A Guide to Being an Ideal Student

TL;DR: Follow the guide to help you become a better student. If you stray from the path, that’s okay, work to get back on it.

Introduction

Welcome to the “Ideal Student Guide,” a resource designed to help you navigate your academic journey with success and integrity. As you embark on this exciting and challenging phase of your life, it’s important to recognize that being a student is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about developing habits and attitudes that foster learning, growth, and personal development. This guide outlines key behaviors and practices that contribute to academic success and a rewarding classroom experience. By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll not only excel in your studies but also cultivate skills and values that will serve you well throughout your life. Whether you’re a new student or looking to enhance your approach to learning, this guide is here to support you in becoming the best student you can be.

We recognize that the path to becoming an ideal student, as outlined in this guide, is a journey marked by continuous learning and growth. It’s important to understand that deviating from these guidelines at times is a natural part of the learning process. As you progress through your academic career, there will be moments of challenge and uncertainty where you may find it difficult to adhere strictly to this guide. We want you to know that this is perfectly okay.

Each student’s journey is unique, and it’s these deviations that often provide valuable learning experiences. They are opportunities for self-reflection, adaptation, and growth. We encourage you to view these moments not as failures but as integral steps in your personal and academic development. The key is to remain committed to your growth, to learn from these experiences, and to continually strive towards embodying the principles of an ideal student.

This guide is here to serve as a compass, not a rigid set of rules. It’s meant to support and guide you, but it’s your own journey and experiences that will shape you into the student and individual you aspire to be. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Attendance and Punctuality

Attend all in person classes regularly and arrive on time. Aim for making >85% of in person classes.

If you must miss a class, inform the instructor in advance and make arrangements to catch up on missed work.

For my classes, I use a flipped classroom model to make class time more valuable to you. This means that class time is spent mostly on working through the difficult concepts that you learned outside of class.

Preparation

Come to class prepared, having completed all readings and assignments. In a flipped classroom, this is critical for the lecture portion of the class to be of value.

Bring necessary materials to class (notebook, pen, laptop, etc.).

My courses are tech-friendly. You are welcome to bring any items to class that help you learn. However, I do not want these to be more distracting than helpful. See next tab!

Engagement and Participation

Actively participate in class discussions and activities. Especially in the flipped classroom model, engaging with your peers is paramount to your learning.

Ask questions if you don’t understand something and contribute thoughtfully to discussions. In a learning environment, if you do not understand something in the content, it is likely someone else does not either. Please speak up if you are confused or have questions.

Flipped classrooms can get noisy. Listen attentively to the instructor and classmates when information is being distributed. Side conversations are okay, but can get disruptive if too loud. See next tab!

Respect and Courtesy

Treat instructors and fellow students with respect. If I hear disrespectful discourse, I will end it in my classrooms.

Avoid disruptive behaviors (e.g., talking during lectures, using phones for non-academic purposes).

Collaborate with peers in a positive and constructive manner.

Communication

Communicate effectively and professionally with instructors and classmates.

Use emails or designated communication channels for academic inquiries or assistance. Piazza is our usual method for class-wide questions outside of lecture time.

Be open to receiving and giving feedback. It is okay to be wrong. It is okay to be humble. Remember that you are learning new content, and mistakes are common, if not necessary, in the learning process.

Time Management

Manage your time efficiently to balance academic and personal responsibilities.

Prioritize tasks and avoid last-minute studying or assignment completion.

Time management is something that is a lifelong journey that fluctuates as you get older. Be reflective on this process, and I recommend checking in on how your time management goes every semester.

Self-Advocacy and Responsibility

Take responsibility for your learning and academic performance. Ultimately, you are the only one who truly, 100% cares about your learning. Teaching faculty are here to help guide you on the process, but it is up to you to invest in your learning.

Seek help when needed, whether it’s from the instructor, tutors, or peers. We have a lot of opportunities for you to reach out for help.

Find out how each of your courses communicated with you. Regularly check and adhere to the syllabus and course requirements or announcements in D2L. As a reminder, the syllabus is essentially a contract between the faculty and student to what will happen in the course.

Continuous Learning and Growth

Demonstrate a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities to learn.

Engage in self-reflection to understand your strengths and areas for improvement.

Stay curious and motivated about the subject matter. Most students have a focus of getting “career ready” in their academics.

Academic Integrity

Uphold the principles of academic integrity in all your work. See the UofA Academic Integrity Page. For engineering in particular, every should should read the National Society of Professional Engineer’s (NSPE) Code of Ethics.

Avoid plagiarism and cheating; do your own work and give credit where it’s due.

See Philosophy for Student Use of AI in the Classroom

Health and Well-being

Prioritize your physical and mental health. Also, practice stress management and seek support services if you feel overwhelmed.

Some general recommendations for the average student:

  1. Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week, combined with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. This can include activities like walking, running, cycling, swimming, or weight training.
  2. Sleep: Strive for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep enhances memory, learning, and mental health. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a restful environment free from electronic devices before bedtime.
  3. Nutrition: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and try to limit high sugar and highly processed foods.
  4. Mental Health: Allocate time for relaxation and activities you enjoy. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. Don’t hesitate to seek support from counseling services if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
  5. Social Connections: Maintain healthy relationships with friends and family. Social interactions are crucial for mental health, so find time to connect with others, whether it’s in person or virtually.
  6. Screen Time and Breaks: Take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain and mental fatigue. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  7. Preventive Healthcare: Stay up-to-date with vaccinations and regular health check-ups. Don’t ignore symptoms or health concerns; seek medical advice when necessary.
Wellbeing Statement

As a student, you may experience stressors that impact your academic career and personal well-being. These can include but are not limited to, academic pressure, mental and emotional health, challenges associated with relationships, alcohol or drug misuse, identities, financial challenges, etc. ​

Pay attention to your personal signs that you’re overly stressed, like changes in your mood, appetite, sleep, behavior, or new physical symptoms (aches, pains, etc.) that interfere with school and daily life. If you or a friend is struggling, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Seeking help is a courageous thing to do for yourself as your well-being is important. The University of Arizona offers multiple resources to promote your well-being and success as an individual. If you are struggling with this class, please visit during office hours or contact me by email. ​

Resources

General Student Assistance: 

​Academic: 

​Financial: 

​Physical Health: 

Mental Health: 

​Safety: 

​Visit caps.arizona.edu/resource-hub for additional wellbeing resources.​

​Crisis Support:  ​