Academic Year Checklist

To help you become accustomed with what may happen each month of the semester, we have compiled a checklist to guide you along!

Before the Semester Starts:

• Attend Orientation- for details go to www.uwindsor.ca/orientation
• Course selection and registration- make sure your exam are conflict-free
• Apply for OSAP if needed online at www.osap.giv.on.ca
• Plan for childcare (call Great Beginnings at (519) 253-5235
• Discuss ways your family can support your studying
• Purchase your textbooks- we suggest before classes begin to avoid lineups. Keep in original wrapping to ensure they can be returned if necessary. 
• Sort out any course schedule complications (ie. Contacting Professors about signing into courses etc).
• Purchase school supplies (pens, paper, binders, etc).  Planners will be available for distribution in September in the OPUS Office.
• PAY TUITION (see Important Dates - Term fees are due)

First Month of the Semester:

• Familiarize yourself with the campus
• Opt out of the health/ dental plan if necessary (ie. You are covered elsewhere).  Visit the Organization of Part-Time University Students (OPUS) website for more information.
• Introduce yourself to your professor and classmates
• Find a study buddy/ contact person for each class should you need to obtain notes later on and to discuss the subject
• Make a study plan for the semester to keep on track of exams and assignments
• Purchase a S.T.E.P.S. membership in the basement of Dillon Hall in the Educational Develop Centre. Also, visit your Professor's office hours with any questions that you might have. 
• Note the last day to change courses (see Important Dates- Last day for late registration)

Second Month of the Semester:

• Midterm examinations may begin
• Time management problems occur... especially during the holidays
• Continue taking S.T.E.P.S. Workshops
• Keep tabs on your progress in each class.  If you are not doing well, see your Academic Advisor to discuss dropping the class.
• Note the last day to voluntarily withdraw from courses (see Important Dates). 

Third Month of the Semester:

• First set of midterm grades are returned and the second ones begin
• Begin reviewing for finals
• Start preparing course selections for the following semester
• Check your Degree Audit on the Student Information System SIS to ensure you are registering the the correct courses.

After the Semester:

• Examine your semester grades.  If you did well, celebrate!  If not, discuss your concerns with your Academic Advisor or Professors.  Be patient if this is your first semester... you will improve with practice.