Our faculty members and staff are committed to providing students with well developed learning opportunities; however it is important for students to be present and engaged in class, whether it be in person or online.
Walters State encourages continuous academic advising. Students should feel free to seek academic advice and mentoring throughout their college career. To make sure students are taking the correct courses and staying on track to graduate, we require academic advising every semester prior to registration. Students should mark their calendars in March and October to make an appointment to speak with their academic advisor.
These Tips from a college-parent pro will help!
Become a bargain book shopper. Look at different websites to find lower prices, consider renting books or using digital books and look for used books. For school supplies, your best bet is to buy at value or big-box stores.
Encourage your student to get involved. Find a club that matches his or her interests. Join a musical group or a community service organization. Take a bus trip. Through these activities, students make new friends and learn things not taught in the classroom.
Learn about the FAFSA and complete it as soon as possible. The FAFSA is needed for TN Promise, TN Reconnect, Hope Lottery and for many need-based sources, including the Pell Grant. Complete it as soon as possible.
Stress is, unfortunately, a normal part of college life. Helping your student deal with stress will make the journey to graduate much smoother.
Ask your students if they are feeling overwhelmed. Make sure they know that you will listen, even if you may not always understand the demands of college.
Make sure your student is eating healthy meals. It’s easy to grab a snack or fast food between classes, but it should not be the norm. Poor eating habits combined with stress can break down the body’s immune system.
Exercise is a great way to beat stress. Plan a family hike or neighborhood walks.
If you think your student is not handling stress or needs tips on limiting stress, encourage him or her to reach out to Counseling and Testing.
Learn about the requirements to maintain eligibility for financial aid.
Students receiving any form of financial aid should first speak to the Office of Financial Aid before dropping a class. Dropping a class with a “W” is sometimes the best decision, but it could have lasting effects on financial aid – especially if the student’s course load falls below full-time status (12 hours for most students).