Time Management
0 Time management is an important factor for all
college students.
0 It can help struggling students turn around their grades.
0 It is easy to get lost in the social freedom that
accompanies college life.
0 Balancing work and play can be difficult.
0 College students find themselves short on time.
0 Work
0 Study
0 Social life
0 Family
The College Rule
In order to realize their potential in
a college-level course students
should study from two to four hours
outside class for every hour spent in
class.
The College Rule
Credit Hours of the Course
Hours Studying Outside of
Class
3 credit hours
6 to 12 hours
4 credit hours
8 to 16 hours
5 credit hours
10 to 20 hours
6 credit hours
12 to 24 hours
Minimum:
12 hours of class + 24 hours of studying = 36 hours of
commitment
Legitimate Concerns
0 Many students say they simply don’t have enough
time to dedicate to The College Rule.
0 You may have to plan carefully to take classes
during particular semesters.
Legitimate Concerns, continued.
0 Take difficult subjects when
0 your other academic obligations are minimal.
0 your other demands are minimal.
0 Consider:
0 online courses
0 self-paced courses
0 Talk to a counselor
or instructor for advice.
Your Professor’s Expectations
0 Professors (and tutors) genuinely want students
to succeed, but can do very little (if anything) to
help the student commit to study time.
0 Every college professor runs their class according
to The College Rule.
Your Professor’s Expectations,
continued.
0 A professor (or tutor) is there to facilitate your
learning in class…and that’s all.
0 Professors (or tutors) cannot offer a quick fix for the
problem “not enough time.”
0 The college determines what an instructor must cover
each semester.
0 The college also expects students to study for 2 – 4 hours
outside of class, per class.
Your Professor’s Expectations,
continued.
0 Only a very bad instructor would soften
standards and make a class easier just to
facilitate students’ lack of time to commit to
class.
Your Professor’s Expectations,
continued.
0 Instructors have enough experience to hear
your situation and give you advice.
0 Decisions are ultimately up to the student.
0 Professors (or tutors) can also advise you on
ways to maximize the effectiveness of the time
you have available to study.
0 Just ask.
Time Management Strategies
0 Prioritize your activities. Think about the
things you do that take up your time, then
prioritize them.
0 studying
0 work
0 television
0 friends
0 sports
0 shopping
Time Management Strategies,
continued.
0 Set realistic goals. Set a goal to have
assignments completed by specific dates and
times.
0 Set realistic goals.
0 Set attainable goals.
Time Management Strategies,
continued.
0 Feeling listless? Make a list! Make a “To Do”
list to manage your tasks.
0 “To Do” lists can be
0 daily
0 weekly
0 Transfer incomplete tasks to the next day’s
list.
Time Management Strategies,
continued.
0 Avoid “management by crisis.” This is a
phrase that describes the way heavy
procrastinators run their daily business.
0 A “crisis” is a situation that requires immediate
attention or there will be immediate
consequences.
0 Working under pressure like this creates stress.
Time Management Strategies,
continued.
0 Just say “no.” “Things that matter most must
never be at the mercy of things that matter
least.” (famous philosopher)
0 Learn to politely say “no” to free up time for
the things that matter most.
0 School
0 Family
0 Work
0 etc.
Time Management Strategies,
continued.
0 Don’t forget to reward yourself. Discipline is
the art of delaying gratification, not avoiding it.
0 As you set a goal, set a reward for yourself
once the goal is accomplished.
Time Management Strategies,
continued.
0 Use a daily planner. This is an advanced type
of “To Do” list.
0 Use the sample planner as a guide.
0 Complete a weekly or monthly “To Do” list that
is updated at the start of each week.
0 Be flexible!
0 Stick to the schedule!