How to Succeed in CS211

CS211 is a challenging course but many resources are available to help you succeed. Here are some suggestions for doing well in the course and finding help if you need it:

• Make sure you attend all lectures. Then review the lecture notes on your own after class.

• Do all of the reading assignments listed on the lecture notes page. If you are confused about some points, check out one of the optional textbooks for a different perspective.

• Check the course webpage and newsgroup regularly for corrections and clarifications to assignments. Post your question to the newsgroup if it hasn't been answered already.

• For help with Java, check on-line resources including Sun's API reference and tutorial.

• Stop by the office hours of a member of the course staff, or send e-mail to set up an appointment.

• Start assignments early. At the very least, read through the entire assignment description on the day it is posted.

• Follow good coding style guidelines. Your code will be easier to debug and you'll impress the grader!

• Work with a partner on the programming assignments, but make sure that you abide by the policy on partners and the academic integrity policy.

• If your partnership isn't working out, consider a "divorce" before starting on the next programming assignment.

• Learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others. Here's how not to program, how to write unmaintainable code, and how to make a group project harder. Try to avoid repeating disasters caused by bad software.

• Check out Cornell's many academic support programs for getting additional help:
  (note that not all of these services operate during the summer)

  Academic Support Services For Engineering Students	Start here - This site has links to a variety of services.
  Free Computer Training	CIT offers free computer training throughout the semester. You may also e-mail tts_consult@cornell.edu for an appointment.
  Student Web Services	This website collects services that are more general.
  Engineering Advising	Academic advising for engineering students.
  Arts College Student Services	This website is a listing of general support services for a variety of concerns students may have.
  Tau Beta Pi	Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society Tutoring Program: The members of Tau Beta Pi, selected for their academic aptitude and social commitment, hold one-on-one tutoring sessions with students in courses that typically have a large enrollment of engineers.
  Learning Styles	Not everyone learns the same way. If you are curious about how you learn, check out the Index of Learning Styles, which is found in this collection of educational resources.
  Gannett	For all health related concerns, visit Gannett, which is the Cornell University Health Service Center.
  CAPS	If you have emotional distress, we urge you to contact CAPS, the Counseling and Psychological Services.
  Dear Uncle Ezra	When all else fails, ask Uncle Ezra!