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Starting the Semester Strong

August 11, 2025 | Jennifer Griffin | jgriffin@uwf.edu

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Jennifer Griffin, Academic Advisor II, School of Education

Starting the Semester Strong

We are so excited to welcome you back to UWF! In this blog post, I will be providing you with some tips to start the semester off on a strong note to have a successful semester.

First, here are some important dates to remember:

  • August 22 - waitlists are turned off (if you are on a waitlist, you will now need to monitor course enrollment, and it is first-come first-served)
  • August 25 - First day of the semester (POT 1, 2 & 91 begin)
  • August 29 - University Closed for Labor Day
  • August 31 - End of add/drop period (POT 1, 2 & 91) - be sure to make any last-minute schedule changes before this date (TIP: Try to make any changes before Friday, so if you need assistance, your advisor has time to help you.)
  • September 1 - University Closed for Labor Day

Before the First Day:

  • Think ahead to how you will manage your time
    • Set up a planner - paper, Google Calendar (you have access through your UWF email), or an app such as Notion, Trello, etc.
    • Set up routines that will serve you throughout the semester
  • Order textbooks - You can view textbooks through the Classmate app (found in MyUWF)
    • Be ready day one by ordering them ahead of time. This is especially important if you have an eight week class - eight weeks goes by fast!
  • Set Goals
    • The start of a new semester is a great time to set goals for academic success. Choose SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Bound) goals.
  • Check your degree plan
    • It’s a great time to double check your degree audit and plan in Degree Audit (found in MyUWF). Double check that you are following your degree plan and on track for graduation - check with your advisor if you have any questions!
  • Check your financial aid/tuition
    • Financial aid is disbursed at the end of the second week of the semester - if you have questions, please contact your financial aid counselor [linked] (advising cannot access financial aid information)
    • Tuition is due at the end of the first week of the semester (if you are not using financial aid). You can set up a payment plan or pay in Transact (found in MyUWF). If you have questions, please contact Student Accounts [linked] (advising does not have access to your financial information)
  • Make sure your MyUWF account and email are all set and ready
    • Be sure to check your UWF email daily
    • If you have any issues accessing your account, please contact the ITS Help Desk [linked]

First Week:

  • On the first day log in to Canvas - complete any requirements for attendance for online classes (financial aid cannot be disbursed until attendance is confirmed)
  • Review the syllabus and familiarize yourself with your instructor's expectations
  • Enter the course schedule in your planner
    • Build in a buffer for completing assignments in case things come up (Life happens! Be prepared!)
  • Familiarize yourself with UWF resources and use them early! Don’t wait until you are struggling!
  • Set up a productive study area
    • Limit distractions
    • Quiet
    • Good Lighting
    • Comfortable/ergonomic seating/desk

Stay Strong Throughout the Semester:

  • Keep up time management strategies [linked]
  • Utilize UWF resources throughout the semester
  • Stay in contact with your instructors - they are there to help!
  • If on campus, join a student organization - a great way to find connection on campus!
  • Use a growth mindset
    • Setbacks are an opportunity for learning
  • Celebrate small wins
  • Be aware of important dates on the academic calendar [linked]
  • Be kind to yourself and take care of yourself!
    • Self-care is critical to long term success

Set yourself up for success this semester and implement strategies to help you meet your goals and succeed. We are here to help you now and throughout the semester, so let us know if we can help you!

Topic coming in September! Library Resources!

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