The end of the semester is looming fast and now is the time to act. 

Bad grades are not the end of the world, but they are important enough to deal with as soon as possible.

If you are behind in a class or in danger of failing, reach out to your professor immediately. Most professors do not accept late work, so you need to make sure you stay up to date with assignments.

Professors do not expect their students to be perfect. All they ask is for students to try their best and apply themselves.

Professors invite students to have open conversations with them if they are struggling.

Never underestimate your ability to do well in class. If students are actively trying and show they are willing to learn, professors will often help them in a class they are having difficulties with.

Students who are struggling in courses can seek out tutors in the Learning Center. The student tutors are trained to help students with homework, preparing for exams and more.

Students are limited to two tutoring sessions a week, according to ship.edu

Students in danger of failing a class have the option of withdrawing from the course. Students have until Nov. 4 to withdraw from a class and receive a “W” grade for this semester.

By withdrawing, students will receive a "W" instead of an "F". This does not negatively impact their GPA.

Refunds will not be given for withdrawn classes during this time, according to ship.edu.

If you do end up failing a course, be aware that going below six credits at a time (usually two classes) will result in you losing financial aid. If you go below this, you will be expected to pay back any loans you may have.

Put effort into doing well, but do not overdo it. Going along with that, do not fret if you do not graduate in four years. Six out of 10 students graduate within six years of starting college, according to National Public Radio (NPR).

It is a given fact that students have to retake classes if they fail leading to some people not graduating at the time they originally planned.

Everybody goes at their own pace and should not become worried if they do not finish college in four years. A lot of people decide to seek higher education in the future so there is no rush.

Staying in college a few extra years will not cause people to miss out. College is a great opportunity to learn a few things you might not learn elsewhere. Life is a long journey so do not try to rush these few years before full-fledged adulthood.

Sincerely,

The ShipTalker

Share