As we near the end of the summer term, we will take a look at some additional skills for success as well as ways to prepare for what comes next.  While many of you are new to college, others will be moving on to 4 year colleges and universities to continue your studies.  Regardless of your specific situation, information literacy and the ability to plan for next steps will be critical to your success.

With the advent of the Internet and the prevalence of personal computers, the landscape of higher education has changed a great deal in recent years.  It is no longer always necessary to visit a library in order to conduct research or even a classroom to complete a course.  However, the convenience and  accessibility of new resources bring with them the responsibilities to understand and critically evaluate information. Since we now so often work in isolation of one another, this can present a difficult task and guidelines for evaluation are essential. 

Chapter 11 of your textbook discusses planning for what will follow this semester in addition to accessing resources to assist you in meeting the financial obligations of college.  If you have not already done so, I urge you to complete the following steps soon:

• Review the federal application for financial aid at: http://www.finaid.org/.
• Schedule your courses for the fall term.
• Together with a counselor or advisor, develop an Education Plan that can serve as a roadmap for the remainder of your studies.

Keep in mind that plans and goals can change but by writing them down and making them more concrete, we are much more apt to meet them!

Reading

• Textbook:  Chapters 10 and 11

• Gavilan College Catalog: Pages 45 - 63

• Forum: Scholarship research.  Post by July 18th.

• Journal Entry:None required.

• Chapter Ten Exercises:  10.7 (Critical Thinking) from the Companion Website. Email to instructor upon completion. Post by July 18th.

• Chapter Ten Quizzes:  Multiple Choice from the Companion Website.  Email to instructor upon completion. Post by July 18th.

• Chapter Eleven Exercises:  11.6 (Reflection) from the Companion Website.  Email to instructor upon completion.Post by July 18th.

• Chapter Eleven Quizzes: True/False and Essay Question #1from the Companion Website.  Email to instructor upon completion. Post by July 18th.