Being named on the dean’s list is an accomplishment many students strive to achieve. At Pitt-Johnstown, this has several requirements.
To be named on the dean’s list, a student needs to have achieved a grade point average of 3.25 or higher while taking at least 12 credits.
The Fall 2014 dean’s list was released Jan 6. and included the names of 905 Pitt-Johstnwon students. Students from eight states and four countries were represented on the list.
Other colleges and universities have different criteria for making deans’ lists. Indiana University of Pennsylvania has the same criteria as Pitt-Johnstown.
At Pennsylvania State University and Slippery Rock University, students are eligible for the dean’s list if they achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher. At Seton Hill, students have to achieve a 3.7 GPA before they are named.
A total of 31.5 percent of Pitt-Johnstown’s 2,879 students were named on the fall 2014 dean’s list. At Slippery Rock, 36.7 percent of students were named.
Several dean’s list students offered study habits and strategies they said had helped them get on the list.
Sophomore Taylor Evans, a mechanical engineering major, said it was helpful to study while listening to music, as it helps her relax.
Sophomore Erin Barefoot, a psychology major, said it is important to study alone with few distractions when trying to understand information, but she suggests reviewing with a partner. Also she said she loves flash cards.
“I re-read my notes, do practice problems, and work with my professors to clarify any material I don’t know,” said sophomore Jared Daskal, a management- information systems major.
“I formed these study habits through trial and error,” said Daskal, “and what worked for me is what I continue to do.”
Junior Bryce Henry, an early-childhood education major, credits his strong work ethic and successful balance of school work along with a positive social life.
Early-childhood education major and junior Abbie King gave credit to her organization skills, as well as a passion for what she is studying.
Jacob Krupa, a junior chemistry education major said collaboration with others, in point, has led to his high grades.
“I studied. If I needed help, I went to professors. I rewrote my notes, worked with friends who were in the same classes, and I also gave the most effort that I possibly could.”
Krupa also emphasized the importance of balance; mixing relatively easy general-education classes with difficult classes. He said that difficult classes are important, as they allow students to challenge themselves.
Sophomore English literature majors Jeffrey Adams and Michael Baird recommended attending class regularly. Baird also suggested recording lectures. A teacher’s approval is required to record lectures.
The campus has academic resources, which include the Owen Library and the Academic Success Center. Borsa said that the campus resources are underutilized, and she wants students to realize that these resources are meant to maximize GPA.
Students who had a rough term can still bounce back. Even if one was nowhere near making the dean’s list, it’s still a learning experience that allowed one to gauge their academic strengths and weaknesses, that can be a major contributing factor to success or failure.