Tips for Student Success
Attend all classes: Class attendance and class participation are essential for student success. Without regular class attendance and full participation, you may find yourself at a severe disadvantage. At Blinn College, class participation counts for up to 20% of your final grade.
Don't drop classes without speaking to your instructor: Your instructor is in a better position to determine your need to drop a class. Dropping classes could have severe financial and academic consequences. If you are on financial aid or are an international student, speak to those respective offices prior to dropping your class.
Choose the right course modality for you: For your convenience, Blinn College offers a variety of course modalities described below. Ensure that the class modalities you choose are a good fit for your learning strengths and life responsibilities.
| Description | Definition | What you need to know! |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Face-to-Face classes that take place on campus at a specific time and location. |
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| Live Online | Live classes are held at scheduled times using Zoom videoconference software. This method of instruction does not require students to be on-campus. |
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| Flex Online | All class content is posted online with no scheduled class sessions. This method of instruction does not require students to be on-campus. |
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| Blended | Students participate in Face-to-Face classes that take place on campus at a specific time and location. More than half of class content is posted online in eCampus. The eCampus portion of the class has no scheduled class sessions. |
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| Blended Zoom | Students participate in live classes held at scheduled times using Zoom videoconference software. More than half of class content is posted online in eCampus. The eCampus portion of the class has no scheduled class sessions. |
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| Interactive Video | Students participate in live classes held at scheduled times in specialized video classrooms. |
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Short-Semester Considerations: Shortened semesters, such as minimester, 4-week, 8-week, 12-week, and summer courses, cover the content of 16-week classes in a shorter timeframe. Do not underestimate the time required for shortened semester courses. They require a lot of planning and organizational skills on your part. Therefore, plan to:
- Take no more than two or three short-semester classes at a time.
- Create a balanced schedule that combines demanding classes along with ones in which you are more confident.
- Do additional work outside the class time.
- Have your books for the first day of class.
- Engage with the class immediately after the class starts. There is no “down time” in shortened semester formats.
- Maintain a calendar with due dates for exams and assignments.
- Communicate with your instructors; they are here to help you.
- Care for yourself. If you are under stress and feel overwhelmed, reach out to the College’s Counseling Services.
Academic Support Services
Blinn College offers a variety of free, on-demand, academic support for students.