Setting Goals Workshop An online workshop facilitated by: Academic Success Center UL Lafayette Junior Division Hard Facts While on academic probation, students must make a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher. If a student does not meet this semester GPA requirement, the student will be suspended from the university. **To learn more about academic probation and available campus resources, click on the following link: Academic Safety Net How is academic success and goal setting related? Goal Setting • Decreases the difficulty of passing classes • Increases skills of goal setting for after college • Positively affects other areas of life, not just academics • Decreases stress and anxiety • Increases concentration, self-confidence, performance, and overall enjoyment of college life • Leads to a quicker graduation date • College costs too much money and time to risk failure! What is a S.M.A.R.T. goal? Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic. Timeline How do I set goals? Starting Line • Goal Setting takes: 1. time 2. energy 3. thought 4. preparation • A goal should have: 1. an action statement 2. an action plan 3. a target date (deadline) How do I start? • State the goal as an action statement: – Ex: “I will understand my assigned chapters by…” • Specify how the action statement will be accomplished by using an action objective: – Ex: “I will understand my assigned chapters by reading and writing outlines…” • Measure the outcome in numbers – Ex: “I will understand my assigned chapters by reading 10 pages and writing 1 outline each night.” How can goal setting help me again? Goal setting can help you improve . . . • Memory • Stress levels • Note taking • Problem-solving • Time management • Listening and communication • Test preparation and test taking • Self-motivation and determination But, I do not know where to start! Start by considering these examples to more effectively study. Examples of Effective Study Skills • Improve reading skills • Study regularly (2 hours of study for every hour in class per week) • Find a study place • Learn to balance obligations • Be consistent and keep commitments • Plan assignments in advance • Improve time management • Ask questions in class • Reduce alcohol and/or drug use, including caffeine • Get a good night’s sleep • Take advantage of tutoring • Form study groups with people in class • Ask for help • Participate actively in class • Be familiar with your class syllabus What if I fail? You can start by considering some reasons why goals fail: • • • • • • • • • Not written Not specific Not believable Not realistic Lack of commitment Lack of support Lack of rewards Lack of motivation Changes with the weather Motivation How can I keep myself motivated? • Lack of motivation = fear of failure or fear of change • MOTIVATION – all those factors that make people work towards a goal – different types of motivation: achievement, recognition, growth, enjoyment, etc. • KEEP YOURSELF MOTIVATED BY: – – – – – Treating yourself well Giving yourself rewards Keeping track of your accomplishments Setting goals and sticking to them Planning ahead Great job! • You have completed the Setting Goals Workshop. • Now it is time to put your knowledge into action . . . • Below is a link to your Academic Action Plan worksheet. Complete and see an academic counselor today: • Academic Action Plan