6 tips for starting strong at CSU Global

Starting school always comes with excitement, nerves, and about a hundred questions. Luckily, you’re not expected to figure it out on your own.

At CSU Global, every new student is assigned a dedicated success counselor to help navigate the twists and turns of studying 100% online. CSU Global was designed specifically for working adults, military learners, and other nontraditional students who need flexibility without sacrificing academic quality. The structure—accelerated eight-week courses, monthly start dates, and fully asynchronous classes—makes it easier to fit school into a busy life.

But for many students, that same flexibility can be a challenge, especially if it’s different from how they’ve studied in the past.

“Adding school to an already busy schedule can be overwhelming at first, but with a little preparation, there are ways to make this transition so much smoother,” said Mandy Stephens, Lead Student Success Counselor. “Outside of instructors and the material you are learning each term changing, there are a lot of similarities course to course, and that helps you get into a rhythm for future courses.”

We asked several success counselors to share their top tips for starting strong and staying successful. Their advice is grounded in years of experience supporting adults who are balancing education with full, busy lives.

1. Create a study plan before classes begin. 

Having a plan makes it easier to stay on track from the very beginning.

“You know the old saying, ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail,’” said Jenny Ruger, Lead Student Success Counselor. “Students need to plan anywhere from 10 to 15 hours per week per course. Do you prefer to complete school work in small chunks throughout the week, or do you like to grind it all out in two or three days? Think about what might work best for you and schedule it out.”

Another part of time management is understanding when you’re at your best and scheduling your schoolwork time then.

Student Success Counselor II Stephanie Cook recommends looking at your week in advance and blocking off time for coursework. “Think about your current schedule. What times and days of the week can you incorporate studying and working on assignments? Maybe Wednesdays are devoted to your weekly discussion board posts. Figure out what works for your schedule and stick to it.”

Cook provided a helpful list for planning how you approach school tasks—not just when to do them. These strategies can make your study time more focused and productive:

• Use highlighting techniques during your readings to stay engaged and identify key points.
• Break your readings into sections so you can take short, energizing breaks.
• Draft your writing in Word or Google Docs before uploading to Canvas—this makes editing and saving easier.
• Use helpful tools while writing, like the APA guides available in the CSU Global Library for critical thinking assignments.
• After submitting your initial discussion post, set a calendar reminder to return later in the week and respond to two classmates.

Molly Scharping, Senior Student Success Counselor, added that planning is also about reducing stress. “Take some time before the term begins to map out your weekly schedule. Include deadlines, work hours, family responsibilities, and time for studying. Planning ahead gives you a clear picture of what to expect and helps prevent last-minute stress.”

2.  Stay flexible and take it one week at a time. 

Plans are helpful, but life happens.

CSU Global’s flexible late policy is designed with real life in mind. Many students are balancing full-time jobs, parenting, or other responsibilities, and sometimes things don’t go according to plan.

“Life throws us curveballs, but don’t worry—we got you!” Ruger said. She encourages students to review the academic late policy so they know what to expect in the event of an unexpected situation.

Cook suggests using Canvas to narrow your focus. “Use the Modules tab in Canvas,” she said. “Think of each module as each week of the term and only focus on what each module entails for that current week. Before you know it, you’ll be in week eight!”

Scharping encourages students not to panic if things don’t go perfectly. “Life is unpredictable—and that’s okay! Your study plan is a guide, not a rulebook. Progress, not perfection, is what counts.”

3. Make the most of your success counselor.

Your success counselor is more than a point of contact—they’re your go-to support system throughout your academic journey.

“It’s literally our job to help you thrive and navigate your academic journey,” said Jennifer Washicosky, Senior Student Success Counselor II. “Success counselors can co-create an academic plan with you and connect you with the resources you need to succeed.”

Scharping noted that it’s best not to wait until you’re overwhelmed. Success counselors can help with more than academics, including time management, study strategies, and navigating CSU Global’s many student resources. A quick check-in, even when things are going well, can help you stay on track. Counselor contact information is located at the top left of the student portal, Cook noted.

Ruger emphasized that success counselors are available for everything from troubleshooting to celebrating wins. “Your success counselor is here to support you, guide you and be a source of information,” she said. “Falling behind? Contact your success counselor. Not sure if you should change majors? Contact your success counselor. Don’t know where to find your degree requirements? Contact your success counselor. Want to celebrate a passing grade? Contact your success counselor. We are virtually a one-stop shop!”

4. Connect with your instructors.

Online doesn’t mean unreachable.

“Instructors want you to succeed,” Scharping said. “Reach out early if you’re confused or just want to introduce yourself. Most are happy to offer clarification or tips.”

Even though online, the classroom is a place to connect with your classmates and Instructor. Instructors are active and posting in class throughout the week, from weekly announcements to interacting on discussion boards and providing valuable feedback on written assignments.

“Instructors don’t work a typical Monday through Friday 9-to-5 schedule,” Stephens said. “They’re available nights and weekends and are happy to connect via phone, text, email, and even Zoom.”

Ruger noted that instructors typically list their contact information, including office hours, in the announcements section of each course. Washicosky added that many respond quickly and are available during weekly office hours—resources students are encouraged to use.

5. Know your resources—and use them.

CSU Global offers a wide range of academic and career support tools, all included with your tuition.

“Writing Center consultations, résumé reviews, tutoring, library research help, career coaching—it’s all free,” Ruger said. “Ask your success counselor if you’re not sure where to start.”

Cook refers students to their portal to find the tools. “Check the bottom left of your homepage. These resources are incredibly helpful when you’re working on assignments or need extra support.”

Washicosky encouraged students to take time early in the term to explore what’s available so they’re not scrambling later.

6. Pace yourself and focus on what you can do this week. 

Balance and consistency matter more than perfection.

“You’re not a robot – and you don’t need to study nonstop to succeed,” said Scharping. “Incorporating regular breaks, time for hobbies, and adequate sleep actually improves your ability to focus and retain information. Balance is key to long-term academic and personal success.”

Scharping added that breaking large goals into smaller tasks can help them feel more manageable.

Washicosky recommends short breaks every hour to reset and refocus. “Five to 15 minutes every hour makes a difference. Get up, stretch, walk around, or grab a snack to reset.”

She also encourages students to track their progress week by week. “Think of your progress in chapters. If you keep showing up each week, the finish line will come into view.”

You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. At CSU Global, you have a team behind you—from instructors to success counselors—ready to support your goals. Take it one week at a time, use the tools available to you, and stay focused on your progress. The path may look different for everyone, but you’re not walking it alone.