Setting GoalsWorkshop

An online workshop facilitated by:

Academic Success Center

UL Lafayette Junior Division

Hard FactsWhile on academic probation, students must make a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher. If a student does not meet this semester GPA requirement, the student will be suspended from the university.

**To learn more about academic probation and available campus

resources, click on the following link: Academic Safety Net

How is academic success and goal setting

related?

Goal Setting• Decreases the difficulty of passing classes • Increases skills of goal setting for after college• Positively affects other areas of life, not just

academics • Decreases stress and anxiety• Increases concentration, self-confidence,

performance, and overall enjoyment of college life• Leads to a quicker graduation date• College costs too much money and time to risk

failure!

What is a S.M.A.R.T. goal?

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Realistic.

Timeline

How do I set goals?

Starting Line

• Goal Setting takes:1. time2. energy3. thought4. preparation

• A goal should have:1. an action statement 2. an action plan3. a target date (deadline)

How do I start?

• State the goal as an action statement:– Ex: “I will understand my assigned chapters by…”

• Specify how the action statement will be accomplished by using an action objective:– Ex: “I will understand my assigned chapters by

reading and writing outlines…”

• Measure the outcome in numbers– Ex: “I will understand my assigned chapters by

reading 10 pages and writing 1 outline each night.”

How can goal setting help me again?

Goal setting can help you improve . . .

• Memory

• Stress levels

• Note taking

• Problem-solving

• Time management

• Listening and communication

• Test preparation and test taking

• Self-motivation and determination

But, I do not know where to start!

Start by considering these examples to more effectively

study.

Examples of Effective Study Skills

• Improve reading skills• Study regularly (2 hours of

study for every hour in class per week)

• Find a study place • Learn to balance

obligations• Be consistent and keep

commitments• Plan assignments in

advance • Improve time management

• Ask questions in class• Reduce alcohol and/or drug

use, including caffeine• Get a good night’s sleep• Take advantage of tutoring• Form study groups with

people in class• Ask for help• Participate actively in class• Be familiar with your class

syllabus

What if I fail?

You can start by considering some reasons why goals fail:• Not written • Not specific • Not believable • Not realistic • Lack of commitment • Lack of support• Lack of rewards• Lack of motivation• Changes with the weather

Motivation

How can I keep myself motivated?

• Lack of motivation = fear of failure or fear of change• MOTIVATION

– all those factors that make people work towards a goal

– different types of motivation: achievement, recognition, growth, enjoyment, etc.

• KEEP YOURSELF MOTIVATED BY:– Treating yourself well

– Giving yourself rewards

– Keeping track of your accomplishments

– Setting goals and sticking to them

– Planning ahead

Great job!• You have completed the Setting Goals

Workshop.

• Now it is time to put your knowledge into action . . .

• Below is a link to your Academic Action Plan worksheet. Complete and see an academic counselor today:

• Academic Action Plan