Students might finish the Fall 2020 semester as they complete their last final exam, but there is more to do before moving on to Spring 2021.  Here’s an Academic Advisor’s perspective on successfully finishing Fall 2020 and getting a head start on Spring 2021 success. 

Students should:

• Meet with their assigned Academic Advisor to discuss classes for Spring 2021 – this is required for all students who have earned fewer than 75 credit hours.
• Check the Registration Status link on the Registration tab in My Missouri State to see
  • Academic Advisor’s name
  • First possible registration date
  • Status of the advisor release to register
  • Any holds that must be cleared prior to registration (and contact information for how to clear the holds)
  • Any permissions that have been granted for Spring 2021 registration
• Register for Spring 2021 classes
  • Before leaving for the semester break if possible – easier access to resources for help if needed
  • Can make schedule changes through the first 5 class days of the semester
  • Contact their Academic Advisor if there are questions
• Check each class syllabus for information about Final Exams
  • Exam day, time, and location could be different than the normal class day, time, and location – even for online classes
  • It is important to know how the exam will be given to avoid any surprises on the exam day
  • If there are still questions – ask the teacher for clarification
• Be aware of Residence Hall policies and processes for the Thanksgiving break and semester break
• Check final grades for Fall 2020
  • Available in My Missouri State December 15, 2020
  • View Grades link on Student Tab, My Academic Record area
• Follow Up on any Final Grades that show unexpected results
  • Check Blackboard, but realize that Blackboard might not contain everything that goes into the final grade
  • Contact their teacher for clarification
  • Contact their Academic Advisor if there are questions
• Adjust the Spring 2021 class schedule if necessary – check for
  • Prerequisites that were not met by Fall 2020 final grades
  • Classes that could be repeated to improve the GPA
  • Any other questions – contact their Academic Advisor
• Check Missouri State email regularly during the semester break
  • Faculty and Staff appreciate the semester break as much as students, but the university remains open for part of that time while students are away.
  • Distribution of important information continues during the break.
• Use the semester break as a time to relax, reconnect with family and friends, and recharge for a successful Spring 2021

(submitted by Darren Wienberg, Academic Advisor, Academic Advising and Transfer Center)