Learning Resources

Prepare to Excel in the Shorter Terms of Summer Session

Summer courses are condensed into a shorter time frame than the 16-week fall and spring semesters. The same amount of material is covered, resulting in a faster-paced immersive experience. Students who participate in summer session, on average, complete 5.85 credits. This allows a deeper focus on fewer topics.

Condensed terms can make 3 credits feel like:

  • 12 credits in a four-week term
  • 6 credits in an eight-week term
  • 4 credits in a 12-week term

Time management with shorter terms

If you’re choosing overlapping terms, the demand on your time increases. For example:

  • Labs are intense in an eight-week term.
  • Taking a class in each eight-week term will feel like 12 credits during the four weeks the terms overlap.
  • A 3-credit class in a four-week term in conjunction with a 3-credit class in an eight-week term will feel like 18 credits for the weeks the courses overlap.
  • Plan to get ahead in your first class to ease pressure before your next class begins.
  • If you’re working, consider how to balance work with studying, and how much work and study will be realistic during the time you’re taking classes.

Academic Support Resources

Advising@CSU

Find advisors and academic success coordinators by contacting the specific college or department.

Academic Coaching and Tutoring

Academic coaching for undergraduates

Academic Advancement Center

TILT Tutoring

Learning Resources by Subject or Skill

Chemistry Learning Resource Center (CLeRC)

Department of Mathematics

Morgan Library includes resources for:

Statistics Success Center (SSC):

A resource for CSU students enrolled in introductory level STAT courses, regardless of their major.

Writing Center

Located in Eddy Hall, writers in all disciplines will find guidance and feedback on all types of writing from
traditional research papers to electronic texts such as websites and blogs.

Student Programs and Services

  • Assistive Technology Center (ATRC): Ensures equitable access to technology and electronic information for students and employees with disabilities by fostering a technological climate that is inclusive and welcoming to a diversity of learners and workers.
  • Inclusive Excellence: Available to benefit our University community.
  • Student Disability Center: Accommodations and support toward learning and academic success.

Resources and Tips for Successful Learning

Tips for success in hybrid and online courses

  1. The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT) covers strategies for succeeding in online and hybrid courses in this six-minute video.
  2. Online courses are not self-paced. Assignment will be due at regular intervals.
  3. Not all online courses use Canvas, but most do.
  4. How Does Online Learning Work? (CSU Online)

The Institute for Teaching and Learning

The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT) website features easy-to-use resources tailored for undergraduate and graduate students. TILT helps students, faculty, and staff use research-based learning and teaching methods to support academic achievement, equity, and post-graduation success for all CSU students.

YOU@CSU

The “Learning Strengths” section provides helpful insight into learning styles and short articles about setting goals, enhancing concentration, how to stop procrastinating. Visit YOU@CSU to gather insights and plan next steps.

Success Strategies

Before class begins

  1. Have your textbooks available prior to the first day if possible. This is extremely helpful with condensed terms, especially with the four-week terms. Summer textbooks are available for purchase through the CSU Bookstore, online or in the store beginning spring finals week.
  2. Visit Canvas Student Resources to become familiar with the course delivery environment.

First day of class

  1. Start Day One: Be prepared to engage in the material and to study as soon as classes begin.
  2. Seek Help Day One: If you have questions or concerns, ask the very first day. By day two the class may already be moving on to a new topic.  If the course isn’t for you, you’ll need to drop quickly to avoid the loss of tuition.

Plan ahead

  1. Manage your schedule: Build in more time to study to keep up with the faster pace of summer courses.
  2. Use the syllabus and refer to it frequently. Compare deadlines with your personal calendar to build in adequate time in your schedule to study and prepare for exams, quizzes, and assignment completion.

Daily strategies

  1. Engage in class every day: Smaller class sizes, in general, provide more opportunity for engagement with faculty and classmates.
  2. Study daily, as tests occur more often: Assess how long it takes you to read and understand material so you can plan accordingly.

Form study groups

One of the best ways to learn material is to discuss it with other students. Learn from, quiz, and teach each other.

Attend office hours as needed

Office hours are designated times instructors are available to meet with you outside of class at times listed on the syllabus. Meetings may be in their office or virtually. Meeting with the instructor can help forge a mutual connection.  Asking for guidance or confirming you’re approaching your work as expected can help you learn more and make a positive difference in your course outcome.