If you’re new to NIU this year, you’re probably wondering how much you should worry about your schoolwork. Everyone, it seems, has a different message about the level of challenge associated with university-level academic work. Some will tell you that it is overwhelmingly difficult; others will tell you that if you try hard enough, you can accomplish anything; and still others will tell you that college coursework is even easier than high school.

With all of these conflicting messages, how should new students assess the true impact of a full schedule of university-level courses? This is a complicated question, and one to which the full answer probably won’t be known until the end of the semester.

Students might find that their grades are not necessarily based upon how much effort they invest into a course, but instead may be based upon whether they achieve the performance objectives established for the course. Since it takes everyone a different degree of effort to master course material, this can be frustrating.

It will help to keep in mind that university classes include a greater emphasis on self-regulated learning. For example, students usually are expected to complete textbook reading on their own (while in-class time often is spent learning different material). Having trouble concentrating on the reading? Try forming study groups with classmates. Also, try skimming each chapter before you sit down to read it in-depth. Don’t hesitate to write notes in the margins or to circle key ideas. Then, if you need additional help, you’ll be prepared to meet with your instructor.

Staying alert in class and following the main points of a classroom lecture — things that were easy in the past — may seem difficult once you are taking courses in unfamiliar subject areas. Being bored in a class can be a symptom of other study skills problems, so don’t be embarrassed about seeking help.

Wondering where to turn for assistance? Be sure to talk with your community adviser in the residence halls for referrals to tutoring and other resources, and consider calling the Counseling and Student Development Center for an individualized study skills consultation; we help students with time management, textbook reading, note-taking and test preparation.

It’s also important for students and families to talk with one another about academic difficulties. We often hear that families don’t want to be perceived as overly pressuring, but have a genuine interest in knowing how their students are succeeding academically. Students tell us that they want to talk honestly with their families about academic difficulties, but are worried about being perceived as failures. We encourage students to share academic concerns with their families and to brainstorm with parents about resources that might help.

As a new student, it’s normal to experience academic challenges during the first semester at a university. The key to overcoming these challenges is to understand that to be a truly independent learner, each of us needs to know when to ask for help. Because the entire NIU community — students, their families, instructors and staff — is invested in each student’s success, students will find that help readily available.

Joyce Keller