S-M-A-R-T Goals for the New Semester

S-M-A-R-T Goals for the New Semester

The start of a new semester is a great time to think about setting goals. The Office of Academic Advising would like to remind you of a strategy that we strongly support. Often, we encourage students to make use of S.M.A.R.T. goal setting! Not sure where to begin? Think of the acronym:

S-Specific
Being specific is helpful because it forces you to clearly define what is you want to do, why you want to do it, and how you are going to get it done. Specificity focuses your efforts, which is essential in the NYUCN program because there is a lot to do and not much time to get it all done. 

M-Measurable
Setting measurable goals is tied closely to your goal being specific. You want to ensure that you can have a means to measure progress and watch the change happen. Then, you can determine if the goal you set needs to be adjusted or if you were able to successfully complete it. For instance, when studying, you could include the chapter numbers as well as the number of pages you want to complete within a given time (ex. I will read pages 127-145 of chapter 7 in one hour).

A-Attainable
When setting goals you want to make sure that you are able to keep yourself motivated to continuously achieve. Setting goals that stretch you slightly is the best way to do it. If you set a goal that you know is unattainable you won't be motivated to achieve it--your commitment to the goal will be hard to maintain. In contrast, setting attainable goals helps you develop a skill set to make the impossible possible by way of small, measurable steps!

R-Realistic 
This is not to say that the goals you set should be easy. Much like setting attainable goals, your goals should also be realistic. You want to ensure that you are challenging yourself enough but that you also have the support in place, currently, to be able to meet the challenge/goal you set for yourself. Set goals for where you are and as you meet them, adjust them and set new goals.

T-Timely
Be sure that you set a clear time frame with an endpoint to work toward. Based on the goal, give yourself a period, one week, two weeks, etc. Make sure the time frame you choose is measurable, attainable, and realistic!


As you can see, many of the steps in this method are interrelated. They all work together to assist you in setting excellent goals so that you can  meet your mark and excel in school and in nursing.

If you have any questions about how to set your goals or develop study strategies to implement these steps, make an appointment with a member of the Advising team! We are here to help.

Good luck this semester! 

Study Away!

Be sure to think about our NYUCN Florence study away opportunity in January 2014! 

The College will be offering "Comparative Health Systems (NURSE-UN 1003), from January 4, 2014 - January 18, 2014, taught by Victoria Vaughan Dickson, PhD, RN, FAHA, and Gail D'Eramo Melkus, EdD,C-NP,FAAN.

Florence Winter 2014 Study Away Information Sessions: 
September 10 (4-5pm) and September 17 (6-7pm) 
726 Broadway, 10th Floor
Nursing Conference Center

For more information, please contact our Interim Student Affairs Officer, Titilayo Kuti at tok207@nyu.edu.

As always, be sure to talk to your Academic Advisor to discuss your cirriculum. Undergraduate students - if you're interested in January 2014 study away opportunities, contact your Academic Advisor.

Think About Bobst This Fall!

Thinking about where to study this Fall? Bobst Library may seem like a large, crowded, busy building to navigate but the staff and resources will prove very useful to you in your studies!

Explore the library to find a spot that you feel comfortable studying in on a regular basis and try to build a routine study schedule.

Soon, the hours for Fall 2013 semester can be found here: http://library.nyu.edu/about/access.html

Some convenient features brought to you by Bobst:

1) IM With a Librarian! Go to http://library.nyu.edu/ask/ and IM a Bobst libarian for help with finding a source, APA formatting, etc.
2) Group Study Rooms - Do you prefer to study with a group of classmates? Reserve a group study room here: http://library.nyu.edu/services/group_study.html
3) Take advantage of the Health Sciences Libraries too! Find more information here:  http://hsl.med.nyu.edu/
4) Use NYU RefWorks! This is a web-based tool, free of charge, that helps you manage and organize your research. Import references directly into a bibliography and save some time. Click here for more info.

There is a wealth of information on the library website. And don't forget, if you need help with time management or study skills - you can attend one of our workshops. Contact nursingadvising@nyu.edu for more information.

See you in the fall!

Academic Resource Center (ARC)

The Office of Academic Advising encourages you to get familiar with your campus resources. The Academic Resource Center is a great campus resource on the square. The new semester is almost upon us so you should check out the ARC website.

The New York University Academic Resource Center offers excellent services to the Traditional and Transfer undergraduate populations. Some of which include:

• Smart Bar
• Study Spaces
• Argo Tea Cafe
• Tutoring (in conjunction with the University Learning Center)

As a nursing student, you should feel free to communicate with the Office of Academic Advising and Learning Development if you are having an issue. We work very closely with the ARC and will be able to make a referral if needed. 

Feel free to contact nursingadvising@nyu.edu for additional questions or concerns.

Relax...It's Summer!

Relax...It's Summer!

The time between semesters provides you with an opportunity to step back from the demands of being a student and take a break.

You may find that spending this time with family and friends, traveling, or pursuing exciting off-campus activities is the best way to rejuvenate and return to begin the fall semester refreshed and energized.  Below are some tips from the Office of Academic Advising and Learning Development:

1) Reading for fun - Pick up a book that you have been wanting to read for pleasure but haven't found the time to because of all of your busy school work! Ask friends for recommendations or check out Good Reads.

2) Practice some relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation - This is a great time for you to relax and practice techniques to reduce stress before the upcoming semester. Many yoga studios offer donation-based classes. Search for them on Yelp! For more tips on relaxation techniques visit the Wellness Exchange.

3) Spend time with friends - Numerous studies show that a strong social support network benefits your ability to manage stress. So catch up with some old friends over a cup of coffee at your favorite local coffee shop, catch a movie, or go to the beach!

4) Exercise - Try getting into an exercise routine to help you relax and boost your mood. Find a gym buddy and try a pilates class or kickboxing. If you are staying local you have access to the gyms on campus - you can find the schedule at Palladium gym here.

These are just a few tips for relaxation during your summer break. The NYUCN Office of Academic Advising and Learning Development is open if you need anything, please contact nursingadvising@nyu.edu.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!