1. Academic Excellence Definition • To achieve your intellectual potential by striving for and attaining the highest standards by: • Reflecting upon performance, accepting feedback and improving work; • Demonstrating solid understanding of concepts/skills; • Applying and adapting knowledge and skills to new situations; • Meeting the stated standards and benchmarks; • Recognizing that the pursuit of knowledge is a life-long journey.

2. Academic Excellence According to NSBE Mission: To develop a strategic academic support network for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering and the physical sciences. Purpose: To address the academic support needs of NSBE members, chapters and regions through researching, developing and implementing innovative programs, workshops and seminars. Objectives: To increase the number of NSBE undergraduate members graduating in the fields of engineering and science; to increase the number of NSBE members seeking and completing graduate degrees in the fields of engineering and science; to increase the number of NSBE members taking advantage of research opportunities.

3. Statistics Did you know that students who spend three hours per course-unit each week studying outside of their math or science lecture have a much better understanding of their course material and therefore earn higher grades?

4. How to improve Academic Excellence Building Confidence • FROM FAILURE: Failure can in fact build lasting confidence By finding out what went wrong, and what could be done differently next time, you can turn every failure into a learning opportunity. • FROM EXPERIENCE: We develop confidence through varied and challenging experiences in life, particularly those that we feel we have tackled well. “Experience is the best teacher” • Explore what confidence means to you and you will have a clearer understanding of what you need to do in order to increase it.

5. How to improve Academic Excellence Motivating Yourself • Confidence building requires a high level of self-motivation • Making a commitment – The best time to address the issue is now. • Overcoming Fear – Fear of failure causes people to avoid situations in which they risk feeling humiliated. Fearful people are defensive. • Visualizing Success – Envisage the gains to be made from tackling your fears and increasing your confidence. • Creating a Good Mood – It is easier to motive yourself when you are in a good mood.