Success Strategies

Before the semester starts, prepare yourself by ensuring you have access to these technologies:

• A computer
   
• A stable Internet connection
   
• Microsoft Office or Open Office
   
• A desktop browser configured to work with the Learning Management System and/or a mobile browser with limited capacity to work with the LMS
   
• Maricopa.edu access to register for classes, pay tuition, view grades, etc.
   
• Maricopa Email (http://google.maricopa.edu)

Prior to, or during, the first week of classes, follow these practices for success:

• Login to Maricopa.edu to add/drop classes and check your class schedule.
   
• Find out if you have any in-person class meetings or proctored exams.
   
• Login to Canvas https://learn.maricopa.edu.
   
• Read and understand the course syllabus and schedule due dates.
   
• Print or save a copy of the syllabus and schedule on your computer.
   
• Put course due dates on your calendar.
   
• Buy the required book or materials to complete the course.
   
• Plan at least 1 hour of study time per credit course per week (study at least 3 hours per week for a 3-credit course)
   
• Check your Maricopa email for announcements from your instructor.
   
• Check your inbox in Canvas for announcements from your instructor.

• Complete and submit assignments on time.
   
• Access online class materials regularly (1-3 times per week depending upon the course)
   
• Allow extra time for assignment completion in case of unexpected technology glitches.
   
• Communicate regularly with your instructor about questions and concerns.
   
• Be self-directed and independent.
   
• Understand that even though you don’t see your classmates physically, they're still there, and can be a valuable resource when you need help.
   
• Use the services of the Learning Commons, Phoenix College's tutoring center dedicated to helping you improve your academic skills, and catching up with homework.

  The Learning Commons is located in the lower level of the library, and some services are available virtually.  Click on the above link to register for the Learning Commons Canvas Class, which is your portal to making the most of their services.  The Learning Commons is open to all enrolled students.

Sometimes life happens. If you find yourself falling behind and feeling overwhelmed, do not despair.  Instead, take positive steps to rectify the situation, by giving yourself the permission to make these positive changes:

• Contact your instructor ASAP and tell them your situation:  Chances are, your instructor has been contacting you to find out what’s been going, on or why you’ve disappeared.  All instructors care about how their students perform in class; it's a reflection on their teaching.
   
• Check your course schedule, and make a list of things you’ve missed:  Depending upon your instructor, you may be able to make up these assignments. It's up to you to contact, and make arrangements with, your instructor.
   
• Move forward, and don't miss future deadlines:   Whether or not your instructor has decided to give you a second chance, you have to put your mistakes behind, and move forward.  Keep track of future assignments and be sure to complete them on time from now on.
   
• Connect with other students:  Even though you may not see your classmates physically, they may be struggling just like you. Connect with students who might share your questions and concerns.
   
• Use the Learning Commons:  Phoenix College has a tutoring center that's dedicated to helping you improve your academic skills and staying up-to-date with homework. The Learning Commons is located in the lower level of the library, and some services are available virtually.  Register for the Learning Commons Canvas Class, which is your portal to making the most of their services.  The Learning Commons is open to all enrolled students.
   
• Go to the Counseling Department:  The Counseling Department is committed to helping you overcome whatever challenges are interfering with academic success.  They can provide help and resources you may be unfamiliar with. Counseling is located in the Lower Level of the Hannelly Center.

Now that you are ready to begin your academic journey, there is one final and important principle that will guide you through school: Academic Integrity. Academic integrity takes COURAGE, especially when faced with peer pressure and failure. Strive to uphold these values to protect our academic community:

HONESTY    
Be honest with yourself and others. “Dishonesty, cheating, lying, fraud, theft jeopardize the rights and welfare of our community.” (International Center for Academic Integrity)

RESPECT    
Respect yourself and others for their contribution to the community of knowledge. Make sure to acknowledge others’ work by giving credit and citing.

RESPONSIBILITY    
Everyone is responsible for upholding integrity. It means “taking action against wrongdoing, despite peer pressure, fear, loyalty, or compassion” (page 9, International Center for Academic Integrity). In other words, it means reporting a friend for cheating, and not making it easy for others to copy your work (reference: International Center for Academic Integrity, academicintegrity.org)

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

The lack of Academic Integrity is known as Academic Dishonesty.  These acts of misconduct are considered serious offenses; some examples include:

• Cheating
   
• Lying, including the invention of information, or citation
   
• Assisting others to violate academic integrity
   
• Plagiarism:  Plagiarism occurs intentionally or not, when you present any information as if it were your own. Intentional plagiarism examples include paying someone else to write your paper, submitting group work as though it were your individual work and submitting work without citations. Unintentional plagiarism can happens if you are careless with scholarly procedures. Avoid plagiarism by being honest and following scholarly procedures.