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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.	In-class attendance is required. Students have immediate, face-to-face access to their instructor. Structured class schedule. An on-campus experience that allows for direct interaction with your classmates. With active participation and hands-on learning in the classroom, this format provides the best way to learn skills in class. On-campus services are available.
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.	Students are not required to come to campus. Must have a reliable computer with high-speed internet and continuous use of a webcam. Structured class schedule. Live Zoom class attendance is required. On-campus services are available.
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.	Students are not required to come to campus. Must have a reliable computer with high-speed internet and continuous use of a webcam. Students can access courses 24/7. Students are responsible for setting the pace of instruction to meet deadlines set by faculty. On-campus services are available. Regular online participation is required. This format is ideal for independent learners. On-campus services are available.
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.	In-class attendance is required during face-to-face class time. Must have a reliable computer with high-speed internet and continuous use of a webcam. Combines the structure of Traditional classes with the flexibility of Flex Online. Between 50% and 85% of instruction is Flex Online. On-campus services are available.
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.	Students are not required to come to campus. Must have a reliable computer with high-speed internet and continuous use of a webcam. Combines the structure of Live Online with the flexibility of Flex Online. Live Zoom class attendance is required. On-campus services are available.
Interactive Video	Students participate in live classes held at scheduled times in specialized video classrooms.	In-Class attendance is required. An on-campus experience that allows for direct interaction with your classmates. Structured class schedule. On-campus services are available.

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.