In a rush or panic
Procrastination or life events, sometimes we end up in a rush or panic to complete an assignment or task.
When this happens,
- COMMUNICATE: Ask your professor for an extension. If you have a 'life happening' reason, explain your situation and provide documentation if possible. Sure, your professor may say 'no,' but it only takes a few minutes to (politely) ask. Even if your grade may be reduced for a late submission, it will likely be better than if you turned in rushed, incomplete, or plagiarized work.
- DO YOUR BEST, FORGET THE REST: Do what you can as well as you can - turning in an incomplete assignment is preferable to turning in a plagiarized assignment.
- SEEK HELP: If you need sources for your assignment, work with a librarian. Librarians will help you efficiently find quality, relevant sources, which will save you time.
Of course, planning ahead so that you do not find yourself in a rush or panic is best. Eckerd has many free resources to help:
- Center for Academic Excellence: Make an appointment with an academic coach to learn simple but effective study, time management and test-taking strategies. Be sure to check out the workshops on everything from surviving midterms to useful smartphone apps.
- Peer Mentoring: Peer mentors help incoming students transition to Eckerd College. A peer mentor is assigned to each section of Autumn Term, and the peer mentors work closely with the Bevan Center staff and faculty to help incoming students develop the academic skills they need to be successful and to find their niches among the Eckerd community.
- Writing Center: Open 24 hours a week, the Center is staffed by student consultants who can walk you through the writing process, from brainstorming to proofreading. The Center has 19 Macs for student use.
- Peer Tutoring: Peer tutoring is available in many subjects, including Behavioral Sciences, Communication, Computer Science, Foreign Language, Natural Sciences and Quantitative Sciences/Mathematics.
Motivation
- Lack of interest in the material
- If you can select your own topic for your paper/assignment, take the time upfront to discover a topic that interests you. Review the syllabus, visit your professor during office hours to discuss ideas (professors love this!), brainstorm with your classmates or friends, or meet with a librarian (librarians love this!).
- Sometimes, a particular course or assignment simply does not hold your interest. We've all been there. Try to incentivize yourself by offering a reward for completing the paper/assignment (or stages of the paper/assignment for larger projects). Reward ideas include: a sweet treat, a fun activity with friends, or an afternoon/day of rest.
Uncertainty in your own ideas
Many college students are hesitant to express ideas in their own words because they feel that they are not qualified - journal articles are written by professors and researchers with years of experience. It's normal for a first-year student to be hesitant to add their ideas to the conversation.
When this happens,
Keep practicing. You are learning how to be a scholar.
Talk through your ideas with a librarian. Meet with your professor during office hours. Seek out a peer mentor for advice.
Citation Problems
Many cases of plagiarism are unintentional, or accidental, because students do not know how to properly cite their sources.
When this happens,
Check out our Citation Styles Guide. Meet with a librarian. Schedule time with your professor during office hours. Set up an appointment at the Writing Center.
Challenges with Learning
There are many reasons you may feel unmotivated to put in the time or effort to complete an assignment, including:
- Mental health struggles often impact motivation and interest. Know that you are not alone. Counseling services are provided free of charge to all students currently enrolled in credit courses at Eckerd College.
- People who are neurodiverse often have unique and specific ways in which their motivation and interest are activated. Counseling services can help you learn ways to harness the power of your brain to succeed. These services are provided free of charge to all students currently enrolled in credit courses at Eckerd College.
