101 Things to Do Your First Semester
Print this list.
- See your academic advisor.
- Make and keep a copy of your class schedule.
- Apply for financial aid.
- Make an appointment through Appointment Central.
- Locate your classrooms.
- Be early for every class.
- Learn your professors’ names and office hours.
- Only buy your books after the professor tells you in class what books to buy.
- Check out the bookstore refund policy before you buy books.
- Buy books online, purchase used books, or even rent books.
- Take a career test at the Counseling Center.
- Take a walk to the Fitness Center and work out.
- Join a club.
- Join an athletic team.
- Go on trips with Student Life, the Art Club, or the International Club.
- Update your résumé.
- Apply for work study positions on campus.
- Look for jobs on College Central.
- Use the free online tutoring.
- Get your student ID for on-campus services, like the library, computer labs, etc.
- Borrow novels from the Library.
- Check out movies from the Library to watch at home.
- Read magazines and periodicals in the library.
- Visit a counselor for any personal or academic problems.
- Seek out a tutor for academic help.
- Contact Job Placement and Career Services to help you find a job.
- Attend one of the on-campus job fairs.
- Tell someone about Enrollment Express Days.
- Enjoy one of the CCAC art shows.
- Watch a free concert or another act on campus.
- Cheer at a CCAC sporting event.
- Sign up for Student Government.
- Submit an article to your campus newspaper.
- Take photos for the campus newspaper.
- Talk with your professor.
- Visit the Library and Learning Center.
- Write down the dates to drop or add a class.
- Ask a question of faculty or staff.
- Study even when you don’t feel like it.
- Talk with a transfer counselor if you are planning a four year degree.
- Do some online research at a Computer Center.
- Bring your laptop to wifi areas on campus.
- Go to all of your classes.
- Study two hours each week for every hour in class.
- Call the CCAC Service Desk at 412.237.8700 if you need computer help.
- Set up your NET ID to use the CCAC computers.
- Visit the writing center for help with term papers.
- Write down three careers you are interested in pursuing.
- Apply for a co-op or internship through Job Placement and Career Services.
- Join the Disney Club to spend a semester in Florida.
- Get discounted tickets for a variety of local events through Student Life.
- Join a choral group or jazz band on campus.
- Request a copy of the Graduation Checklist from your advisor.
- Get a parking pass from your campus Safety and Security office.
- Start a study group.
- Plan to Graduate.
- Find out if degree completion programs are offered at your campus.
- Investigate cross-registration possibilities at other schools.
- Tell someone that computers are in the Library, Learning Center, and a Computer Center.
- Arrive early and get the best parking spot.
- Apply for scholarships through the CCAC Educational Foundation.
- Eat at your campus cafeteria for lunch.
- Learn what course section numbers mean, i.e., the difference between AIN1 and BC85W.
- Inform the Financial Aid Office if you drop or add a class.
- Introduce yourself to your classmates.
- Find a “study buddy” in each class.
- Know your campus Safety & Security office phone number in case of emergencies.
- Locate your campus emergency wall phones to call security if needed.
- Online learners: log in to Blackboard.
- Set up your CCAC e-Central e-services account to check your grades.
- Like CCAC on Facebook and Twitter.
- Ask a dean a question using Online Dean.
- Check your academic e-mail.
- Locate the faculty mailboxes.
- Read your course outline for each class.
- Ask for a copy of the Student Handbook from the Admissions Office or find it online.
- Develop a student life transcript.
- Research the requirements to join Phi Theta Kappa.
- Buy supplies at the bookstore.
- Label all your personal items/books, flash drives, etc. in case you lose something.
- Access the academic calendars online for important dates.
- Check with the Safety & Security Office if you lose something.
- Turn in any found items to the Safety & Security office.
- Inform your professor ahead of time if you know you can’t make a class.
- Read ahead and plan for your next class meeting.
- Seek help immediately if you have trouble with a class.
- Read about academic complaint procedures (see page 17 in your Student Handbook).
- Apply to the Honors Program.
- Become a peer tutor.
- Take care of your child at an on-campus Child Development Center.
- Contact the Supportive Services office if you need special accommodations due to disabilities.
- Talk about medical withdrawals at the Supportive Services office.
- Take care of tuition and financial matters.
- Buy a bus pass.
- Make a photocopy at the campus library.
- Locate the closest exit in case of an emergency evacuation.
- Show your Student ID card at community venues in the area to get student discounts.
- Get your free Job Search Manual in the Job Placement & Career Services office.
- Participate in daily intramural activities hosted by the Student Life office.
- Make plans to transfer after two years at CCAC.
- Get on the dean’s list.