Congratulations to our newly accepted Johnson & Wales University Online (JWU Online) students! A new chapter of your life has just started or is starting soon. At JWU Online, we want you to succeed, accomplish the goals that you’ve set your mind to and provide dedicated support every step of the way. Whether you’re returning to school after some time, transferring from a previous institution or are starting your educational journey for the first time, continue reading to learn more about how to get ready for your JWU Online experience.
Prepare in Advance
As a JWU Online student, you’ll receive access to your classes three days prior to each start date. This is a great opportunity to get a head start by reviewing the syllabus, starting course assignments and getting familiar with the learning platform. As you adjust to your new schedule, preparing yourself to complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner is essential. Don’t wait to start coursework on the day it’s due – start in advance and set yourself up for success.
Advice From Current Students ⬇️
“One thing I’ve learned after taking online classes for a while is to start early. As soon as I know what my course is and I can see the first assignment, I get started. Getting a jump on things has helped me stay organized, keep up with everything and stay ahead of the game. It’s made my online learning experience so much less stressful.” – Bridgette Lottihall
“Start work early! The classes open 3 days prior to the official start date. This is a great time to get ahead of the assignments.” – Mallory Beagan
It’s also important that you check the Online community group in jwuLink. This platform is exclusively for JWU Online students, where you’ll receive important date reminders, announcements and news. This platform also gives you the opportunity to network with other Online students through interactive posts and comments.
Ask for Help
We know that starting this new chapter can be nerve-racking, but at JWU Online we offer dedicated support services to ensure you have the resources you need to succeed. Whether you need a refresher on your Excel skills, are looking for guidance on citation formatting or are unsure of how to register for your classes, our team is here to help.
Your dedicated Academic Advisor is a valuable resource throughout your academic journey. They’ll work with you one-on-one from enrollment to graduation, helping to answer your questions, direct you to the appropriate resource, assist in course registration and more! Don’t hesitate to utilize the support services at JWU.
Advice From Current Students ⬇️
“Always reach out to your advisor if you need extra support for clarification on present or future courses, and assistance with communicating with your professor. That’s what they’re for.” – Carolyn Dawson
Stay Organized
While your courses can be completed at your own pace, it’s important that you meet your assignment deadlines. Your work environment matters, which is why creating a workspace that’s designed to fit your needs is helpful. Your workspace will encourage you to complete your assignments, remain focused and work efficiently.
Additionally, tracking your assignments’ deadlines — whether via a digital calendar or a written planner — will help you avoid turning work in late, missing assignments and falling behind. Staying organized throughout each term helps create a streamlined process for completing assignments that prioritizes productivity and motivation.
Advice From Current Students ⬇️
“Since recently completing my fourth class, I’ve created a process that helps me stay on track throughout my course. Once classes open, I read the syllabus twice. The first time, I just simply read it to make sure I understand the course expectations and outcomes. Then I’ll reread the syllabus again and write down all of the assignment deadlines — both monthly and weekly. The monthly calendar gives me an overview of what’s upcoming, and the weekly schedule allows me to plan how I divide my coursework each week. After being out of school for three years while balancing a full-time position and personal life, this process helps me to stay organized and on track.” – Current JWU Online Student
Advice From Dedicated Staff
We connected with Diane McCrohan, Academic Program Director, for her best pieces of advice for new students. See how she suggests students prepare and maintain academic excellence from start to finish:
Start with the Syllabus
The syllabus provides key information for the course, so it’s essential that you review it prior to the start of each term and note the following information:
- Review the professor’s contact Information to learn the best way to reach them. It’s also important to make note of their virtual office hours in case you need to meet with them in the future.
- Understand the Late Policy to see if you can submit late work and learn what will happen if you miss an assignment.
- Review Evaluation Criteria to know how each assignment counts towards your final grade.
- Review the Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy to find out if AI is allowed within the course.
- Check assignment deadlines and add these dates to your calendar to help you stay on track.
Know When to Contact Your Professor
- If you start to fall behind in your course, reach out right away to your professor. They want you to succeed and will work with you to make sure you have the support you need.
Textbooks
- Always buy the textbook – this is your key to success.
Start Your Journey Strong
With hard work and dedication, you can achieve the goal you’ve set your mind too. Stay focused, ask for help when needed and remain organized to ensure you are setting yourself up for success. Earning your degree is helping you take the next step in your professional journey, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish!
Interested in an online degree from JWU Online?
If you are interested in learning more about earning a degree at JWU Online, we can help you get started. Explore our wide range of programs, complete our brief Request Information form, submit an application or contact our admissions team directly at [email protected].