A few weeks ago, one of my colleagues asked the class if they had read the paper. One person raised her hand in class that morning. And, unfortunately it was me. Yes, in a class of 240 people the other professor had read the article that was referred to. I suppose reading the paper by 10:30 am on a TWF morning is early for most undergrads. And, that for most they would be scanning papers and blogs on line during lunch or in the evening.

Paying attention to the news is a germinal part of being involved in the democratic process and politics in a more grass roots sense. Keep abreast of current politics.

This post was solely going to be about study skills, but then I logged in and didn't see my tweets. Instead I had the tweets of some 20 year old gym rat. Go figure.

OK. I'm fielding lots of emails and queries about what to study, how to study, and other related points. My first response is always review the syllabus. Students should read the materials prior to lecture, attend lecture, and then review their notes and amend as needed. Your books should also get some wear and tear from your use of pens/highlighters and post it notes. This is your conditioning prior to the mid-term.

The other thing to keep in mind is that you must manage your time well. I suggest working in hour increments for each class, so that you can stay on top of your studies for all 3-5 classes that you're taking this term at UVIC. The other thing that you can do is go to your professor's office hours and ask questions. Also attend the tutorials and participate in the discussions.

We're at the end of week two at the Uni and lots of things are going on in the classroom, on campus, and around us. It looks like BC is in for economic belt tightening due to financial crisis. It also looks like the US Congress and the nation as a whole is continuing to hotly discuss HCR. All of this-Uni stuff and Am Pol is keeping me busy.

The first thing I would like to discuss actually combines a bit of all my courses and interests. Community building is important to our sense of belonging. I was speechless for a second when I walked into the extra credit opportunity for 103. Usually 5-10 of students show up for extra credit events, but more than 1/3 of the 103 students were there. Wow. For some students the extra point toward an assignment was key and I'm hopeful that for a few others they wanted to feel like part of the 103 (or Political Science) community.

Likewise, in the US right now the lines are drawn (multiple lines and not a mere binary) regarding HCR. The GOP is using some interesting performative tactics with marches, dancing, and other displays. While the Democrats appear to be in respond mode at this minute. This will continue to be something worth watching.

Week two, check.

I'm going to enjoy a sunny Victoria day...

For all the college students: This next week is important to your health. It's usually in about two weeks when so many of you begin to get those pesky Fall colds and the flu. This next week--come to class, eat right, get enough sleep, and try your best to enjoy your courses and this time in your life--in moderation.

That said, hopefully your first week went well an you're getting your bearings for which courses you'll like and the amount of work you'll have for this year. I've been really pleased with the three courses that I'm teaching this term. I've met lots of new students and see familiar faces peppered in all three courses.

I've been quite pleased with a fair number of students who I've chatted with via email or during office hours. Many of you seem keen about this new term. I appreciate the energy that the Fall term brings. I have mixed feelings about having to do certain things. I don't enjoy having to point out to students to pay attention or not distract their classmates with idle chatter during lecture, but sometimes this happens. Just like I have to remember that there are only a certain number of hours in the day.

With that in mind, the undergraduate advisors have decided that we will hold office hours to best serve students. My office hours for advising questions are: Mon and Tues 1:30-2:30. If this changes, I'll post on the blog as well as via Moodle or listserv email to each course. I do prefer to do advising face to face or via email. Phone calls don't work as well for me for two reasons: one they never are at a convenient time--I'm usually on my way to class, a meeting, an errand, or have a student in my office. Also, it's awkward, but I'm also having issues using the phone and typing or writing ever since my car accident.

All that said, have a great second week of the term.

The new term begins in two days. This last week flew by, but I do have a few comments. It's been great to see the proud parents and happy (apprehensive) first year students around campus and Tuscany Village.

Welcome back continuing students! I hope that we all have a great term and that few of us contract H1N1 or any other pesky colds/illnesses.

How to have a great term: attend class, take notes, keep up with the reading, spend time with your friends, eat right, get enough sleep and most of all enjoy the term. It's easy to get stressed out about what you have to do. I suggest that you break up your study time in increments of 60-90 minutes, so that you can keep a handle on the amount of reading that we require (expect) you to do in your courses. I also encourage you to get to know your profs and TA's--attend class, ask good questions, and go to office hours with any questions or just to check in.

I've had five students come by during the last week to introduce themselves to me. This is a first--prior to the term. I also had the opportunity to meet some parents and students around campus this week and even at my daughters' school. I heard "Political Science" and politely interjected and passed my business card on to one of the parents. (The UVIC student was in residence, but mom, dad, and sibling were at the Middle school.

What I look forward to: I saw lots of my former students convocate this last June, so there are lots of new students to meet. I look forward to the first day. I walk in excited and hit the ground running. Don't be surprised--after I review the syll, I will commence lecturing.

See you this week,
Prof. JA