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First Six Weeks Checklist

First Six Weeks Checklist

Week Before Classes Begin

  • Print your class schedule. You can do this on Registration Self-Service and on your MyState.
  • Purchase textbooks and necessary school supplies.
  • Explore campus and the city of Brookings.
  • Purchase a planner or have a digital planner ready to go!
  • Begin to check your Jacks email daily. (As a reminder, this is how SDState faculty & staff will communicate with you).
  • Stay “in the know” with campus news and events by checking out the Jacks Club Hub and reading your Jacks Biz weekly email.
  • Participate in the Ness School Welcome Back Beach Night Sept. 1 from 4-5:30 p.m. to make friends, meet Ness School faculty/staff, learn about our student clubs but most of all to have fun and help ease your transition into SDSU.
  • Follow the Ness School and Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center on social media for the latest updates.

Week 1

  • Go to class.
  • Read the syllabus for each of your classes thoroughly. Understand what professors expect from you as a student.
  • Get organized by entering the due dates of class projects, papers, assignments, exams into your planner from each of your course syllabi.
  • Stop in the Library and visit the Ness School to see the services and study areas that are available to you!
  • Get your billing situated. 2021 Fall semester tuition and fees are due Sept. 3, 2021.
  • Finalize fall semester class schedule by Sept. 2. (This is the last day you can add or drop classes with a refund).
  • Review the support services available like the Writing Center, Math Help Center, Supplemental Instruction and free tutoring.
  • Surround yourself with positive role models and friends.

Week 2

  • Go to class...and keep going to class
  • Get to know your professors by introducing yourself during their scheduled office hours or before/after class. Building this relationship is key to your success!
  • Attend the 'Part-Time Job & Volunteer Fair' on Student Part-time Job Fair on Sept. 1 from 3-5:30 p.m. in Volstorff Ballroom (VBR) in the University Student Union
  • Get involved on campus. Whether it's joining intramurals or a student club, start trying things out!
  • If you did not meet your Academic Advisor, it is important that you schedule a time to do so. (Advisor information can be found on your ConnectState--this is where you schedule meetings too!)
  • Set personal & academic goals. Give yourself something to strive for this semester!
  • Be open to making new friends in your classes. Remember, some of these friends could be helpful study buddy in the future.

Week 3

  • Go to class...and keep going to class always!
  • If you find yourself in a bind, don’t forget to utilize our helpful resources made available to you on campus.
  • Seek tutoring help if needed. The Wintrode Tutoring Program continues to provides small-group tutoring in both face-to-face and virtual formats When students schedule using ConnectState, they can search face-to-face and/or sessions held on Zoom. Check out these step-by-step instructions, or contact the Wintrode Center at: the Wintrode Virtual Front Desk, by phone at 605-688-4155 or by the tutoring email.
  • Attend a club/organization meeting that is of interest to you.  

Week 4

  • Go to class...and keep going to class always!
  • Prep for any upcoming quizzes or exams. (Did you know you should spend two hours studying for every hour in class?)
  • Schedule a meeting with your advisor if you received an alert in any of your classes. (You will be notified via Jacks email and/or phone if applicable).
  • Take a break and explore Brookings. The city has a lot to offer! 

Week 5

  • Go to class...and keep going to class always!
  • Take care of yourself by eating healthy, exercising a 30 minutes 3-5 times a week, and getting eight hours of sleep a night. The Miller Wellness Center is a great place to start working on a healthy lifestyle.
  • Participate in campus events and activities.
  • Visit local parks and bike trails to check out the beautiful fall colors and scenery. 

Week 6