FYS 101: Week 6 | Campus: Hidden Curriculum

• Syllabus – Each of your classes will have a syllabus. This document serves as a guide map outlining what you can expect from the course, and what your instructor will expect from you. It includes rules and policies, due dates, and how to contact your professor. Keep it handy throughout the semester!
• Office Hours – Office hours are a dedicated time each week when your professor is available to meet with you. This is a great time to ask more in-depth questions, get additional feedback, and receive one-on-one help — no appointment needed. Watch this great video on office hours!
• Credit Hour – Each class is worth a certain number of credit hours (often referred to simply as “credits”), based on the amount of weekly in-class time. One credit equals about 50 minutes per week per semester, and two hours of homework per week. The credits you earn each semester count toward your progress toward your degree, and many degrees will require a minimum amount of credit hours to graduate.
• Registrar – The Office of the Registrar is responsible for maintaining academic records. They handle enrollment and course registration each semester, and they are also responsible for recording your grades, transcripts, and graduation paperwork.
• Advisor  – Every student is assigned an academic advisor who will help you to choose courses each semester and ensuring you're on track for both academic and career success. Some schools and colleges may assign you more than one advisor, and advisors may be faculty or from an advising/career services office. Meeting with your advisor is an important part of making sure you are taking the necessary courses to complete your degree. You can find out who your advisor is by logging into MySlice and looking under Advising.
• Prerequisite – A course you must take before you can enroll in a higher-level class. Your advisor can help you plan your class schedule to make sure you take the necessary prerequisites in order to set yourself up for success in later semesters.
• FAFSA – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form which determines your eligibility for a variety of student financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. Returning undergraduate students must submit a FAFSA application each year in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid. The FAFSA normally opens around October 1^st for the following academic school year.
• FERPA – The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a privacy law that means your professors and university staff can’t share your grades or other records with your parents unless you give permission.

• Use your syllabus like a road map. It tells you where you're going and how to stay on track. Referring to your syllabus throughout the semester can help you plan ahead so that you're prepared for exams and assignments. 
• There are no stupid questions. There's no shame in not understanding something right away. Asking questions demonstrates to your professor that you are curious and eager to learn. Your classmates will also thank you -- if you're confused, there's a good chance someone else is, too!
• Deadlines won't chase you. Learning to manage your own time is a crucial part of succeeding in college. Don't rely on external reminders from professors to keep track of your assignments; be proactive and use your syllabus (as well as other class resources like Blackboard) to stay on top of things.
• Go to tutoring before you're struggling. It's a strength to get support, not a weakness. Don't be afraid to reach out for help!
• Go to office hours. Professors remember students who show up. It can lead to better understanding of course material, as well as future recommendations and connections. 
• Email like a professional. When reaching out to professors, always use your full name, class, and reason for emailing. Use email templates if you need a guide on how to write a professional email. Check out this great blog post from a professor on emails.
• Get involved, wisely. Join a club or two, but don't overwhelm your schedule!
• Remember that you belong here. Even if no one in your family has gone to college before -- especially if they haven't -- you are an important and valued member of the Syracuse University community. 
• Everyone feels overwhelmed sometimes. Lean on your support network and take advantage of university resources that are available to you as a student. 

This box contains important offices you may need while you are at Syracuse University, what they do, and their website information. 

Academic Advising - Helps you pick classes, choose a major, and make sure you’re on track to graduate. Don’t skip your appointments! This website lists the contact information for specific colleges' advising offices.

Bursar's Office - Processes your bill and takes your payments (tuition, fees, etc.). Think of it as the “college cashier.”

Career Services - Helps you find internships, jobs, and write résumés. They also do mock interviews and host career fairs.

Center for Learning and Student Success (aka CLASS) - Provides tutoring, study skills help, academic coaching, and other programming to support you in your academic journey.

Dean of Students - Responsible for a wide range of student-related matters outside of the classroom, including student conduct, outreach and support, and addressing student concerns. The Dean of Students leads the teams in Community Standards, Student Outreach and Support, Student Title IX Case Management and Student Remote Support Programs. 

Financial Aid Office - Helps you with FAFSA, scholarships, loans, and grants. Go here if you have questions about paying for school.

Intercultural Collective - Provides welcoming spaces and programs to promote and celebrate student belonging and our shared Orange values. 

Mental Health Services - Provided through the Barnes Center, SU offers mental health services such as counseling, workshops, and crisis care. Services are confidential and free.

Registrar's Office - Manages course registration, transcripts, enrollment verification, and graduation clearance.

Residential Living - Provides community building programs in the residence halls; helps with other housing needs like lock-outs, moves, and maintenance.

Student Outreach and Support - The Student Outreach and Support team helps students during their time at Syracuse University with individual support services for issues both in and out of the classroom. They can help student submit leave of absence requests, advise students in the University Student Conduct Process, and offer one-time emergency aid.

• Internship - Short-term, real-world job experience designed to help you build skills and connections. Some internships are paid, and some are unpaid. The Office of Career Services has some tips and tricks to finding internships here.
• Networking - Getting to know people in your job field or on campus. Many opportunities come through relationships.
• Mentor - Someone who’s “been there” and helps guide your journey. This can be a professor, staff member, or even an older student.
• CV (Curriculum Vitae) - Like a résumé, but longer and mostly used for academic or research jobs.

You’re not expected to know all this information when you arrive at college for your first semester, but you are expected to learn how to navigate it. However, there are people and resources available to help you every step of the way. The hidden curriculum becomes less hidden when you ask questions, build relationships, and advocate for yourself.