Progression to Degree

Now that you've finished your first year in college, you know what to expect from class, you know what resources are there for you if you're having trouble with concepts and you have been introduced to all the ways you can, and should, get involved on campus. As you continue with your education, however, you'll find some new stressors may surface. As your begin to personalize your education with majors and minors, and begin to prepare for your career, you may find yourself experiencing the stresses of keeping a work/study/life balance, or difficulty with a subject in class. You will benefit from exploring, adjusting or confirming your career and educational goals and connecting with NIU resources and educational experiences to enhance your educational experience.

Here are some simple things you can do to lessen the stress you may feel:

Meet with an academic advisor in October and March.
Revise your education plan as needed, documenting progression toward your degree.
Determine your career options.
Develop financial literacy and a financial plan for continued education and life after graduation.
Complete the general education requirements.
Examine and reflect on what you learned in your courses that will help you earn your chosen degree.
Explore your chosen career field by participating in internships, job shadowing, information interviews, volunteer experiences or by conducting internet searches.
Explore your options for continued education or employment after graduation.
Maintain your social connections on campus with staff, students, advisors and faculty.
Continue to participate in campus activities or organizations.

As you continue your education, getting closer to graduation and a career, you may experience some stressors that are common for students progressing towards a degree. We've provided you with the names of programs and services, as well as what you can do, to help alleviate these stresses.

Personal Issues

Common Stressors	Programs and Services	Responsibilities: What can you do?
Not feeling connected	Student Involvement and Leadership Development (SILD) Cultural centers/organizations Spiritual centers/organizations Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning (OSEEL) Living Learning Communities University Honors program	Get involved! Meet with your academic advisor Get to know faculty and staff
Inability to maintain a healthy lifestyle, indicated by weight loss/gain and stress level.	Campus Recreation Group Fitness Nutrition and Wellness Counseling Health Services Counseling and Consultation Services	Make time for exercise, walk to class, or take a class at the rec center. Make healthy choices at your dining hall
Juggling home and school commitments/expectations.	Counseling and Consultation Services Academic Advising	Communicate concerns to your advisor Improve your time management skills Stay on top of your deadlines
Unexpected events or loss	Counseling and Consultation Services	Don't be afraid to ask for help Communicate with your professors

Academic Success

Common Stressors	Programs and Services	Responsibilities: What can you do?
Academic planning	MyNIU - Academic Requirements Report Academic advisor	Review Academic Requirements Report in MyNIU Meet with your Academic Advisor every semester
Time management – self-regulation	ACCESS A+ Academic Advising Academic Calendar Course Syllabi	Use a planner! Make an appointment to see an ACCESS A+ Reading Specialist
Surprise/disappointment at lower grades; not seeing same results as high school or previous institution	ACCESS PAL (tutoring resources) ACCESS SI (tutoring resources) ACCESS A+ (reading enhancement, time management, study strategies) Academic Advising Faculty	Connect with faculty members Communicate concerns Go to faculty office hours Check ACCESS on-line for available academic services and schedules for tutoring
Registration issues	Academic Advising MyNIU Registration and Records Academic departments of courses you are attempting to register for	Resolve any registration holds (financial, academic, health services, admissions) Register on your enrollment date (visible in MyNIU Student Center each semester) Contact individual departments for assistance Ask to be placed on a waiting lists in department offices (if available)
What if I want to take classes at another school while I'm at NIU?	Academic advisor

Balancing Responsibilities

Common Stressors	Programs and Services	Responsibilities: What can you do?
Maintaining employment	Student Employment Financial Aid (Work-Study) Career Services
Financial stress and budgeting	Financial Aid Scholarships
Family problems/support	Counseling and Consultation Services
Childcare	Child Development and Family Center Military and Post-Traditional Student Services

Planning for future goals

Common Stressors	Programs and Services	Responsibilities: What can you do?
Career planning	Academic Advising Career Services Internships Employment Study Abroad Career Fairs Student Involvement and Leadership Development (SILD) Leadership and mentorship opportunities Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning (OSEEL)	Discuss career goals! Research your career…know what it takes to be successful Get involved!
Graduate School planning	Academic Advising Career Services Graduate and Professional School Fair (fall) Research programs and backup plans Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning (OSEEL) Grad school resources	Prepare application materials Register/plan to register for GRE

Academic Advising Center
DeKalb, IL 60115

Phone: 815-753-2573

FAX: 815-753-2902
E-mail: aac@niu.edu