Published on Sept. 29, 2022
Greetings Tigers, Supporters and Mizzou Family.
During this edition of the Director’s Corner, I wanted to accomplish three goals:
- Draw attention to Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15—10/15)
- Provide information about Sickle Cell Disease
- Provide study tips to get you ready for your first round of exams of the semester
Hispanic Heritage Month
- Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationally each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
- This month recognizes the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.
- It’s all about celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
- According to the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM), this Year’s National theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation”.
- Click here to see a schedule of events and programs taking place on MU’s campus.
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic condition that affects the body’s red blood cells. It occurs when a child receives two sickle cell genes — one from each parent. In someone living with this disease, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”. Sickle cell disease is not contagious, and there is no universal cure.
- The Facts:
- About 1 in 13 African Americans carry the sickle cell trait, and many do not know they have it.
- Latinos have the second most common incidence in the U.S.
- An estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. have SCD.
- Approximately 2,000 babies are born with SCD annually in the U.S.
- On average, diagnosis is made at birth.
- People of many ethnic backgrounds can have SCD.
Study Tips
Judging by the traffic seen on the main floor of the Student Success Center, I thought it would be appropriate to share a few helpful study tips for this point in the semester.
- Read. Read. READ!
- Read the material thoroughly before class. Read it all again after class.
- Attend every class.
- If you miss, get ahold of a peer from the class for the notes. It’s never a good idea to ask your professor “did I miss anything?” — because you did!
- Listen and take notes by hand (unless otherwise prevented).
- Research has shown that taking notes by hand is a far better learning strategy than doing so on a laptop computer. When taking notes by hand you are forced to hear, think, summarize, and write — each of which engages your brain and body differently and more comprehensively than typing on a keyboard. But, by all means, do whatever your physical situation requires.
- Participate and ask questions.
- Participate in class discussions and don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re unclear about something or if you have an interesting thought or idea. You never know but your question or comment may make or break the class for another student. If you tend to be quiet in class, that’s fine, but your professor might call on you from time to time so be ready.
- Discuss course subject with others.
- Talk with your peers about what you’re learning, what you’re confused about, and what you’re interested in. You may be able to help one another.
- Create a study group.
- Share notes and insights. You may have missed something your peer took notes on.
- Review, Rewrite, and Summarize your notes.
- It’s a good idea to periodically review, rewrite and summarize your notes throughout the term and reread the course material. More exposure, review, revision, and condensation of your notes makes for better retention and recall.
- Plan ahead.
- Time management and organization is crucial in staying on top of your assignments. Plan ahead for discussions and assignments so that you have time to prepare and revise assignments before turning them in.
- Take advantage of campus resources.
- Utilize resources available to you like your instructor, the Center for Academic Success & Excellence (CASE), the Writing Center, the MU Learning Center, Study Plan Consultants and Tiger Tutors — all housed at the Student Success Center!
Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of Director’s Corner. I hope you found it informative.
Wishing you all the Best!
#WeAreCASE
E. Andre Thorn, Ph.D
Director, Center for Academic Success & Excellence (CASE)
“Serving Students Since 1995”
110 Student Success Center, 909 Lowry Mall
Columbia, MO 65211
P: 573-882-9208
F: 573-884-4353
www.case.missouri.edu
Indigenous Peoples and Lands Acknowledgement:
I would like to acknowledge that I work in what is colonially known as “Missouri,” and that these were the homelands of the tribal nations of the Nutachi (Missouria), Jiwere (Otoe), Wahzhazhe (Osage), Ogáxpa (Quapaw), Chikasha (Chickasaw), Illini, and Báxoǰe (Ioway), among others.