1. Order your books a week before class starts, or earlier. 

As an online student you have order your books online, wait for them to ship, wait for them to arrive… and all of that takes time. Avoid waiting until the first day of the mod to make sure you have the materials for class.  You might need your books to turn in work in day 3 of the mod. Prepare yourself by checking on your materials early, and contact your SSC if you need to verify you have the right materials for class.

2. Look at and begin working on your assignments BEFORE they are due.

Here’s the scene: it's four hours until the assignment is due, you just sat down to see what your assignment is and you realize:  A – It’s going to take more time than you thought to complete the work,  B – You have a lot of reading to do before completing it,  C – You need to ask someone for help and now it's 1130 at night --- eek! Bad preparation could lead to a bad grade and/or submitting the work late.

Don't create this stress for yourself. Start your assignments the day before they are due (or earlier) so you have time to make changes, communicate with your instructor, and prepare for the what-ifs (like no internet connection 20 minutes before your final is due!).

3. Keep a backup plan – and use it – if something happens to your computer or internet access.

Many students are just hoping their computer and internet will get them through school. Sometimes technology fails us, no surprise there. Public libraries are a great resource to use if your computer is unavailable or stops working. Ask friends and family members of they would be able to help you out in the event you have computer/internet issues. If your Internet gets shut off and you have a laptop, look for free wifi in your neighborhood at local restaurants (many fast food places and coffee shops have it!), stores (even some Target stores offer free wifi), or your local library.

4. Keep your internet browser and computer cleaned up.

As with a car, your computer needs maintenance. You don't have to put gas in it every week, but it's a good idea to keep your browser cleaned out regularly (at least once a month, perhaps more based on Internet usage). You can find out how to manage your Google Chrome browser here.  It's also a good idea to invest in a virus protection program, just in case. Regular clean up can free up space on your computer as well as prevent and fix minor problems with your web browser.

5 - Believe in yourself and use positive self-talk!

If you constantly tell yourself you can’t, you’re not smart enough, you're too this , not enough that.........you'll begin to believe it and miss out on your true potential. Make positive affirmations. Talk to yourself with a positive self-talk and internal dialogue. I am smart. I can do this. I face my assignments with patience, courage, and I always turn them in on-time. -- and put those thoughts into action! Refer back to your TPI info from one of your first classes, your HABEs (habits, attitude, beliefs and expectations) must be in line with your goal. If your habits and attitude are not helping you get through this class, change your HABEs to lead you towards your goal, GRADUATION!

If all else fails, call your instructor, lead faculty or your SSC! Your education team is there to assist you and help you become an independent learner.  The SSC team can help you get back on track with a time management schedule, verify your book order or tracking info, and help you navigate the classroom. Your instructors and lead faculty are available to instruct, teach, and assist with your course objectives and assignments. Your education team is only a click or a phone call away. Use today to help change your tomorrow.

“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending” – Carl Bard.