First Year | Center for Student Achievement – University of St. Thomas

Remember that planner you got at Orientation and Registration?! Use it! Using an academic planner will help you with your time management! If you need help with time management skills, schedule an appointment with an Academic Counseling staff member!

Not sure what to major in? Meet with a career specialist in the Career Development Center to talk about interests, values, skills and how they relate to majors and careers!

Interested in learning about the courses you would take for a particular major? Check out the Undergraduate Catalog!

Build in time to reflect about the areas of study, questions, and ideas that appeal to you and challenge you.

Proactively make use of academic resources (Center for Student Achievement, Math Resource Center, Center for Writing, department tutors).
Develop good study skills. Make an appointment with an academic counselor for guidance and recommendations!
Consider mentorship. Develop good habits of communicating with your instructors. Practice professional writing in your emails to them, and visit their office hours.
Attend your faculty advisor meeting the day before classes, and visit with your faculty advisor at least 3 times per term. See Academic Counseling & Support website to best prepare for your faculty advisor meetings.
Complete the required online module that highlights degree requirements and how to access your degree evaluation.
Visit the Libraries, explore the stacks and collections and find the study spots that works best for you. If you have any questions, there are many ways to get library help or make an appointment with your subject librarian.

Attend Welcome Days and Tommie Advantage activities.
Identify opportunities for campus involvement at the Activities Fair.
Attend campus events that highlight other students’ achievements to get inspired and meet peers with related academic interests.
Connect to work-study opportunities. Meet with a career counselor to develop your resume and cover letter. Note: Resumes are required for all campus positions including work-study jobs.
Volunteer and explore opportunities through Office for Service and Social Justice.
Explore student clubs and organizations.
Join a sport or performing arts group on campus.

Attend a Study Abroad or J-Term Open House to learn more about study abroad options.
Meet with your academic counselor to learn how study abroad fits into your 4-year plan.
Consider applying for short and long term study abroad opportunities, including the Empower Program in Rome during the fall of Sophomore year.
Attend a First Step session to learn how to get started.
Learn/apply for VISION trip opportunities.
Attend on and off-campus events:
- DAB events
- STAR events
- Student Diversity and Inclusion Services
- Office of International Students and Scholars

Drop by Murray-Herrick Campus Center, Room 123 to learn about Career Development Center services or make an appointment to meet with a career counselor.
View Career Resources at the Center for Career Development.
Talk with a career counselor to determine if a career assessment would be helpful in exploring careers.
Visit the Career Development seminars and events page to learn about upcoming career workshops and events.
Browse through the "What can I do with a Major In?" section on the Career Development Center website (link).
Develop a list of majors and careers to consider.
Create or update your resume and cover letter for an on-campus job.
Look for a summer job or volunteer opportunity to develop and learn new skills.