Welcome to the start of the Fall semester at College of DuPage! Whether you are stepping onto campus for the very first time or returning to finish up your degree or certificate, a new term brings fresh energy, new goals, and plenty of opportunities.
As your advisor, my top priority is helping you navigate the semester with confidence and minimal stress. To get you off to the best possible start, I’ve rounded up the essential resources, deadlines, and academic habits you need to keep on your radar from day one.
1. Read & Master Your Course Syllabus
If there is one piece of advice every advisor preaches during Week 1, it’s this: read your syllabus for every class line by line.
Think of the syllabus as a binding agreement between you and your professor. It outlines everything you need to know to pass the course, including:
- Grading Policies & Breakdown: Learn how much homework, quizzes, exams, and participation count toward your final grade.
- Attendance & Late Work Policies: Professors set their own rules, some accept late work for partial credit, while others do not accept late submissions at all.
- Key Dates & Exam Schedules: Transfer major assignment due dates, midterm exams, and final projects directly into your personal planner or digital calendar right now.
- Office Hours & Contact Info: Make note of how your instructor prefers to be reached and when they hold office hours. Stopping by office hours early in the term is one of the best ways to build a relationship with your faculty.
Understanding course expectations on day one prevents surprise missed deadlines six weeks into the semester!
2. Track Your Deadlines: Drop & Refund Dates
Life happens, and sometimes schedules need adjusting. Dropping a class after a deadline can impact your financial aid and academic standing, so stay aware of your specific course dates.
- General Registration Info: Bookmark the official COD Registration Information page for enrollment rules and calendar updates.
- How to Find Your Specific Refund Cut-Off & Withdrawal Dates:
Because drop dates vary based on class length (e.g., 16-week vs. 8-week sessions), always check your personalized schedule:
- Log into Student Planning, click on the Academics menu (the graduation cap icon), and select My Class Schedule.
- (Alternatively: Log into the portal at inside.cod.edu, locate myACCESS, click on Academic Profile, and select My Class Schedule.)
- Select the Current Term.
- Review your schedule details. Here you will see meeting information, required textbooks, and the exact cut-off dates to drop with a 100% or 50% refund, as well as the final date to withdraw with no refund.
3. Lock In Your Financial Plan
Avoid being dropped for non-payment by staying on top of tuition deadlines. Review the official COD Payment Policy to understand payment due dates, set up an automatic payment plan, or verify that your financial aid award is fully applied to your account.
4. Gear Up with Textbooks & Course Materials
Don’t wait until the first major assignment to order your books! You can search for required textbooks, digital codes, and course materials directly through the COD Campus Store. Cross-reference the required ISBNs with your syllabus to make sure you get the exact edition your instructor requires.
5. Tap Into Free Academic Support at TASC
You don’t need to wait until you are struggling to seek help. The Tutoring and Academic Support Center (TASC) offers free tutoring, writing assistance, and math support to all enrolled students. Visit the COD TASC Center to check walk-in hours or schedule an online tutoring session.
6. Bonus Resources Every COD Student Should Know
To round out your semester toolkit, keep these additional campus services handy:
- Advising Services: Need help choosing classes for next term or planning to transfer to a four-year university? Schedule an appointment with an advisor early before the mid-semester rush. Visit the Advising Services webpage for additional information.
- Center for Access and Accommodations: If you require accommodations due to a disability or temporary health condition, reach out to the Access Office right away to get your plan established.
Center for Access and Accommodations
- Center for Student Success & Fuel (Food) Pantry: If you are facing unexpected financial hardship, housing insecurity, or food insecurity, COD’s Student Life team offers confidential support and campus resources.
Students in Need of Assistance
Final Thoughts
Asking for help early is the ultimate secret to a successful semester. Read those syllabi, mark your calendars, utilize campus tutoring, and stop by advising whenever you feel off track.
Have a wonderful, productive Fall term! Let’s make it a great semester!
Be well,
Wendy
Advising Hub 
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