Academics These first months of the fall semester have been quite an adjustment, for freshmen and returning students alike. Emily Hand, a freshman and a Judson Student Blogger, wrote a blog entry about her first chemistry quiz, entitled "We're not in Kansas anymore." "Annie, I think I failed this quiz." I managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA in high school without much of a hassle. Back then, "Annie, I think I failed this quiz" probably meant I had made a 'B' or in worst case scenario, a high 'C.' This time was different -much different. When I entered chemistry class on Friday, I sat down at an empty table ready to take a quiz just like chemistry students do every Friday. I was prepared…or so I thought... Dr. Williams smiled a "good morning" and handed me a blank quiz. I flipped it over and scanned the problems. As I slowly came to the realization that my brain did not retain all of the information that I attempted to cram into it, my confident gaze turned into a horrified stare. My eyes darted from problem to problem looking for something…anything…that could offer a glimmer of hope to my moment of despair. I picked up my pencil and began fumbling with the problems and related information in an effort to get at least some partial credit on answers that should have come easily." Read on to see the resolution and what Emily learned.
“There’s a New Epidemic on Campus” Kasey Barton, a junior and author
of Judson's Hot Blog of the Month, called the problems affecting Emily and others an "epidemic"!
"Public Service Announcement: There's a New Epidemic on Campus" Tired? Stressed? Seeing dark, puffy eyes when you actually find time to look in the mirror? If you have fallen victim to any of these symptoms, then you might be suffering from "Lack of Sleep Due to a Load of Studying" Disorder. While the title of this disorder is fictional, the symptoms are very definitely out there. Right now on Judson's campus, girls are getting their first taste of exams for the semester. Sweatpants are becoming more popular, and dark circles have replaced the bright, smiling eyes from the first days of class. While the upperclassmen know that they have to get back in the groove of studying, the freshmen are getting their first doses of the BIG tests. Dr. Wilson, Dr. Whitaker,
and Dr. Frazer are all names known to newcomers by now. These names are not associated with easy classes, either. These are the names of the professors that offer some of the most challenging courses on campus. Last week, a few of the upperclassmen were asked to speak at JUD 101 (orientation course). We were invited to talk about why we came to Judson College and to answer any questions about study skills from the freshmen and transfers. One of the first questions was, "Can you do a study group for Dr. Wilson's biology class?" Haley Gates and I looked at each other and laughed. Since both of us study biology, we knew exactly how that girl was feeling. We proceeded to tell them how we handled it our freshman year. We told them the common "tools to success" story: No procrastinating, go to each and every study session, take advantage of office hours." Read on to discover Kasey's "favorite study tool.”
The Library... ...now has Wi-Fi and has completed its coffee corner. In addition to a purchased sink, the coffee corner contains several shelves for mugs and a coffee counter, built by Judson student Rachel Walker, her dad (Wallace Walker, Jr.), and cousin (Preston Honeycutt). Students and faculty can often be seen enjoying a cup of coffee there, and Dr. George Washburn, librarian, has said that the coffee station has been responsible for increased traffic in the library--he’s been surprised at the numbers recorded by his new door counter--well over 300 in the first week after the door counter’s installation. Thanks, Rachel and family!
Read Audra’s recent blog posting about the library!
Study Sessions, Anyone? The study sessions Kasey mentioned are numerous. Students and professors keep regularly-scheduled hours blocked out to help students with questions--in a Writing lab, Business Department lab, Math and history study sessions, and more. Kari Hatley, a freshman in Dr. Price's Math 105 class, says, "The study sessions have helped me so much. Before I took my first test I went to the study session and got help with the problems I had, and I had a lot! [The tutor] stayed 15 minutes longer than what she had to just to help me and make sure that I understood the problems. Thanks to the study session, I made a 95 on my test!" 5