As we begin to approach the midterm period, you will notice that assignments and projects are beginning to pile up, along with your stress levels. It is important that you try to maintain a sense of balance during the coming weeks for the sake of both your mental health and your GPA!
Remember that part of maintaining your health requires you to lift your nose out of the books and make time for relaxation and socializing, in moderation and safely distanced, of course. We are now firmly into autumn and quickly approaching peak [leaf] colors so get your scarf and get outside!
RESOURCES FOR YOUR ACADEMIC HEALTH
We are just about 25% through the semester. Time flies when you are having fun! By now you have had enough time to self-evaluate your course performance. Now is a good time to check your grades. Even if you are worried they will be terrible, it is important to know where you actually stand as we move into the mid-term period so that you can respond appropriately for the rest of the semester.
If things are going well-- keep doing what you're doing! If things are not going as well as you had hoped, talk to your instructors and get feedback on how you can improve. Your instructor will know better than anyone how you can improve in their class. Listen to their advice and take action on the things they mention. Your instructors really do want to help you but to do that, you also need to make the choice to help yourself.
If you need academic help, Stout has a number of resources available to students, please be sure to use them before it's too late!
WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center offers free help to students with writing assignments for any class. Writers of all skill levels are welcome!
Each visit to the Center is confidential and will address students’ individual concerns or needs. Tutors won't edit or proofread student papers. Rather, tutors will work with students to develop skills, strategies, and confidence to improve their writing.
PREPARE FOR ADVISEMENT APPOINTMENTS
If you have the opportunity to meet with an advisor, you should be prepared for your appointment. Advising appointments are a chance to receive one-on-one advice and to prepare yourself for academic success in the future.
Be an active participant in your academic success by attending your advising appointments with questions and an interest in helping yourself. Your advisor probably doesn't know everything about you so if you have questions, or need to know certain information, don't expect them to read your mind; instead, ask them so that you can get the information you need and move forward with confidence.
TUTORS ARE YOUR FRIENDS
If you are finding certain classes difficult, be sure to ask the instructor about tutoring options. Many departments will have tutoring hours available for students to stop in and get extra help. Tutors are typically students who have already taken your class and performed well in it-- they can be one of your best campus resources!
ACADEMIC RESOURCE COUNSELORS (ARCs)
If you live in University Housing, use your ARCs, they are there to help you navigate Stout's academic resources!
CALCULATING YOUR GPA
This is one of the most difficult adjustments for international students so if you do not know how to calculate your GPA, know that you are not alone! But it is easier than you think. This calculator is a good tool for you to see your current GPA. You can also review Stout's grade weights here.
Autumn is a most beautiful time of year in Wisconsin. We urge you to get outside and take in some of the spectacular fall colors and autumnal activites before this short season is over. Here are some suggestions for things to do in the coming weeks:
GO LEAF PEEPING!
Leaf peeping (v): an informal term in the United States for the activity in which people travel to view and photograph the fall foliage in areas where leaves change colors in autumn, particularly in northern New England and the upper Midwest.
HOFFMAN HILLS: Located a short drive outside of Menomonie, the park’s 60-foot observation tower is a couple miles from the parking lot on one of the highest points in Dunn County. Find it here.
DEVILS PUNCHBOWL: Devil's Punchbowl is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Bonus: you can easily reach it by bike! Find it here.
RED CEDAR STATE TRAIL: Located very close to campus, the Red Cedar State Trail is a must-visit. You can access the trail from the lot next to Lucetter Brewing Company.
STOKKE TRAIL: The Stokke Trail is much shorter than the Red Cedar State Trail and begins right across the street from it. Like the RCST, the trail follows the Red Cedar River and is a great place to stretch your legs and take in the colors. Find it here.
CHECK THE FALL COLOR REPORT: The fall colors can be here one minute and gone the next. Check the fall color report to see when you the 'peak colors' are going to be on display. Menomonie is predicting peak colors during the second week of October (that's this week)! View Fall Color Report here: https://www.travelwisconsin.com/fall-color-report
VISIT AN ORCHARD OR PUMPKIN PATCH
Another great activity this time of year is to go apple picking or visit a pumpkin patch. If this takes your fancy, be sure to check the websites for the nearest vendors before visiting.
Halloween is just around the corner and you would be remiss if you did not take advantage of some of the local Fall and Halloween activities that crop up this time of year. Here are some suggestions:
VISIT A CORN MAZE: Corn mazes aren't in inherently scary but places for corn mazes often have a tame version and a "haunted" version. The haunted version is the maze but with people dressed up and hiding in the maze. It's like if a corn maze and a haunted house had a baby. Govin's Farm, located just outside of Menomonie, has a corn maze AND a "Haunted Trail".
Whether you go for a scare or just a challenge, corn mazes are a great Midwestern tradition and are not to be missed!
