DECEMBER 2025
FRESHMEN
TIPS FOR CRITICAL LISTENING TRY THESE STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU GET MORE FROM YOUR LISTENING. Try to center yourself and feel open-minded with the intention of understanding. Feeling stressed will release cortisol in your body and turn off the part of your mind that stores information and thinks clearly. If you can’t focus, try taking a few deep breaths, holding 4 seconds between the inhale and exhale. Then take a drink of water. Try to repeat what the teacher says in your mind. Take notes in your own words and use visuals like small drawings or highlighters to help your brain store the information in different ways. Nod. Moving your head in agreement can engage you, especially if you learn best through movement. Make connections between what the teacher says and what you already know. If you can't make a connection, ask the teacher to make one. When you hear key phrases, write down the information that follows. If something doesn’t make sense, ask your teacher to clarify or explain it in a different way. Chances are, others have the same question. If you don’t feel comfortable asking during class, try catching your teacher afterward.
BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA AVOID SENDING INAPPROPRIATE TEXT MESSAGES THAT SOMEONE COULD SCREENSHOT AND POST Any pictures or texted conversations you send to someone could be shared with others. Don’t assume someone will be trustworthy and keep things confidential.
PLAN AHEAD, STRESS LESS ELIMINATE PROCRASTINATION AND GET STUFF DONE TO HELP YOU FREE UP YOUR WEEKENDS. Use this free version or low-cost digital Shovel Planner to help you do it all: schedule, plan, sync tasks, time manage, and reduce stress. Or these free printable planner sheets made just for you! Consistent attendance and small routines help you stay on track. It isn’t too late to turn it around if you have gotten behind. Use the break to get caught up and prepare for finals.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE COME TO THE ACE! Hours 8:00 am - 3:45 pm Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 3:00 p.m. Friday Academic Support and Drop-In Tutoring are available for all core classes, religion, and world language. Go to MyBellarmine, click on Resources > the ACE tile, and scroll to see the list of links. Tutoring support is the first link under resources listed as ACE Academic Support Everyone is welcome in the ACE!