FroshMemo: Archived Issue 17 Spring 21

How to prepare for the upcoming semester

With the new semester coming up, there may be a lot of tension before starting the semester. Here is a small list of how to get ready for the semester. 

Have your class schedule available, whether in a planner or a calendar, have something, so it's easy to look when your classes are. Have a document (GoogleDoc, Notes, etc.)  down where it's easy to access your professor’s Zoom link, emails, any resources you need for the class. 

Start checking out your textbooks; our advice is not to buy any books until the first day of class. 

Schedule in a routine. It is essential to set aside time for classes but also when to study, relax, and when to do your extracurriculars. 

Make a To-Do list of everything you may have to do before classes start. Do whatever you are putting off, emailing your professors, setting up appointments with advisors, finalizing any financial aid you may have. 

Review past material. If you are still a little bit tentative on that one subject, review what you need to clarify. 

Restock any supplies you might need like pens, highlighters, sticky notes, notebooks

Check, check, check, your email!! Your professors and administration may be emailing you, so it's important to keep up to date. 

And finally, check GatorXperience. They will have a bunch of events at the beginning of the semester,

and there will be notices for clubs.

PURPOSE: The transition to an entirely virtual class environment can yield some challenges for students, especially if it is their first time experiencing this change.  The same principles of what you put into your classes being what you get out of them apply, and we encourage you all to put your best foot forward in indulging in the education you are paying for.  That being said, here are some useful tips for SFSU virtual education.

1. Engage in the class as much as possible!
   1. A good way of getting the most out of your classes is to make an effort to actively engage in the material being presented to you, participate in class discussions, ask the professor questions, talk to classmates, turn on your camera; everything helps.  I’ve also found this the easiest way to make sure I am retaining the information the course offers.
2. Form Study-Groups
   1. It can definitely help to form a study group with some other members of a class to stay up on class-related material or study together if you so choose.  It can also help make a course feel more connected, and additionally, sometimes you make a friend or two!  
3. Set Reminders, Get a Calendar, etc.
   1. Some form of jotting down due dates, event times/dates, major test dates, professor drop-in hours, whatever the case may be, is essential!  It is hard enough to remember what we ate for lunch yesterday sometimes, so we might as well have some way of keeping accountability over the responsibilities/important dates we have scheduled.  

PURPOSE: Finding ways to feel less stressed during each semester is an essential aspect of college one must familiarize themselves with. It helps ensure comfort and allows for one to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This will enable one to put their best foot forward in and outside of the classroom. 

Are there things you wish you had more time for or any hobbies you enjoy? I would highly suggest looking into these as activities to set time aside to decrease your stress! Somethings I use to destress if you’re fresh out of ideas are below:

Face Masks: A mask is a great way to destress! This is a must for all of you who are tired from continually scrunching your face at a zoom screen all day. Washing my face, putting on a face mask, and relaxing is something I love to do, and it allows me to relax and unclench my jaw finally. Great face masks can be made at home to make this more cost-effective as well. 

Art: Art is a very effective way to destress. Studies show that art can be therapeutic. I have found great pleasure in drawing animals I think are cute. Spending time listening to some music and just focusing on some coloring is very relaxing and is a great way to relax regardless of how much time you spend on it!

Physical Activity: Physical activity can take on a plethora of different forms and is a great way to destress especially once you have found one that suits you best! Some examples include walking, running, swimming, yoga, stretching, dancing, etc. A personal favorite is dancing. As someone who does not leave the house, I have found doing Just Dance or Zumba routines to incorporate movement into my life has been quite fun and a great way to destress. 

All in all, these are not the only ways to destress, but I would highly suggest trying them out! You never know; you just might surprise yourself. The best thing to do is look for and find methods to destress best, which may not be listed above! Find what you enjoy and run with it. 

Dean-On-Call Program 

Real-time support for students and those that may be experiencing difficulties in navigating the universities environment

The Dean-On-Call Program serves as an opportunity for students to drop-in for usual or unusual questions, serve as a support or referral resource, and to help students navigate the university environment. 

First-Year Experience Peer Mentors

Fellow students are here to connect you to the campus community & provide one-on-one support!

The First-Year Experience Peer Mentor program offers support available to all first-year students at SFSU! Attend the events & study circles that peer mentors hold every week to meet other first-year students & integrate into the community at SFSU. You can also get individualized support by meeting with a peer mentor. 

New Student Help Desk 

Help when you need it most! Visit with New Student Programs and the Gator Mentors! 

The New Student Help Desk is open five days a week, Monday - Friday from 10 am-12 pm & 1 pm-2 pm every week! A GatorMentor is always there to answer any pressing questions you may have. The Help Desk is available for reservations Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm. If you would like to make a reservation, please email your assigned Gator Mentor directly, and they will assist you in setting up a reservation. Don't have a Gator Mentor? Email us at nsp@sfsu.edu

PURPOSE: Dean of Students is a great way of getting one on one help with any struggle that you are going through, being a first point of contact in giving the answer to or directing students towards resources who can accurately provide answers/aid.    

• Provides real-time support to students who are experiencing difficulties.
• Help students apply for the right scholarship that they qualify for.
• Has drop-in hours for students who need consulting.

Dean of Students interaction with students is facilitated through four methods, these being:

1. Case Management
2. Advocacy 
3. Referral 
4. Basic Needs

• The Basic Needs Initiative is also distributed through the Dean-on-Call Program, providing:
  • Meal Cards
  • Temporary Lockers
  • Gator Crisis Housing
  • Snacks/Food options

Dean of Students: 

Email: dos@sfsu.edu

Phone: (415) 338-3888

Address:

1600 Holloway Avenue

Student Services Building, Room 403

San Francisco, CA 94132