Success Strategies
Success Strategies
CDM is committed to the success of all students. We pride ourselves on our ability to meet the unique needs of one of the most diverse student populations at the University. To help us reach our goal of meeting the needs of each individual student, we maintain strong relationships with critical student support offices at DePaul, and we always strive to make new relationships that anticipate needs and prepare us to help you.
It is very important for students to identify stressors early and respond quickly by meeting with a professional advisor in the Academic Success Center or by attending a workshop advertised on the CDM website. This is especially true at DePaul because of the fast-paced nature of a university on the quarter system. By responding early, students and advisors may work together and develop practical solutions that students can implement during the quarter.
Very often, university students encounter challenges with time management and motivation while trying to balance their academic lives with family responsibilities, work and other extra-curricular activities. As these are two of the top concerns for many students, all students are encouraged to review these topics on this website and to follow up with the Academic Success Center at any time.
Stay on top of your academic progress by ensuring the following activities are completed at least once per quarter:
- Meet with your faculty advisor
- Visit the CDM Academic Success Center to meet with a professional advisor
- Review your degree report through MyCDM Review your grades from all past terms and determine if there are any courses which need to be repeated
- Review your program requirements and analyze your choice of major
- Make sure your demographic information is up to date in Campus Connect
- Participate in at least one CDM sponsored event to network with fellow classmates, faculty, and staff
Time Management
The challenge is not to manage time, but to manage ourselves. – Steven Covey
Feel like you don’t have enough time in the day to get everything done? Try this Time Management Planner to determine if you are spreading yourself thin among too many activities.
Tips for Getting Organized
- Set short and long term goals
- Use a personal organizer - Students frequently overlook or avoid this organization must-have!
- Take time to organize your day everyday
- Write down everything you need to do (like a shopping list for the day)
- Assign time limits for each task
- Break down projects into smaller assignments or tasks
- Use waiting time for small tasks
- Know your peak times… If you are not a morning person do not wait till 8 AM to cram for a test!
Motivation and Goal Setting
90% of successful people set goals - 90% of people who feel they have failed did not set goals.
You have started on a path of higher education, but have you ever thought about where you want your path to lead?
Do you know what you want to do with your career/personal interests when you have finished with your degree?
Now, as you are in learning and thinking modes, it is time to consider some important questions. As you progress through your “career” at DePaul think about:
- What are your life time goals?
- What are your goals for the next three to five years?
- What are your goals for this current academic year?
The goals you have set for yourself for the future may seem far off and unreachable at this time. However, you can actively take steps to reach your goals by breaking them down into smaller goals:
- What can I do in the next day to start working on my current year academic goals?
- What are the next three actions I will take to start on my 3-5 year goals?
- What are the next three actions I will take to start on my life time goals?
Download our guidelines for S.M.A.R.T Goal Setting