- Academic struggles are normal (and survivable).
- Asking for help early is one of the strongest strategies for success in college.
- Changing majors early is OK—and often beneficial.
- Credit momentum matters and supports on-time graduation.
- Just showing up (to class) is more than half the battle.
- It takes time and effort to "find your people."
- Resources
Academic struggles are normal (and survivable).
Many students who graduate from the UO experience a tough term, a low GPA, or even a failing grade along the way. What matters most is how students respond: seeking support early and strengthening study skills, time management, and communication over time.
Action steps: Check your grades and try to learn from missed answers. Go to office hours to review graded assignments and develop strategies to improve.
Asking for help early is one of the strongest strategies for success in college.
Students who connect with advisors, faculty, tutors, coaches, disability services (Accessible Education Center) for accommodations, and other campus staff are more likely to succeed academically and recover more quickly from challenges. Success in college isn’t a solo journey—relationships and support systems matter.
Action steps: Ask your advisor or faculty about the resources you can access for your different courses. Go to free tutoring (Tutoring and Academic Engagement Center or departmental) and attend office hours to get to know your faculty. If you are a student with a disability, connect with AEC!
Changing majors early is OK—and often beneficial.
Graduation rates for students who change majors in the first year is equal/higher than that for students who don’t change majors at all. Exploring and changing majors in the first year does not hurt graduation outcomes and can improve them. Finding the right major matters more than sticking with the first one.
Action steps: Think about your strengths and what you enjoy doing, and talk to advisors and faculty about your interests. Use core education to explore.
Credit momentum matters and supports on-time graduation.
Most entering students aim to graduate in four years, and staying on track each term—by taking about 15 credits and using campus support when needed—helps make that possible. It also builds confidence, supports steady progress, and keeps academic options open.
Action steps: Take at least 45 credits a year and connect with tutoring or academic coaching early in the term.
Just showing up (to class) is more than half the battle.
National research shows that class attendance is a better predictor of college grades than any other known factor, including standardized test scores, high school GPA, and study habits.
Action steps: Put your class schedule in your phone, use a planner, take notes, plan to do more course work outside of class than you spend in class, and try not to sit the back of the room.
It takes time and effort to “find your people.”
Many students worry at first about whether they belong, especially during the first few months. That feeling is common—and it usually improves as students join activities, build routines, ask for help, and keep showing up for connections over time.
Action steps: Show up to events or opportunities! Participate in a first-year experience, attend events and programs offered in Residence Halls, check out a club or student organizations early and often.