The fourth Penn State Principle reads:

I will be responsible for my own academic progress and agree to comply with all University policies.

The University allows students to identify and achieve their academic goals by providing the information needed to plan the chosen program of study and the necessary educational opportunities, but students assume final responsibility for course scheduling, program planning, and the successful completion of graduation requirements. I will be responsible for seeking the academic and career information needed to meet my educational goals by becoming knowledgeable about the relevant policies, procedures, and rules of the University and academic program, by
consulting and meeting with my adviser, and by successfully completing all of the requirements for graduation.

President Spanier introduced the principles with this statement:
"These are important educational goals, and I encourage students to take advantage of the many opportunities they will find at the University to build the personal framework that will give meaning to their life long after they have left Penn State." (Penn State News, July 19, 2001)

The kind of a student you become depends on how well you use your reflective skills.

Look around. Gather information from your campus, your activities, your courses, and your friends.

• What do you like most or least about this experience?
• In what parts of this experience do you perform well or not so well?
• Which aspects of this experience are important to you? Why?
• Which aspects of this experience fits your personal qualities?

Get advice from your advisor(s) or mentor. Get to know a faculty or staff member. Let them get to know you. (Your e-portfolio can help you with this!) Ask for their advice.

Think, look at the options and decide. Remember - your advisor is there to give you advice - not the answers. YOU are the one who is responsible for making decisions about your educational program.