ISSUE FOCUS:
STAY ON TRACK

 
You already know that completing your higher education is important to your future. But did you know that the majority of public colleges graduate less than 50 percent of full-time students in four years? When it comes to higher education in the United States, it has become the “accepted standard” to measure graduation rates at four-year colleges on a six-year time frame. That fact should be a wake-up call that prompts us to take another look at the advantages of sticking to the traditional four-year time frame.
 
Of course, there are good reasons — finances and family obligations among them — why students may need to take a temporary break from their studies. But if you can finish your degree in a timely fashion, you can expect many benefits — and avoid some hidden costs of delaying graduation. Here are some tips, tricks, and resources to help you meet your academic goals. READ MORE
> Pathfinder: Resources and More
 
Resources for AISES Members

Reminder for AISES members: When you graduate from college and enter the professional world, your AISES family will recognize your achievement with something special: a complimentary AISES membership at the professional level for one full year. To find out more, email Lisa Paz, lpaz@aises.org. And congratulations!

Online Resources

Join IBM. Make an impact.

Join us and be part of a diverse and global team of thinkers and doers — people who want to make an impact, cultivate their expertise and collaborate with some of the world’s top business and technology professionals. Learn More

Experience the Power of I.

Franklin Dollar, Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy at UCI, rose from humble beginnings on a Northern California Indian reservation with great support from mentors, the UC system, and NSF. Now he’s giving back, opening doors to high-tech research and education for underserved students. Experience the Power of I. Learn More.
> First Step: Know the Hurdles on Your Track to a Timely Diploma 

The first step to getting that degree on time is to identify the obstacles you are facing. Then when you know what you’re up against, you can create a strategy for meeting those challenges. Making a list of problems and possible resolutions is a simple method for visualizing your way to success. Whether you lost credits through transferring, the courses you need to take are unavailable, or you haven’t been taking the necessary number of credits to graduate on schedule, there are solutions. Plan to take summer or online courses, either at your school or another institution. Just be sure to confirm with your advisor that these courses will count toward your degree requirements.
 
> Do’s and Don’ts for Staying on Track to Graduation
 
Do
  • Choose a major in a field you are passionate about
  • Establish positive study habits that work for you
  • Ask for help when you need it
  • Know and use on-campus resources
  • Utilize the tutoring or writing center at your school
  • Meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester
  • Form a solid support group of peers and mentors
  • Explore career resources both on and off campus
  • Understand your loans and keep track of your tuition expenses and other finances
Don't
  • Be afraid to explore other options if you find that your major or a class isn’t for you
  • Make uninformed choices regarding your education
  • Feel like you need to do this alone
  • Put off career planning — talk to someone from career services before it comes time to graduate
  • Procrastinate on large (or small) assignments
NEWS FROM AISES

Apply Now for an AISES Scholarship 
Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000 a year. Applications are due May 1.

Accepting Nominations for a General Election to the AISES Board 
AISES members in good standing are eligible to nominate or be nominated. Nominations due June 1.

Accepting Research Proposals for the National Conference 
Calling all students and professionals who would like to present their STEM research at the 2017 National Conference.

Professional Awards Call for Nominations
Professional Awards nominations due June 30.

AISES Membership Drive 
Take advantage of Membership Drive rates to sign up or renew as a member. Discounted membership rates are valid through April 30.  
SAVE THE DATE
 
June 23-24

2017 AISES National Conference
September 21-23

 
 
 

 
 
OUR MISSION: To substantially increase the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, First Nations, and other indigenous peoples of North America in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.
 
Winds of Change is published exclusively by AISES Publishing Inc.