Expectations for the College Experience vs. High School | Disability Access Services | Office of the Dean of Students

High School	College	Suggestions for Success in College
You were evaluated on memorization and effort	You will be graded on understanding and critical thinking skills.	Demonstrate Critical Thinking and Understanding Make connections to other readings or classes Ask clarifying questions Generate your own examples that illustrate the concepts Identify patterns Discuss implications of a concept in your own life or work Effort is NOT the same as understanding. Your professor will not accept the following arguments for giving you a better grade: I worked really hard I am an A student I came to all the classes I listened I spent forever on the assignment(s) I participated in class I completed all of the assignments I am just not good at tests
Teachers often recognize when a student is struggling and reach out	You may be 1 of 100s of students and the professor does not know you need help unless you ask	Ask for Help When You First Need It If you’re struggling, go to the professor early before you fall too far behind Show your professors that you have the intellectual maturity to recognize when you need help
Teachers track your attendance and it is often part of your grade	Some professors don’t take attendance which makes some students feel like it is not a problem to skip class	Go to Class! Skipping class or being unprepared means you are missing out on critical information and critical thinking experiences offered in class You are paying a lot of money to be there
Most of your classes are arranged for you	You arrange your own schedule and schedules tend to look lighter than they really are	Form Relationships with your Academic Advisor and EOP Counselor Your advisor knows your major really well and can help you choose courses Take the time to learn about the BACC Core options and take classes that you find interesting. Your Academic Counselor can help you with this

High School	College	Suggestions for Success in College
Your parents are informed of your grades, progress, absences, etc and are directly involved and aware of your progress	FERPA (Federal Education Right to Privacy Act) is federal legislation that prohibits the release of your academic records to anyone (including parents/family) without your written consent	Think Now About What and How Much You Want to Share with Your Parents Professors, Advisors and Academic Counselors cannot share your information, including grade information, without your consent You may have to help your parents understand how college is different from high school
Teachers and principals are responsible for handling disciplinary infractions, including detention or suspension	Oregon State Police (OSP) have jurisdiction on OSU campus and RA’s instructors, or other staff may call the police/security for disorderly conduct. The OSU Conduct office handles violations of the student conduct code and the court system handles violations of local, state and federal laws	Remember You Will Be Treated as an Adult You’re seen as an adult now, whether you feel like one or not You’re old enough to take responsibility for what you do and don’t do, as well as for the consequences of your decisions Look at the Student Code of Conduct. You are responsible for following it—make sure you know what it contains Consequences in college usually have two parts. A punitive part and an educational part Your OSU disciplinary file is confidential, your OSP file is not You may face both OSU and OSP disciplinary action for off campus infractions
Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates	Professors expect you to read, save and consult the course syllabus. The syllabus spells out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due and how you will be graded	Manage Your Schedule Use the “Term at a Glance” calendar to keep track of important assignments Plan ahead so you don’t become overwhelmed Spread your studying out over time Form study groups that meet regularly Use resources such as the Academic Success Center
Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material	Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material	Take Responsibility for Your Own Learning You, not the professor, need to organize the material to prepare for the test. In college, expect to study at least 2-3 hours outside of class for each hour in class. (So for a 3 credit class, expect to study 6-9 hours outside of class)
Your classes may have never challenged what you accept to be true	You will be required to take classes that challenge what you were taught in high school or what you accept to be true	Distinguish Opinion from Informed knowledge Back up your opinions with facts and evidence from reliable sources Explore beyond your personal stories and examples Engage constructively with others whose opinions you may or may not agree with Recognize and Reflect on Your Personal Reactions to New Information Question how the new viewpoint challenges and expands your view of the world What do your reactions reveal about you? What are the personal risks to accepting this information

College is an exciting time for personal growth. You are old enough to take responsibility for what you do and don’t do as well as for the consequences of your decisions. There are many supportive faculty on campus to help you on this journey, including your EOP academic counselor and course instructors. You don’t have to figure it out all at once, or by yourself!