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A Three-Step Path to Online Course Success this Fall

Fall semester in college represents new beginnings. For those just starting college, it’s a wildly exciting time with some serious adjustments. For returning students, it’s a time to build on past success or move on from previous challenges.

In spite of all the advice you may receive, success really comes down to three simple things. And with USG eCampus (eCore and eMajor) online courses, you have committed partners in your instructor and support team.

Believe that You Will Succeed

The first step to success is to truly believe that you will succeed. No matter what courses lie ahead or what has happened in the past, envision yourself doing well. Research indicates that mindset is closely related to college success. And this sometimes means letting go of strategies that didn’t work for you in the past.

For example, if studying in your room proves to be too distracting, consider going to a library or a coffee shop. If waiting until the last minute to post an online discussion leads to you forgetting about it, shift to trying to be the first person to post in the class.

More than anything, move into this mindset before the semester starts. Even if you aren’t typically a highly-organized person, go ahead and create a simple master calendar that you will use for all of your due dates. And make a big impression early in the class by working a little bit harder before the semester becomes more difficult.

You’ll find that your initial success builds your confidence and brings on more success.

Reach Out to Your Instructor

USG eCampus instructors represent the best across Georgia’s 26 public colleges and universities. They are genuinely interested in your success, and want to get to know you.

If there is something you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask the instructor for clarification or help. Perhaps you anticipate needing an additional day or two on an assignment due to an unforeseen circumstance. Communicating your issue to your instructor should always be your first step.

Even when you are doing well, an occasional note or brief email to your instructor will help to build a valuable relationship. It’s important not to feel intimidated.

Beyond instructors, there are numerous other resources for students taking USG eCore or eMajor courses. You have access to free and friendly writing assistance and librarians in every class, as well as free online tutoring, and a student success team who always puts you first.

Turn in Your Work

While turning in your work seems like a given, one of the main reasons that students don’t succeed is that they simply miss too many assignments. Of course, it’s better to complete work well before the deadline. But turning in a decent (and original) effort at the last minute is far better than doing nothing at all.

Once you get into the habit of doing weekly discussions and quizzes (or assignments), you will find that this gets easier. Your instructor will also provide you with valuable feedback on what you are doing well and how you can build on your strengths.

While these three strategies seem unbelievably simple, they really can and will be the foundation to your success this fall.


USG eCampus is a service unit of the University System of Georgia that assists SACSCOC-accredited USG institutions in administering quality, affordable, high-demand, post-secondary online degrees and credentials that address the workplace needs of Georgia and beyond.

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By Austen Clay, anclay@ecampus.usg.edu

Media Contact: Katie Black, kblack@ecampus.usg.edu


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