Academic Counseling and Registration Session for 13th Platoon

• Advisors:– Associate Professor Paul Miller, Naval Architecture

and Ocean Engineering (Group 1)– Associate Professor Catherine O’Neil – Language

Studies (Group 3)

• Goals for this Session (first of two before classes start)– Intros, course choices, validations, academic

opportunities

ACR Session

• Validation questions for department representatives - 1425-1445

• Plebe Academic Advising Sheet– Varsity Sports – time commitment– ECA – typically less time commitment– Majors – “Engineering”, “Math/Science”,

“Hum/SS” or more specific, e.g. “Russian”, “Aero”

USNA Academics

• Similar to civilian schools, same accreditation, similar academic workload and difficulty to Ivy League schools, fewer hours available to study, so more challenging…

• But, more resources available!• The trick is “time management”!

Validations and Credit Hours

• Due to a high exam score or grade (AP, placement, transcript) you may opt to not take that course if it is required in your major matrix.

• You may still take it and get credit.• You still need to have at least 15 credits/semester

and 139-145 credits to graduate.• Credits are abbreviated as Lecture Hours-Lab Hours-

Credit Hours per week (e.g. 3-0-3 or 2-2-3 or 3-2-4 or…)

TYPICAL PLEBE YEARFALL SPRING

SM121 4 CR

Calculus ISM122 4 CR

Calculus IISC111 4 CR

Chemistry ISC112 4 CR

Chemistry IIHE111 3 CR

English IHE112 3 CR

English IIFP130 3 CR

U.S. GovernmentHH104 3 CR

U.S. Naval HistoryNS101 2 CR

SeamanshipNN101 2 CR

Intro to NavigationNL110 2 CR

Prepare to LeadNL110 2 CR

Prepare to LeadPE101/PE111 0 CR

Physical EducationPE102 0 CR

Physical Education

18/16 Credit Hours 18/16 Credit Hours

MATHEMATICS (SM)FALL SPRING

SM005 4-1-4

Pre-Calculus Mathematics

SM121A 4-1-4

Calculus & Analytic Geometry I

SM121A 4-1-4

Calculus & Analytic Geometry I with Trigonometry

SM122A 4-1-4

Calculus & Analytic Geometry II with Laboratory Study Period

SM121 4-0-4

Calculus & Analytic Geometry I

SM122 4-0-4

Calculus & Analytic Geometry II

SM131 3-0-3

Calculus & Analytic Geometry I

SM122 4-0-4

Calculus & Analytic Geometry II

SM161 5-0-5

Calculus I with Computers

SM162 5-0-5

Calculus II with Computers

SM122 4-0-4

Calculus and Analytic Geometry II

SM221 4-0-4

Calculus III with Vector Fields

SM221P 4-0-4

Calculus III with Vector Fields

(Plebes Only)

SM212P 4-0-4

Differential Equations

(Plebes Only)

Chemistry (SC)

FALL SPRINGSC111 3-2-4

Foundations of Chemistry ISC112 3-2-4

Foundations of Chemistry II

SC151 3-2-4

Modern Chemistry(Course for One Semester Validators)

No Specific Follow-On Course

Possibilities Are: HH215P, FP210, FP220, FP230, HE217, FE210M, FE210,

SI204, SP211P, FL___

ENGLISH (HE)

FALL SPRINGHE101 3-0-3

Practical WritingHE111W 3-0-3

Rhetoric and Intro to Literature IHE111 3-0-3

Rhetoric and Intro to Literature IHE112 3-0-3

Rhetoric and Intro to Literature II

HE111S 3-0-3

Rhetoric and Intro to Literature I(Honors course for those who almost validate)

HE112S 3-0-3

Rhetoric and Intro to Literature II(Follow-On Course to HE111S)

HE112V 3-0-3

Rhetoric and Intro to Literature II(Course for One Semester Validators)

No Specific Follow-On Course

Possibilities Are:HH215P , FP210, FP220, FP230, HE217,

FE210M, FE210, SI204, FL___

LEADERSHIP, ETHICS, LAW (NL)SEAMANSHIP, NAVIGATION (NS/NN)

POLITICAL SCIENCE (FP)HISTORY (HH)

FALL SPRINGNL110 2-0-2

Approximately Half the Plebe Class

Prepare to Lead

NL110 2-0-2

Approximately Half the Plebe Class

Prepare to Lead

NS101 1-2-2

SeamanshipNN101 1-2-2

Intro to Navigation

FP130 3-0-3

U. S. Government and Constitutional Development

HH104 3-0-3

American Naval History

FIRST SEMESTER COURSES - CLASS OF 2014Most of the courses that a plebe is likely to encounter in his/her first semester

at the Naval Academy are described in the following list.

Department or Division

Course Number Credit

Course Description

Mathematics SM005 4-1-4 Pre-calculus Mathematics. A pre-calculus course for those who need more preparation in algebra and trigonometry. Summer school is required. SM005 counts as a free elective (in matrices where there is a free elective).

SM121A 4-1-4 Calculus and Analytic Geometry with Trigonometry I. A first calculus course for those who have not had a significant amount of calculus. An extra hour is added for reinforcement in trigonometry.

SM121 4-0-4 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I. A first calculus course for those who have not had a significant amount of calculus and have a good background in pre-calculus mathematics.

SM131 3-0-3 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I. A first calculus course for those who have had a significant amount of calculus and prior differential calculus skills and almost validated one semester of calculus.

SM161 5-0-5 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I with Computers. A first calculus course which integrates calculus and computer programming. Completion of SM161 and SM162 count as a free elective (in matrices where there is a free elective).

SM122 4-0-4 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II. A second calculus course for one semester validators.

SM122S 4-0-4 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II. A second calculus course for one semester validators with particularly good mathematic skills.

Department or Division

Course Number Credit

Course Description

Mathematics (Con’t) SM221P 4-0-4 Calculus and Analytic Geometry III. A third calculus course for two semester validators.

SM212

Or

SM222 4-0-4

Differential equations. Required of majors in most technical disciplines.

Differential equations with matrices. Intended for mathematics and quantitative economics majors.

SM481 1-0-1 Mathematics Problem Solving. This one credit course is for plebe volunteers with an extensive mathematical background.

Chemistry SC111 3-2-4 Foundations of Chemistry I. A first college level course in chemistry.

SC151 3-2-4 Modern Chemistry. A one semester course which satisfies the plebe chemistry requirements for those who are well prepared in chemistry but are unable to validate for a full year.

Physics SP211 3-2-4 General Physics. A first college-level course in physics.

SP221 3-2-4 Physical Mechanics. A first college-level calculus-based physics course. Primarily for physics majors and others seeking a deeper understanding.

English HE101 3-0-3 Practical Writing. For those whose writing skills need reinforcement prior to taking HE111W & HE112W.

HE111 3-0-3 Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature I. Stresses writing of rhetorically effective and grammatically correct expository prose. Reading includes essays, short stories, and plays.

First Semester Courses - Class of 2014 Continued

Department or Division

Course Number Credit

Course Description

English (con’t) HE111S 3-0-3 Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature I. An honors level course for those who have well-developed writing skills.

HE112V 3-0-3 Rhetoric and Introduction to Literature II. A continuation of HE111 for one semester validators. Readings include novels and poetry.

History HH104 3-0-3

HH104X 3-0-3

American Naval History. The history of American sea power

Same course for International Plebes fall semester.

Political Science FP130 3-0-3 U.S. Government and Constitutional Development. A study of American democracy and the structure and function of its government and the Constitution that midshipmen take an oath to defend.

FP130X 3-0-3Only offered spring semester

The basic concepts of American democracy and the Constitution placed in comparative context for midshipmen from foreign countries.

Leadership NL110 2-0-2 Preparing to Lead. An introduction to the fundamentals of self-leadership, in the context of theories and principles of individual and group leadership.

Seamanship NS101 1-2-2 Fundamentals of Seamanship. Provides basic maritime background in general ship characteristics, ship handling and Rules of the Road. Includes at-sea labs on YPs.

Languages & Cultures

FLXXX 3-0-3 Here is to be found a large collection of courses in Arabic (FA), Chinese (FC), French (FF), German (FG), Japanese (FJ), Russian (FR), and Spanish (FS), from the beginning level to advanced readings in literature for foreign cultures.

FX101 3-0-3 English for non-native speakers. This core course for foreign midshipmen replaces HE111. The course emphasizes writing and American culture and values.

First Semester Courses - Class of 2014 Continued

Fall Semester Course Spring Semester Course Summer School

SM005 SM121A Yes

SM121A SM122A

SM121 SM122

SM131 SM122

SM161 SM162

SM122 SM221

SM122S SM221S

SM221P SM212P (Preferred)

SM212 or SM222 No Follow-On Course

SM481 (Math Problem Solving) No Follow-On Course

SC111 SC112

SC151 HH215P (Preferred) or HE217, FP210, FP220, FP230, FE201M, FE210, SI204/SP211P, FL___

HE101 HE111W No

HE111 HE112

HE111S HE112S

FX101 FX102

HE112V HH215P (Preferred) or HE217, FP210, FP220, FP230, FE201M, FE210, SI204, FL___

FP130 HH104

HH104

HH104X

FP130

FP130X

NL110 NL110 (Approximately Half the Class Each Semester)

NS101 NN101

FLXXX FLXXX

PE101 PE102

PE111 PE102

PRE-REGISTRATION 2014

Questions?

• Talk to Squad Leader if urgent (validations, course selection) and ask them to get you in contact with us.

• Or, see you in a week!• Stay cool!

Academic Adivising Session for 13th Platoon

• Advisors:– Associate Professor Paul Miller, Naval Architecture

and Ocean Engineering (Group 1)– Associate Professor Catherine O’Neil – Language

Studies (Group 3)

Goals for Today

• Learn your fall semester schedules• Introduce Plebe Academic Handbook• Discuss academic expectations• Review strategies for academic success• Discuss where to go for help• Questions

MIDS

What can I use MIDS for?

• Pre-register and register for classes• Get your class schedule• Get your professors’ schedules• Get final exam schedule• Query grades and other academic info• Provide excusals for absences• Compare matrices for majors• Read MAPRs … and more!

Getting your Schedule

Your ScheduleMay say STAFF

May say STAFF

Lab TimeLab

TimeClass TimeClass Time

Class RoomClass Room

Lab Room

Lab Room

No scheduled

classes

No scheduled

classes

Schedule Codes

• Days of the Week– M = Monday– T = Tuesday– W = Wednesday– R = Thursday– F = Friday

• Buildings– CH = Chauvenet – LJ = Lejeune– LU = Luce– MD = Macdonough– MA = Mahan– MI = Michelson– MU = Maury– NI = Nimitz– RI = Rickover– SA = Sampson

Sampson Hall(English, History)

Sampson Hall(English, History)

Michelson Hall

(Chemistry)

Michelson Hall

(Chemistry)

Chauvenet Hall

(Math)

Chauvenet Hall

(Math)

Luce Hall(Leadership, Seamanship)

Luce Hall(Leadership, Seamanship)

Daily Schedule

Period Duration

1 0755-0845 2 0855-0945 3 0955-1045 4 1055-1145 5 1330-1420 6 1430-1520 7 1530-1620

8 0755-0910 9 0955-1110 10 1330-1445

Normal Academic

Day

75 min periods

2 = 3 hrs/wk

Seldom used(some long labs)

Weekly Calendar View

Caution

• Schedules can change right up to the first day of classes.

• Use MIDS to check on your schedule just before classes begin.

Questions about Schedules?

• In what building do Math classes meet?

• In what building do English classes meet?

• What is one of your 3-hour courses?

• What is one of your 4-hour courses?

• How many “open” periods do you have in a week?

Help available!

Help available!

Info available!

Info available!

Plebe Academic Handbook

• Academic Calendar, inside front cover

– Preregistration, 14 – 18 Sep– Academic Reserve (Exam) Periods – 6 and 12 week grade submission dates– Registration 23, Nov – 12 Dec

• Academic departments, locations and phone numbers, pgs. 2 – 3

• Validation, pg. 7

• Help with academic problems, pgs. 7 – 9

Plebe Academic Handbook

• Computers, pgs. 11 – 14

– Using MIDS – Getting help or getting it fixed

• Attendance Requirements, pg. 16

• Computation of Grades, pg. 16

• Academic Honors, Deficiencies, Academic Board, Special Opportunities pgs. 17 – 22

• USNA Statement on Plagiarism, pg. 23

How are Academics at USNA different from those in High School?

• More competition for your time.• Faster pace.• Higher expectations.

– Analytical or critical thinking skills– Writing skills– Mathematical skills

• Greater freedom to mess up.– More time between quizzes or major assignments– Professors expect you to be responsible

What do professors expect?• EFFORT!

– Be prepared for class (read ahead)– Turn in quality work (neat and on time)– Show interest (even if you fake it)– Show respect to professor and classmates– On-time and awake!

• Communication– About how to make up missed work– About what to do when you need help

What does my Professor Expect?

• Most will tell you on day 1• Pay attention to their stated preferences,

pet peeves, etc.• Read the Course Policy Statement for

information on– Course objectives, requirements, etc.– Homework Policy– Test Policy– Grading Policy

Course Policy Statements

ACDEANINST 1531.58:

• instructor/department grading policy• homework policy including collaboration• preference on formats • quizzes • departmental/instructor examinations• extra instruction procedures • classroom work • laboratory work (if applicable)• course objectives

Questions about Expectations?

• What does a section leader do?

• Can you drink or eat in class?

• Is it important to read your textbooks?

• Is your homework graded?

• What happens if you turn in an assignment late?

• How are your grades calculated?

Time Management

• So many things to do.

• So little time.

• So what?

Typical 4/C Weekly Schedule

NS101NS101

SC111SC111

FP130FP130

SM131SM131 NL110NL110 SM131SM131 SM131SM131

FP130FP130 FP130FP130

HE111HE111 HE111HE111 HE111HE111

SC111SC111 SC111SC111

SC111SC111

SC111SC111

NS101NS101

NS101NS101

NL110NL110

How many hours

should I be studying?

Guideline:2 hours for each hour in class.

When will I find the time?

Free Periods(10 hrs)

Study Pds(18 hrs)

Weekends(10 hrs)

Physical Mission PeriodPhysical Mission Period

Home Football Game

Home Football Game

Forrestal Lecture

Forrestal Lecture

19 hours in class.

Need ~ 38 study hours.

Basics of Time Management• To Do List

– Your memory will fail. Write assignments down.– Consolidate assignments onto one list. – Include the due dates.

• Daily calendar – Discipline yourself to use it. – Recurring events should be placed on the calendar

once.– Paper calendars have mobility advantages.

• Plan– Look at your To Do List and Calendar and plan when

you will accomplish the events on them. – Otherwise they are actually a waste of your time.

Strategies for Academic Success

http://intranet.usna.edu/AcCenter/documents.htm

Tips to Success at the U. S. Naval AcademyA Baker’s Dozen

1. Sit in the front row and pay attention in class.2. Start working hard the very first day. Don't fall behind.3. Stay awake. Stand if necessary.4. Do all the assignment before going to class skim for major points then read for details.5. Make sure you grasp basic concepts as you go along. Ask questions about what you don't understand.6. Participate in class. Don't let anything go by that you don't understand.7. Learn from questions asked by others. Pay attention to what is going on.8. Take good notes in class. Class notes help you understand what the professor wants.9. Be sure to copy down problem types and examples given in class.10. Organize your notes as soon as possible after class. Fill in the blanks.11. Arrange for extra instruction (EI) if you start falling behind or, as you become confused. Go at the first sign of difficulty.12. Study and review with others. Begin your review for exams at least one week before the exam date.13. Study subjects you like later than the ones you don't.

Problem Solving Courses

• Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Statics, Dynamics, EE, Boats, Steam, Weapons, Navigation….

• Rule 1: Always do your class assignments

• Rule 2: Be an active Participant during class

When all else fails, see Rule 1

Non-Problem Solving Courses

• History, Poly Sci, English, Leadership, Ethics, Naval Science

• SQ3R System– Survey– Question– Read– Recite– Review

Repeat

Questions about Study Skills

• How much should I study?• Where should I study?• What about group study?• Should I take notes? How?• How do I get EI?• How should I prepare for EI?• How should I prepare for tests?

What if I need help?

• Getting in trouble

• Getting back out

Academic Deficiency

• have a semester QPR below 1.50. • fail two or more courses in one semester. • fail any course after having failed two or more courses previously. • fail to earn a 2.00 in summer school. • fail to remove probation. • fail to fulfill any condition as prescribed by the Academic Board as

the result of a previous deficiency. • fail to successfully complete all requirements for graduation by the

end of that semester in which you are scheduled to graduate. • fall two or more courses behind the number of courses required by

the end of a given semester according to that major's matrix. • fail to achieve the required standards in prescribed summer training. • deficient in physical education at the end of a semester or receive

failing grades in conduct and military performance.• fail a remedial course such as HE101, SM005 or HE344.

Getting Help

• START EARLY — as soon as you think you need it.• EI — The first resort! Call, email or visit your professor.• Ask other mids — But don’t just copy their work.• MGSP — Group Study led by a mid. A process, not a quick fix.• Department Resources:

– Chemistry Resource Center: MI100– Math Lab: CH130– Writing Center: SAG20

• Academic Center– Plebe Intervention Program (by invitation)– Plebe Advising Program– Learning Skills Program– Extra Help Classes (Math, Chemistry, Physics)– Evening Tutoring

• Chaplains, MDC, Medical

What’s Next?

• Parents’ Weekend: 7 – 9 Aug• Computer Issue: 13 Aug• Majors Briefings: 17 – 19 Aug (and up to

March)• Classes Begin: 24 Aug• Pre-registration: 11 – 18 Sep

– You must meet with your advisor first to get approval for your spring courses

– We’ll be sending you email and arranging meetings, probably in the Company wardroom

Closing Thoughts!• This is your college

education.• You will need to

work hard but you can succeed.

• Your instructors are pulling for you.

• Get organized, challenge yourself and have some fun!