Why I Love NAU: A Student Perspective

Julius Young is a senior from San Diego, California, majoring in  Journalism, with a minor in Advertising.  

NAU has given me some of the best college and life experiences to date.  I came to the university as a track and field athlete in 2008. After running my first year, I battled a lingering hamstring injury, which ultimately forced me into making a decision of whether to continue running or to hang up my spikes. I decided that my education was far more important to me and the consensus was that I needed to direct my attention towards the initial task of my degree. After spending 2 years as a business management major, I decided that for the time the business route wasn’t for me, though I still plan on earning my master’s degree in management. I’ve always had a passion for writing and being creative, so I decided to change my major to Journalism and minor in Advertising. Upon doing so, I quickly realized that this was my calling. 

In my third year, I served as president of Black Student Union, which proved to be vital to my development as a student leader. The communication building has been pivotal to my success as a communication student. Regardless of your major, the structure and criterion of being a communications major challenges you to do more than you believe you can. This building has everything a student needs to be successful in this field. Radio station, television studio, visual and graphic design labs with the latest professional software, and photography labs are just a few of the tools at your disposal. Coming to NAU was the best decision I have ever made. The atmosphere coupled with the relationships I have formed with my peers and professors are some of the best and NAU is a rising institution that should not go overlooked.

Continuing the necessary academic and personal adjustments

Week two of the semester is underway! By now, students are getting a feel for just how challenging their course load will be.  A month away from school can cause some students to get out of their regular routines, in addition to having to adjust to a new schedule of courses. 

Here a few ways that students can make the most of their semester and continue to hone the skills necessary to be a successful student:

Determining the best time of day to study

Morning, afternoon or night? Your student will have to make this determination. Cline Library is open late (until 2 AM on Mondays – Thursdays to be exact) to accommodate those night owls, but each person knows when they are best able to process information. 

Finding an adequate study location

An adequate study location is just as important as the time of day.  A student may be able to truly study and do their homework within their residence hall rooms, while others need very quiet spaces to complete such tasks. There are study rooms in the freshmen residence halls that your son/daughter can use as well.  Hours for academic buildings vary, but that is also a suggestion for a study spot. 

Establishing a relationship with the course instructor

There’s no excuse for your student to go all semester without at least introducing themselves to each of their instructors.  It might seem intimidating at first, but establishing communication with an instructor can have lasting benefits.  Talk to your student about making an appointment with their instructor during office hours, especially if they find themselves struggling with course material.

Getting and staying organized

A planner has the potential to be a college student’s best friend! Our memories are not always reliable when it comes to assignment due dates.  Writing test dates down in a planner or organizer can help students plan accordingly and not always feel the need to cram the night before an exam.  A $10 investment now can go a long way! It might even help your student to plan out study times at the beginning of the week, based on other obligations.  

The Student Learning Centers offer other study skills resources for students.  

As always, contact Parent and Family Services with your questions and concerns.  We are here to help you help your student make the most of their experience at Northern Arizona University!

Dispelling Myths: Parent/Family Access to Grades

Summer orientation is a wrap! On behalf of Northern Arizona University, I would like to thank you again for coming to orientation.  You were provided with a lot of information about the university and all the resources in place to help your student succeed.  As the school year goes on, you will find that to be helpful to both you and your student.

I would also like to thank you for providing feedback during our Parent and Family University session.  We will certainly use The Backpack as a means to keep you updated about campus and local events, as well as scholarship opportunities and other important deadlines as they arise.   On the other hand, many parents and family members indicated (in some form of fashion) that they would like progress reports and updates regarding their students.  While this information may have been available to you while your student was in high school, it is not as your student progresses into the college environment.   Depending on course structure, some professors will update student grades via Blackboard Learn.  Students will be notified of their midterm grade status if enrolled in 100 and 200 level courses.  Encourage your student to speak with their instructor if there are questions regarding grades.  Again, the course syllabus is the guide to any course, so encourage them to read that document thoroughly and refer to it often. 

Talk directly with your student about their courses and their progress in those courses.  You will find this to be the fastest method for finding out what their grades are.   You may request a copy of your student’s records in writing if they have signed a FERPA release granting you access to that information.  More information about FERPA can be accessed here.

For additional clarification, Guardian Access solely allows you to view and pay your student’s financial charges.  For more information regarding Guardian Access, visit the NAU parents’ webpage for a tutorial.  Your student has the right to administer and revoke access. 

Don’t worry; this will all make sense soon enough!