New and Prospective Students

This page is completely dedicated to new and/or prospective students! Here you will find answers to all sorts of questions regarding topics from the workload of A&P to how to manage your stress levels. 

Coursework

As a new student, you are probably interested in what you are getting yourself into, right? Well, here's what you can expect regarding coursework. Generally, each week you will be expected to watch a lecture video, complete a "Disease Me Discussion," which is just a post educating on a disorder that relates to our study for that specific week, reply to the DMD with at least two "Medicate Me Monday" replies, complete a lab activity simulation, lab homework assignment, and a weekly quiz over what you have learned in the chapter(s) you are covering that week. On occasion, you may have exams or other assignments to complete. It may sound like a lot (because it is!), but don't let this intimidate you. It all prepares you for whatever you want to do and as Dr. Clegg always says, "No learning is ever wasted!"

Course Delivery Formats

Face-to-Face: The face-to-face format is delivered within a classroom. It includes one or more components of lecture, lab, clinical, and/or internship. 

Online: Academic expectations for online classes are the same as face-to-face courses. Assignments are completed from a distance on a computer or mobile device. Online courses deliver quality instruction using multimedia tools including discussion boards, videos, textbooks, chat rooms, announcements, and webcasts. Tuition and financial aid eligibility are the same as face-to-face courses. Courses at NICC with Professor Clegg will utilize the online format! 

Hybrid: The hybrid format incorporates both online and face-to-face formats. In general, hybrid classes meet (at max) once a week. Over half of the course content is delivered online. 

Stress Relief

With all of that work to fulfill each week, you are bound to get stressed or anxious at some point. It happens to all of us and here are some of the best ways to relieve your anxieties ...

1. Take a break. Rather than scroll on your phone or laptop, go for a short walk to grab a healthy snack to refuel your body and mind. 

2. Make a to-do list. Organize your tasks by how urgent they need to be completed so everything is laid out. Start on one thing and only focus on that task until it is done.

3. Get up and stretch. It is easy to sit for hours upon hours and lose track of time when studying. Stretching can help alleviate some of the stress that is put on your body and can help get your mind off of your studies for a little bit.

4. DON'T forget to breathe! Breathing exercises can help calm and relax you within minutes. 

5. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! never wait until the last minute to do your work. Get you assignments done early and study the required content. 

6. Stay motivated. Never give up on yourself, think about how much you have already achieved and keep your mind on your desired goals. 

7. As Professor Clegg always says, celebrate your small victories!

Studying

When it comes to studying, there are endless options to choose from. This is where I will direct you to the "Study Help" page to help you out. Don't be afraid to come up with silly acronyms or other types of puns to remember things! One of my favorites to help me remember the phases of Cell Division is:

Pass - Prophase

Me - Metaphase

A - Anaphase

Taco - Telophase

Chief - Cytokinesis