and in many respects quite daunting. In offering advice from the perspective of college, the key to it all is timing.
The third-level academic year is very short, broken into key blocks of time, each with their own dynamic. It is a busy, often complicated, schedule, particularly as programmes are generally delivered on a “semesterised” basis, meaning two or possibly three exam periods in an academic year.
Add into this mix, work placement or a J1 in the summer and there is a lot of project management required by the first-year student to get the most out of their first academic year, while avoiding potential pitfalls.
The move from secondary school to third level shifts the responsibility for learning and getting on well from the teacher or the school, fairly and squarely onto the student learner.
You’re not alone. All third-level and post-Leaving Cert colleges have supports and student services as well as fresher programmes to help the transition but it is the student’s responsibility to identify and avail of the services.
Hit the ground running
The transition to third level may not be a natural flow. Having successfully emerged from the points-focused Leaving Cert system, a student may have honed particular skills in assimilating and reproducing techniques and material, which may not necessarily guarantee a smooth start-up in college.
At Cork Institute of Technology, for example, we have developed a module for all first years called Creativity, Innovation and Teamwork, which helps the student develop skills including planning, taking responsibility for their future academic and professional careers. The concept of group projects and working in teams is also developed, along with a continuous assessment philosophy.
Timing and time management is key to getting the best out of first year. Attending the initial lecture in each programme or subject is vital to pick up on key dates, breakdown of exam marks and support facilities. Induction days run by student services or students unions shouldn’t be missed as they complete the picture of what support is available.
Take responsibility
The first-year student entering college is fully responsible for their own success. Non-attendance at lectures or laboratories may or may not be picked by the authorities, and non-submission of course work may not come to light until results are issued at Christmas or even summer. The relatively long summer break is an opportunity to travel or take up temporary work, but to do this, academic work needs to start on the first day of term. Success depends on taking full responsibility and delivering.
The class of 2014 need to formulate a plan based on the academic year timeline – September 2014 to September 2015 – to include all “deadlines and deliverables”, from academic to pre-professional, social to sporting. Managing that timeline effectively, from day one, will ensure a student gets the best value and a rewarding experience from the very significant investment they are about to embark on.
Dr Barry O’Connor is registrar and vice president for academic affairs at Cork Institute of Technology
