How I did it: I began this program after my legal separation to productively fill my time when my kids were with their father.  I chose an on-line program that didn't have structured start and end dates on the courses so I could do the bulk of the work while the kids were gone and set it aside when they were home.

Lessons & tips:

1. Use the Academic Advisers at every turn.  I was having a particularly difficult time at work, and my adviser was able to give me sound advice about which classes were more appropriate when my life was more hectic, and which should be taken when I was less challenged outside school.   
2. Use the library resources. With your school credentials, you can request research articles any time, day or night, and have them delivered to your inbox.
3. If you are able, attend a summer session.  This allows you to meet fellow students and network, complete courses in a timely manner, and enjoy the beautiful campus.  It felt like a vacation!
4. Be very active on the conversation boards.  This will help you get the most out of the class by considering other perspectives and ideas. 

Resources:

• The St. Joseph College Library 
• The awesome, supportive Instructors, Advisers and support staff at SJC
• Purdue OWL for APA formatting guidelines
• Software that automatically formats papers in APA - I used Reference Point's and was very satisfied 
• Ohio Link - Ohio's library network that allows users to borrow books from libraries all over the state.  All you need is a library card from any Ohio library to access.  This allowed my to pre-screen most of my textbooks and decide if I wanted to buy them, or just borrow.  
• eBay, Amazon.com and half.com for used textbooks 

May 16, 2012, 06:18PM PDT | 0 comments | 21 cheers