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Resources


Below are a series of resource sheets that the Roosevelt Fellows have written to assist you in answering the many academic questions and curiosities you may have.

In addition to the resource sheets written by the Fellows, each section has an additional listing of links from other universities or individuals with personal experience in an academic setting.

Select From Any of the Following:

All files are available below or in .pdf format.

Registration and Course Selection Advice for Athletes

by Adam Koblenz '03

Important facts that Athletes should know before registering for the spring semester:

  1. Try to enroll in courses that are scheduled before 3pm and are generally finished by no later than 3:30pm.
  2. In your team's main season, try to enroll in a less hectic schedule that semester. Basically, try not to take 5 really difficult classes all at once when your athletic schedule is going to be at its peak.
  3. Athletes generally do a great deal of traveling. Although it seems like there might be plenty of time to do work on the road, it doesn't always work out that way. Team dinners, workouts, practices, and activities are all factors affecting free time to accomplish work.
  4. Be sure to let your Professors know in the beginning of the semester that you are a varsity athlete. It is always best to let Professors know what your schedule is like based on team requirements. This way, there are no surprises when you might happen to miss a class or two because of a game.
  5. It is important to balance your schedule during your team's main season. Give yourself enough room to breathe between class time and practice time. Meals are extremely important. Allow for a break before practice if your schedule permits.
  6. Know your limits. Be careful about the times you choose within your schedule. If you get run down or worn out too early in the semester it will effect both your performance in the classroom as well as on the field.

If you have any questions regarding your classes, schedule, or just want advice from upperclassmen who have been in your shoes please feel free to contact the Roosevelt Fellows.

Also, Roosevelt Fellows are available for office hours in Kutz 108, Gordon 5, Shapiro or by AIM (RooseveltFellow).


Study Skills

by Simeon Gutman '01

Studying for an exam can be a very daunting task, especially if you haven't been preparing all semester long. Good study skills are valuable and will only improve your success in class.

  1. One of the most important first steps to is getting motivated to read the assigned material before class. Even a brief skimming of the material will better acquaint and familiarize you with the concepts. With a brief read before class, the professor will be clarifying material to you instead of introducing it, which will be helpful when you have to go back to study for an exam.
  2. Try allocating a few days a week to spend either in the library or a quiet place for a few hours. During this time, complete as much work as you can for all your classes, whether it be paper assignments or reading assignments. Making this a habit will keep you in tune and alert to what's going on and what subjects you need to spend additional time working on.
  3. Allocate your study time according to the length of the material to be covered and how well you understand the material. In that regard, you should give yourself at least three days (I prefer five days) before an exam to lay out a study plan. I urge you to read/skim/review the assigned readings for that class that are relevant for the exam, as well as practice problems/questions in study guides or study sheets.
  4. If there are concepts you don't understand, ask the professor, and try not to wait until the day before an exam to do this. You may also seek assistance from a tutor or the Writing Center.
  5. Another option is to review the material out loud with a classmate. This way, you ensure to yourself that you understand the material, and at the same time may learn a different approach to something you didn't recognize before.
  6. Attend review sessions up until the exam if you need clarification. The final day before the exam, you should be ready for the exam and be able to review. If you're not prepared, don't panic. Just try to focus your attention to those areas that the professors emphasized the most.


Social Life at Brandeis... Tips for Survival

by Jordan Isenstadt '01 and Zachary Bennett '01

  1. If you decide to drink, do so in moderation and safely. Always have a designated driver.
  2. On that note, yes, you can have fun at Brandeis without drinking. Explore Boston, have a movie night with friends, go bowling, check out the restaurants in Waltham, or participate in the campus events available every weekend. Social life is what you make it.
  3. Read the Justice and cafeteria table fliers to learn about on-campus events. Campus events can be a lot of fun, and there are plenty for everyone. Concerts, plays, dances and sporting events are just a few of the many things that you can do on campus with friends (or if you want to meet new people) when you have free time.
  4. Go to the Activities Fair in September and January to find out about campus clubs and organizations. You may also contact Student Life too see what is available for you. Joining a club or activity is a great way to meet new people and to find people with similar interests, as well as become an active member of the Brandeis community. If it's the middle of the year, don't feel like you have missed out; clubs often take new members all year long.
  5. Balance social life with academic life. Get your work done so you can have free time to hang out with friends or join activities. Try to do work in places without phone and people distractions; this way, when you are working, you make the most out of your time, and when you have free time, it really feels like you're taking a satisfying break and not just distracting yourself or procrastinating.
  6. Understand that you can't do everything. We know that picking activities and prioritizing your involvement are tough decisions. Sometimes a good way to be involved without over extending yourself is either to choose to participate in many clubs and be minimally active, or prioritize your interests (think about what you're really passionate about) and only join a few.
  7. Approach off-campus activities with caution; be realistic about your time commitments. Again, it's that whole "over extending yourself" issue. Having a variety of interests is great, but it can be overwhelming. Plan out your time, make a schedule, look at your course load and really consider what you have time for.
  8. All of your peers are just as scared as you are. Be courageous and initiate a conversation. Sometimes the best way to do this is to start a study group, or ask a question about the class you are in or activity you want to be involved in. It's ok to start small.
  9. Visit a Roosevelt Fellow for a friendly ear and further advice.


Notetaking Strategies

by Marsha Pierre-Jacques '01 and Meera Bhalotra '01

  1. Before Class:
    • Have pens, pencils, highlighters, paper, and anything else you will need.
    • Have the syllabus and course materials that you need handy.
    • Make sure you have slept enough and can be attentive in class.
    • Read the assigned textbook material, even if it's just a skim.
    • Begin notes for each lecture on a new page.
    • Date each page of your notebook, and date each handout. Keep handouts together.
  2. During Class:
    • Watch for clues to identify the most important information: repetition, vocal emphasis/excitement, information written on the board.
    • Stay focused on what the instructor is saying.
    • Participate in class activities and discussion.
    • Highlight information the professor states is important or will be on the test.
    • Use symbols and abbreviations whenever possible in order to take notes swiftly. Form abbreviations for commonly used words by writing the first few letters.
    • If you get lost or feel like you are writing constantly, take a break and listen to the instructor. Leave some space in your page, draw a star or something to remind you to come back to it.
  3. After Class:
    • Edit/revise your notes as soon as possible after class.
    • Fill in the gaps, by asking a friend and/or the instructor or the TA.
    • Add words to clarify your ideas.
    • Add any additional details to help to clarify points.
    • Reorganize or rewrite your information to help you study more easily.
    • Review notes immediately after a lecture, and review notes regularly; information is retained better when learned in small chunks.

Adapted from: LAC Notetaking: http://www.eiu.edu/~lrnasst/notes.html


Stress Busters!

by Bridget Ahearn '01 and Meera Bhalotra '01

  1. Schedule time for yourself.
    Remember, you are a person and you need to sleep, eat, and relax. It's ok to play video games or watch a movie, or do something frivolous during the day. It doesn't mean you're not working hard at being a student, it just means you allowing some time to chill out and enjoy yourself.
  2. Try to eat as healthy as you can.
    We know it's college and it's hard to find time to cook and find healthy foods in the dining halls. Don't just eat pizza and chocolate. Keep fruits, vegetables, crackers, or low fat snacks on hand while studying for those "I'm so bored I need a munchie" moments. A nutritionist is available on campus if you are interested in better understanding how to eat well in the campus environment. If you are interested in speaking with the campus nutritionist (Laura O'Gara), call the Health Center to make an appointment with her.
  3. Exercise.
    Again, we're all busy, but this may be one of the last times in your life a free gym will be at your disposal. PE classes are also available every semester, and even if you have completed your PE requirements, sometimes having time to exercise scheduled into your day is the best way to make sure you get there. If you're worried about exercising in front of other people, try going to the gym at off peak times, or starting a workout regiment in your dorm (with videos or portable steppers or a variety of other tools). Expending energy is a good way of reducing stress, as well as clearing one's head.
  4. Develop a support network.
    These people can be friends, family, RA's, Deans, Faculty and anyone else that you feel can be there for you. The Psychological Counseling Center is also available for students to work through stressful periods with an objective professional who is not a part of your daily life. Call x63730 for an appointment.
  5. Educate yourself about stress-reducing techniques and programs.
    There are yoga and meditation opportunities on campus, as well as karate and kickboxing.
  6. Sleep.
    Staying up all night and cramming information will NOT help you on an exam. Keeping up with your work and sleeping the night before an exam will result in better grades.
  7. BALANCE!!!
    Find YOUR OWN balance of work, play, and relaxation.


Approaching Faculty Workshop

Hints & Suggestions: Approaching Faculty

  1. Try to foster a relationship with at least one professor each semester. That way, it is not as overwhelming for you, and by the end of your time at Brandeis, you will know at least 8 members of the faculty.
  2. Go to class!
  3. Watch snap judgments. Professors aren't as scary as you might think, and they're not going to think you're stupid or treat you unfairly just because you have a question or want to speak them. (They were an undergraduate too, once!)
  4. If you are concerned about having an initial conversation face to face, try breaking the ice with an email message.
  5. What's the worst thing that can happen?
  6. Try more than one approach; the phone, email, during office hours, right after class, or a short written message are all perfectly appropriate ways of interacting with a professor.
  7. Don't wait until you are having trouble in a class to initiate contact with a faculty member.
  8. Write down questions during class or while you're reading course materials so you'll have something to talk about.
  9. One negative experience with one professor doesn't mean they will all be bad. Give it a second shot with someone else.
  10. Pick the most approachable professor to start with to help diminish your anxieties and get you started on a positive note.
  11. Take advantage of casual opportunities to interact with faculty. Often professors will offer time at lunches, or once in awhile extend an invitation to the class for an outing or dinner. This is a good way to break the ice and start getting to know your professor as a person.


Exam Strategies

by Marsha Pierre-Jacques '01 and Reena Shah '02

There are many different methods to prepare for an exam. Below you will find a few ways that may work for you.

  1. GO TO CLASS
  2. Take good notes. If you miss a class make sure you get notes from someone who was there or talk to your professor.
  3. Try to form study groups with other classmates throughout the semester that meet weekly or bi-weekly whether you have an exam or not.
  4. Organize your class schedule so you can prepare well in advance. For example, write your exam dates in a planner or on a calendar.
  5. Find a place that is an ideal location for you to study whether it be the library, your dorm or somewhere else.
  6. Look over exams given in previous years. Often, professors put these exams on reserve in the library, on WebCT, or ERes.
  7. Get a good night's sleep the night before the exam.
  8. Make sure you eat something before the exam.
  9. Stay calm and try to think clearly during the exam. If you find that you don't know the answer to a question, don't stress!
  10. Answer the questions you know and then go back to the questions you could not answer right away.


Time and Stress Management Workshop

Time Management Strategies

  1. Study Difficult (or Boring) Subjects First.
    If your chemistry problems are putting you to sleep, get to them first, when you are fresh. Most of us tend to do what we like first, but the courses we find most difficult often require the most energy.
  2. 2. Avoid Scheduling Marathon Study Sessions.
    When possible, study in shorter sessions.
    • Three 3-hour sessions are far more productive for most people than one 9-hour session. In a 9- or 10- hour study marathon, the actual time on task can be depressingly small. When you do study in long sessions, take a planned break every hour.
    • Focus your attention for short periods, then give your brain a chance to take a break.
    • Finally, if you must study in a large block of time, work on several subjects and avoid studying similar subjects back to back. For example, if you plan to study sociology, psychology and computer science, try to sandwich the computer science course work between that of psychology and sociology.
  3. 3. Be Aware of Your Best Time of Day.
    Many people learn best in daylight hours. Observe yourself, and if this is true for you, schedule study time for your most difficult subjects when the sun is up. The key point is to determine your best learning time. If early morning doesn't work for you, find out what time is better.
  4. 4. Use Waiting Time.
    Five minutes waiting for the train, 20 minutes waiting for the dentist, 10 minutes between classes. Waiting time adds up fast. Have short study tasks ready to do during these times, such as making a list or reviewing some notes.
  5. 5. Use a Regular Study Area.
    For that reason, don't sleep where you study. Just as you train your body to be alert at your desk, you also train it to slow down near your bed. Don't eat where you study. Use your study area for study and make it a ritual.
  6. 6. Don't Get Too Comfortable.
    Easy chairs and sofas are dangerous places to study. Learning requires energy. Give your body a message that energy is needed. Put yourself into a situation that supports that message.
  7. 7. Try the Library or Another Place That's Not Your Bedroom.
    Most people can get more done in a shorter time at the library or at the place where they don't play, sleep and socialize. Try Usdan, the Green Room or the Shapiro Library. Experiment for yourself.
  8. 8. Agree With Living Mates About Study Time.
    Make the rules clear and be sure to follow them yourself. Make explicit agreements, even written contracts.
  9. 9. Avoid Noise Distraction.
    Many students insist that they study better with music, and this may be true. Some students have reported good results with carefully selected and controlled music. The majority of research indicates that silence is the best form of study. The key point is to determine what noise level and what types of noise are best for you and your working environment.
  10. 10. Get Off the Phone (and the IM).
    The telephone is the perfect interrupter. People who wouldn't think of distracting you when you are busy will call or message at the worst times because they can't see you. For your part, it's easy to rationalize interrupting your study for a phone call. After all, it wasn't your fault the phone rang, and besides, you don't want to be rude. Try turning the ringer or the program off during the blocks of time you are doing intense studying.

Materials Adapted from "Becoming a Master Student," by David B. Ellis


Strategies for Choosing Your Classes

By Bridget Ahearn '01 and Kirsten Kucharik '01

  1. Take classes that really interest you!
  2. Read descriptions in the Brandeis Bulletin to get a better idea of course content.
  3. Talk to the professor and get the syllabus. If you aren't sure if you really want to take the class, or if you just need more information.
  4. Use the shopping period. Go to as many classes that interest you. This will give you options, and if you don't like the class, it is easy to drop. Just watch for deadlines.
  5. Be aware of requirements. You need not fulfill them quickly. There is enough time in your four years to explore your interests, but try to map out a schedule for fulfilling your field of concentration and General Education requirements. We do recommend beginning any languages early in your career.
  6. Distribute the types of classes you take in a semester. Don't burn out on your concentration (unless you're totally in love with it) or try and take 3 writing intensive classes in the same semester. Variety is a good thing. Plan ahead.
  7. Think about the size of the class. Do you like seminars? Small group discussion or large lectures? This could be influential in your decision.
  8. Read the student Course Evaluation Guide. It could provide insight on the course workload, the material covered, the type of work required (tests/papers) and the skill of the instructor. This isn't the definitive source, but it can be helpful when you are trying to make an educated decision.
  9. What time is the class? Are you a morning person? Do you get drowsy in the afternoon? Are you going to have athletic or activity conflicts with afternoon class times? Take classes during the times in which you are most alert and ready to work.
  10. What motivates you to go to class? If you have 5 classes in a row, will you be less or more likely to skip? If you have huge blocks of time between classes, will you be productive during those hours? If you have a free day, will that allow you to commit more hours to homework or to your job? Will you be more likely to attend class if you have had a break from them in the middle of the week? Did you schedule in lunchtime? Plan a schedule that meets your unique habits and needs.


Finals Tips

by Noah Prawer '01 and Jonathan Hanus '02

  1. Prior to finals week it is important to plan out all your time to ensure that you have enough time to get all your studying in.
  2. Also, if you have 3 or more finals on one day, you are allowed to have one of them switched. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and First Year Services for the proper forms in Kutz 108 prior to your exams.
  3. Make sure to get enough sleep and eat at least three meals a day that are healthy so you don't get sick or run down during finals week.
  4. Acquire all materials you need to study before finals week, whether by borrowing from the library or photocopying missed notes. Otherwise it will be very difficult to get them from other people who are themselves studying.
  5. Attend all finals review sections. Not only do professors and TA's usually give direction as to what they are looking for, but it is also a good way to see how much you know.
  6. Take study breaks. If you study without taking breaks, your brain will shut off and you wont remember what you are studying. Take naps, or just take your mind off the subject every once and a while.
  7. Don't panic. The worst thing that one could do is have a panic attack. Panicking will only make it harder to focus and will ultimately waste time.
  8. Set up study groups. Sometimes the best way to study is with other people This is a win-win proposition. You get to learn from everyone else while at the same time review what you know with them. Talking out loud about the subject helps your memorize and understand concepts.
  9. Give it your best shot. As long as you leave the final knowing you gave it your all there is nothing to be ashamed of. All the professor asks is for students to try their hardest. If you work hard and prepare accordingly, your effort will most likely show in your work.


Suggestions for Tackling the End of Your First Semester

by the 2003-2004 Roosevelt Fellows

  1. Make a list of everything you need to get done. If it makes you feel more on top of things, schedule out your entire finals and preparation period, including space for breaks, errands or naps, and which subjects you plan to study on what days.
  2. Get started on research papers and missed readings ASAP. Use resources such as librarians and the Writing Center for helpful hints. Check out the new Library and Technology Website and talk to a librarian online!
  3. On the day of finals, dress comfortably.
  4. If you find yourself with questions about the material, make every effort to go see the Professor or TA. Even if you have never talked to them outside of class before, it's ok. You have questions now and they're there to help you. Class review sessions can be very helpful too.
  5. If you find yourself distracted when you are working in your room or on your hall, find another place to study that matches your study style. If you need silence, try the 2nd or 3rd floor of the Goldfarb Library or downstairs in the Science Library. If you need a little more white noise, try Castle Commons or the Shapiro Campus Center. For those of you who need to be in the middle of all the hustle and bustle, the Green Room in the Library and the Boulevard are a few options.
  6. Be reasonable about your expectations for the amount of work you will be able to get done over Tha nksgiving break. A lot of people can get work done in this time, but you may also find yourself with commitments to family and friends and with less time than you thought.
  7. You're not going to fail your exams if you take a few minutes for yourself every day. Take a walk, take a shower, grab a bite to eat, or talk on the phone. A few minutes of relaxation and breathing time might help you focus better anyway.
  8. If you're freaking out, talk to someone. Find your RA, email a Roosevelt Fellow, or let a friend know. You're not going through this alone, and if you panic, there are people that will be there to help you calm down and figure out what you need to do to move forward.
  9. Eat. Sleep. Take care of yourself.


Thinking About A Major

by Reena Shah '02 and Kirsten Kucharik '01

  1. Take classes in different areas of interest. You may also fulfill some of your General Education Requirements this way.
  2. Go to the Hiatt Career Center and check out the books that discuss job opportunities for different fields of concentration.
  3. Talk to academic departments and specific professors in the fields you wish to pursue. Email them and go to office hours. They might know people working in the particular field of your interest.
  4. Ask particular professors if they need help with their research. It can give you a lot of insight into a field. Besides, some of them will even pay you!
  5. Find classes that sound interesting. You should do what you are good at and what you enjoy! You'll be more likely to succeed and a much happier person if you do!
  6. Talk to upperclassmen about their experiences in their field of concentration.
  7. Make some prospective schedules for future semesters. Will you be able to finish the field of concentration on time? When are the classes offered?
  8. While you only need to complete one field of concentration, you may consider programs, minors, and double majors. If you want to complete one of these, it might take more planning because of multiple requirements.
  9. Most importantly, don't stress out. You have your first three semesters to explore before you have to make a decision; you must declare your field of concentration by the second semester of your sophomore year. Nothing is set in stone, if you find yourself unhappy, you can always make a change.