The Spring semester is drawing near and now is the time when final assignments, take home exams, and the dreaded group projects are now due.  Working alone can be great, because you can do things on your own at your own pace and on your own time.  There is no one to discuss thoughts and preferences on the way things should be completed. You are not putting your grade in the hands of someone else.  Working alone is possibly the best case scenario. Or is it?

Working in groups is designed to help you grow in a variety of ways. Group assignments force you to interact with others.  The selection process can be great when you are given the opportunity to select your own group.  Friends, the kid next to you that aced every quiz, or even the crush you have had your eye on all semester.  However, the selection process can also be daunting if you are randomly selected or placed in pre-assigned groups. Instead of dreading this experience, think of it as an opportunity to grow and learn.  Group assignments allow the best parts of each person to shine.  Someone will naturally migrate into the role of leader.  Someone will be creative and find ways to add their gift to the project.  Someone will be organized and create a timeline and ensure the group stays on track.  Inevitably there will be someone who waits for a role in the group, and if no role is given they will float along throughout the project. The issues arise when expectations are not set, a non-leader takes on the leadership role, or when personalities clash.  Working together can be an enjoyable experience, but you have to tackle concerns from the beginning and do not wait until the last minute to achieve the goals of the group.

Below are 10 things to keep in mind when working in a group.

  1. Identify the goal of the group. Is it to a PowerPoint, a skit,  a debate, a movie, etc.? Refer back to the actual assignment and make sure everyone understands what the professor wants. Ensure you identify this early on and that everyone knows what the overall objective of the group.  Making sure everyone is on the same page from the beginning will eliminate a lot of frustration, confusion, ad last minute scrambling.
  2. Develop and a game plan and identify roles.  Each person will have their own strengths.  Allow people to identify their areas of strength and competence. However, the assignment is an opportunity to grow, so do not allow everyone to shy away from the “hard” or “difficult portion of the assignment.  Everyone will have to step out of their comfort zone at some point in the project. Someone will emerge as the leader of the group.  This will come naturally to someone or  someone may have to be appointed. Do not allow this position to become a dictatorship, the process from beginning should be a democracy and a collaborative effort to ensure all voices in the group are heard.
  3. Set-up a timeline. Identify the due date and work backwards from that date to identify milestones for the project.  You      should have a minimum of 2 meetings before your final meeting to ensure everyone is on target and playing their role.  Having at least three meetings will allow you to identify weak links, gaps in the presentation, ensure each person is on target with their portion. When you discuss progress you will be able to see early on if someone is not completing their task.
  4. Be open to new ideas.  People will do things and interpret things differently, different does not mean wrong, just means different.  Allow yourself to try new things and be open to a different way of processing the project.  Everyone will see things in a different way.  The only way the project will be successful is if everyone has the opportunity to infuse a piece of  themselves into the final edition. No one should shut down ideas or not consider how an idea could positively impact the final project.
  5. Bring a positive attitude.  From the very beginning, have a positive attitude.  Do not show your disgust for group work.  Do not let previous experiences negatively impact how you approach this new experience.  Do not allow your personally feelings towards individuals affect how you work. Do not allow your distaste for the subject or topic overshadow your      contributions to the group.  When someone else greets you with negativity respond with positivity.
  6. Do your part. Nothing is more frustrating than working with a group and someone does not do their part of the project.  Ensure you are available to meet.  Make sure you are on time when there is      a meeting.  Bring something to discuss when the meeting takes place.  No one wants to hear your excuses about why you cannot meet, why you are late, or how you are struggling to complete your portion.  Come prepared and prove to be a strong link.
  7. Do not take things personal.  Group assignments can bring out the best and worst in others. There may come a time when tensions are high and unkind words may be      spoken.  In these moments, focus on the project and not the person. Focus on the needs of the group and not the person.  Do not feed into the tensions, stay focused on the goal.
  8. Do not involve the professor.  The professor does not want “babysit” your group and how you work together.  As young adults, you and your peers should be able to work together to achieve the goal at hand.  If problems arise you should try everything among the group to resolve your issues without involving the professor. Meeting a minimum of three times will allow you to catch issues early before they can impact the entire project. If you need to involve the professor, it should be related to the goal and expectations not personal conflicts. If there are personal conflicts that cannot be resolved then you should approach the professor with the issues, the strategies you have implemented, and how the group thinks the problem should be resolved.  This will show      the professor that you are not tattle telling and that there was an attempt to resolve the issues.
  9.  Do  a dry run.  At some point before the final presentation, the group should complete a run-through of the presentation from beginning to end.  Each person in the group should have a copy of the presentation and know the role that each plays and should have an understanding of ALL of the information in the presentation.  Focusing on just your area will not give you all of the information about the topic.  Emergencies happen, people oversleep, someone could get stage freight; you should be able to      present on the topic in the event you are the ONLY person available the day of the presentation.  The “show” must go on even if you are the only person there to present.
  10. Take it seriously. From the moment you receive the topic to the moment you begin the presentation, take it seriously.  The entire semester may boil down to this one moment. Your failure to plan and thoroughly think things out could result in a failing grade on the project.  A failing grade on the project could result in a failing grade in the class. Do whatever you can to show your professor that you are taking the assignment seriously and want to achieve. Little things like professional attire, a portfolio cover, or a well scripted presentation could go a long way.  Taking things to a creative level, involving the audience, or tying things into today’s popular culture can also win major bonus points with the professor.

Safety on Campus is a reoccurring topic.  In the days of school shootings, sexual assaults, and viral fighting videos school safety has never been more of a concern.  When things go wrong and incidents occur, fingers are pointed and everyone wants to know who is responsible.  The truth is campus safety begins with each student.  Each student should be aware of their own safety and well as the safety of others.  One of the first things you should take note of is safety practices on campus.  Campuses across the country have emergency alert systems.  The system allows you to be contacted via text message and email in the event of an emergency.  You should also add campus security/police as a contact in your phone. Having this information readily available allows quick access in the time of emergency.  Another helpful resource campus’ are implementing is the anonymous texting system.  The system allows you to anonymously send message to campus safety officials about possible incidents.  This allows you to report issues, possible threats, or bring things to their attention to further investigate.

As you are navigating around campus, you should always travel with caution.  While on campus you become comfortable and assume everyone is your friend. Campuses are targeted every day, lurkers standing by observing, someone trying to find their next target.  That is why it is extremely important to pay close attention to your surroundings, only share personal information with those you trust, and report suspicious activity. After hours, when travelling on campus, be sure to travel in groups and never walk alone. Campuses offer escort services; providing an officer to assist you in getting from one place to another.

While out you should be very careful when mingling and partying with others.  You should never accept a drink from someone that you do not know. You should also not leave your drink unattended. Any time away from your drink or accepting a drink from someone you do not know could place you in danger. The same rule applies to taking any other food, candy, or medicine from someone you do not know. You may not be aware but drugs come in all shapes, sizes and flavors.  Drugs can be placed in food, look like candy, or appear to be medicine.  Consuming such items can cause you harm and ultimately death.  Additionally, if physical safety becomes a concern be sure to find the closest exit to safety.  Grabbing your phone to take video should not be your first concern.  You should grab your phone to contact campus safety or to report the incident.  Your actions could help determine how the situation ends.  Be sure to create a buddy system and always know where your buddy is located and what they are doing at all times.  When it is time to leave be sure you leave together and that you both arrive home safely.  Leaving a friend could result in tragedy; arriving together, staying together, and departing together should be your primary goals throughout the evening.

Campuses are relatively safe places to be.  However, there are people the target college students for their lack of caution, maturity, and street knowledge.  Be sure you are aware of your surroundings and know which resources are available to you. Having the knowledge before a situation occurs will help you when a situation actually unfolds. Throughout your college experience you want to be open, have fun, and have new experiences, but you also want to be safe and you are ultimately responsible for your safety.

College is not all about the books and learning in the classroom.  College is really about learning from various life experiences and taking in all that college has to offer.  Last month we challenged you in our January 11th blog, to make short and long term goals to explore what your campus has to offer.  This month we echo those sentiments to get out and explore what your classmates are doing.  You have talented colleagues that will go on to do some amazing things.  Now is the time you can see them display their truly raw talent, before the limelight, the professional contracts, and the record deals.

Take pride in the awesome skills and talented abilities offered by your classmates.  Go to the Big Game and cheer on the full back from your psychology class.  Give a standing ovation to your chemistry lab partner.  Buy tickets to support your Resident Assistant at the music recital.  Showing your support to your classmates helps to boost school spirit, helps develop relationships, and connects you to the university.

A major focus is placed on academics and doing well in classes, but success outside the classroom is just as important. Participating in activities outside the classroom, allows you to develop your interpersonal skills, provide networking opportunities, and allows you to reduce the stress from the class room.  Accepting our challenge to be more engaged on campus, coupling your classroom room experiences with your out of classroom experiences, and supporting your fellow colleagues will increase your chances of having a well-rounded college experience.

It is a new year and a new semester.  It is around this time of year when resolutions are brewing and there is an openness to change.  What better time to introduce yourself to something new that you have not tried at the university.  Last semester is done and in the books. This semester think about all of the things that you did not get a chance to explore, try, or do on your campus. College is the perfect time to go and explore things free or very low costs.  Commit yourself to trying two new things this semester.  Go visit a play in the theater, go to a sporting event, or participate in an intramural activity.  Join a club, already in one? Take on a leadership role.  Take a class that peaks your interest as an elective, volunteer in the local community, or look for a part-time position on campus. Think about Greek life, take a fitness class, or start a community garden.  Join an honorary society, have lunch on campus somewhere you have not dined, or get to know you RA.  There are many ways to get involved and to try new things.

Take the first few weeks of the New Year and decide how you want to map out your semester/quarter.  While mapping out your plans, be sure to create a list of short term and long term goals.  Your short term goals should include something you will accomplish in 4-8 weeks and your long term goals should be accomplished within 8-16 weeks.  Make your goals varied in focus, interest, and difficulty.  Academic, personal, and achievement should all be included.  Perhaps your short term goal is to join an organization and your long term goal may be to join the executive board for next year.  These are obtainable goals and will allow you to push yourself into new roles you may not have considered.

Take in the New Year and try something new.  Each semester you should push yourself out of your comfort zone to try something new.  If you don’t like it you can always try something new and hopefully be able to share your experience with someone else.  Ready, set, go…create at least two goals of trying something new this semester/quarter.

Easter is fast approaching and is usually a time when students head back home to continue with their families holiday tradition(s).  If students cannot make it home, this is a time when they will attempt to find a local church or attend service on campus (if one is available). If you have gotten away from your spiritual upbringing, now is a good time to get reacquainted.  If you are open to learning about new religions, this is a good time to get out and explore how different religions view the Easter holiday. Ask to go home with one of your classmates and explore their approach to religion.  Ask questions, try new things, and attempt to figure out what makes sense and provides comfort to you. Do not try to understand and solve the questions about life all in one sitting. Religion is a tough topic and people spend their entire lives searching for the answers to life. People migrate between religions, selecting concepts, and methodology that provides a sense of comfort and stability to their lives. There are a variety of religions, then there are a variety subcategories under each religion, then there are a variety of interpretations and ways to execute the vision.  So take your time and explore what you think works for your life and brings your peace.

Midterms are finishing up and it is time sit back and do nothing right? Wrong! Spring Break is a great time to recharge, but it also a great time to explore, serve, and learn.  Thoughtfully plan out your Spring Break, be intentional about how you choose to spend your time. You can accomplish so much of your to-do list or squander away time if not executed with a plan in mind.

Spring Break can be spent several different ways and you do not have to spend a lot of money to make Spring Break worthwhile. The most obvious Spring Break idea is to go on vacation to some exotic, sand-clad resort. This could result in a number of ways.  Spring Break for you will also include Spring Break for THOUSANDS of other college students, which means massive crowds, loud and obnoxious encounters with others, countless bad decisions, and money for travel. A better alternative is to go somewhere fairly local, within an hour or two that will take you out of your dorm room and allow you to see new sights.  You will still enjoy the “vacation like feel” and avoid the crowds. You may also want to consider staying local and acting like a tourist in your city or a neighboring city.  Again, you will enjoy being away while learning something new about your college town.  Research shows many graduates relocate to an area near their college after graduation.  Now is a good time for you to learn more about what could be your new home. You may want to also consider going on an Alternative Spring Break trip.  These trips are designed to give students a chance to travel during Spring Break, but also give back to deserving community by performing service projects.  Lastly, talk to your parents and organize a family vacation during your Spring Break.  This option, may be the most economical and cost you little to nothing.  Your family has missed not having you around the past 6-7 months and would love to spend time with you and see what you have been learning and doing since August (or at least Christmas, if you went home).

Regardless of how you spend your break, make a plan and make the time as useful as possible. A well planned and executed Spring Break can result in a lifetime of memories.  Below are a few more ideas to consider for your Spring Break planning:

  1. Change your room around.  A change in scenery would be nice for the remainder of the semester.
  2. Secure housing for next school year.  Moving off campus? Now is a good time to go explore your options, take tours, and sign a lease.  The good spaces are taken fast, so cease the moment while everyone is away.
  3. Read for fun. You probably do not do much of this anymore.  It has been all chapter this, article that. Get back to the novels, short stories, and series you love.
  4. Spring Clean!!!! Go through your clothes and shoes and donate anything you are not wearing and cannot fit. Also, CLEAN your entire place top to bottom, dusting, mopping, and giving the attention to areas you may have neglected. Do some laundry: clean bedding and linens, clean winter wardrobe and store away, and bring out your spring/summer wardrobe.
  5. Start working on your Final projects and papers.  The library and labs will be empty now is a great time to get a jump start.
  6. Start looking for a summer job. Now is a good time to go out into the community and see if anyone is looking for help.
  7. Volunteer.  Give back to your community or local church.
  8. Read chapters for school.  Another great way to get a head start in classes or a chance to catch up.
  9. Go to a concert.  Find your favorite band and travel to see their show.
  10. Start a Bucket-List.  There are several different versions: college list, a hometown list, or an overall adventure list.
  11. Work out.  Get into the fitness groove, while nothing else is competing for your attention.
  12. Work overtime. If you currently have a job, inquire about extra hours; pick up hours for others going on vacation.
  13. Visit your grandparents.  You probably have not called like you said you would, so now is the perfect time to go spend time with them.
  14. Go for a walk or a bike ride.  Just walk/ride, no destination in mind, learn something new about your community.
  15. Try something new.  It doesn’t matter what it is, just try it.  If you don’t like it great at least you tried it and know it wasn’t for you. It can be a food, musical, hairstyle, or new outfit.
  16. Go on an adventure. Try white water rafting, skydiving, or camping with friends.
  17. Plan a group activity.  Go bowling, skating, paintball shooting, or laser tag.
  18. Start a blog.  Whatever you like to do and enjoy, write about it.
  19.  Host a movie marathon.  Pick an actor/actress and watch all of their films.
  20. Netflix day.  Look through Netflix and find a new series to watch or catch up on a show you use to watch.
  21. Take a class for fun.  It can be yoga, art, dance, sewing, crafts, go to one drop-in class and see if you like it.
  22. Start packing.  The end of the semester will be here before you know it.  Pack items you know you will not need or use in the next month or so.
  23. Go on a special date.  Make it fun and well thought out. Give it a theme, make it a puzzle, or incorporate a scavenger hunt.
  24. Back-up your computer.  Now is a great time to save all of your work, pictures, and music.  For some reason computers tend to fail around Finals, when you need them most. If you ensure your computer is cleaned, delete unused data, and save your important information, you will be in a good place should your laptop crash later in the semester.
  25. Sleep.  You have probably not been getting a full 8 hours each night.  Use this time to sleep and enjoy not having to get up and go to class.