How to Succeed in a Summer Course at Yale
Below is a list of tips and strategies students use to succeed in their Yale Summer Session courses:
Review the syllabus
A course syllabus is a detailed document provided by the instructor that outlines the course objectives, schedule, grading criteria, assignments, and policies. It is important for students to review and consult the syllabus regularly as it serves as a roadmap for the course, helping them stay organized, meet deadlines, and understand the expectations for success. Familiarity with the syllabus allows students to manage their time effectively and avoid any surprises throughout the semester.
2025 Yale Summer Session Syllabi
Attend and participate during class
Attendance is mandatory during Yale Summer Session. Regardless of whether you are taking in-person or online classes, attending class meetings and engaging in classroom discussions and activities are essential to understanding the material and having a rich academic experience.
Stay Informed
Regularly check email and Canvas for important updates, announcements, and other communications from instructors.
Know how to address your instructor
In terms of addressing YSS faculty face-to-face or via email for the first time, we recommend referring to your instructor as “Professor [Last Name].” If the instructor invites you to call them by another title or name, you are welcome to do so but only after their invitation.
Familiarize yourself with online tools
Spend time before the first class meeting getting familiar with Canvas and, for those taking online courses, Zoom. Learn how to post to the class discussion board and how to submit assignments. If the course requires additional software or tools, make sure you have downloaded or enabled them ahead of time. Reach out to your course instructors or support staff if you need assistance.
Obtain your course materials
Your class may use specific course materials (e.g., textbooks, course packets, or other items) that students are expected to have, and use, throughout the course. These items are generally listed on the course syllabus and may include special notes (i.e., using a specific edition); if you have questions about what is required, be sure to ask your instructor. While some of these items might be made freely available to you through Canvas or the Yale library, other items might require students to purchase or rent them. For students who would like to purchase their course materials locally, the Yale Bookstore will have these items available for purchase and pickup.
Manage your time
Use your syllabus to make notes in your calendar for all class meetings (in-person or Zoom) and important due dates. Break tasks into smaller, manageable parts and set aside dedicated time each day to complete those items. Avoid procrastination and cramming by establishing a weekly routine that includes sufficient blocks to time dedicated to completing classwork and preparing for exams.
Create a comfortable study space
Find a suitable space that is quiet, has good lighting, and is free of distractions for studying and completing classwork. For those taking online courses, you will want to ensure you have a comfortable chair to sit in during class. It is not appropriate to attend class while laying in bed. You will want to also make sure this space has excellent internet speed so that you can reliably connect to class Zoom meetings.
Practice good note-taking and study habits
Take detailed notes during lectures, jotting down key points, concepts, and important information. Practice writing down your questions that can be addressed in class or during office hours. Actively engage with course material through strategic reading practices where previewing, annotating, summarizing, and critically analyzing texts can enhance comprehension, retention, and application of key concepts.
Engage in online learning
For those taking online courses, each YSS online course will have a Canvas site that serves as the hub for all course materials, including the most up-to-date syllabus. Note: The Canvas site may not be available until a few days before the course begins. To access the course Canvas site:
- Navigate to https://canvas.yale.edu and log in using your Net ID.
- Locate your course under the Courses button.
Each week there are required live class meetings online with the faculty. Students can access the class meetings through the Zoom link provided in Canvas. Class times will be listed in the course syllabus and on your Canvas calendar.
For live class meetings, students must have a working webcam and a clear audio connection. If your audio or video is not working, it will count as an absence. Cameras must remain ON during the entire class, so choose a quiet location with minimal distractions and excellent Internet speed.
Utilize office hours
Office hours are designated times when professors are available to meet with students outside of class to discuss course material, clarify questions, or provide additional academic support. Faculty are actively inviting you to chat beyond the classroom! Don’t have questions about the course? Ask questions related to research, graduate school, etc.
General Advising: Yale and visiting students are welcome to meet with Dr. Sara Spear, Director of Academic Affairs, to discuss any questions or concerns they may have. Standard office hours are Mondays, 1:00-3:00pm EDT, and are accessible by clicking the button below or students may email Dr. Spear at sara.spear@yale.edu to request an advising appointment.
Use available campus resources
Please take advantage of tutoring and writing partner services, our campus libraries, and general advising.
Seek help early
If you begin to feel overwhelmed, lost, concerned about your understanding or performance in the class, do not wait! The best students are those who take advantage of the resources available to help:
- Reach out to your instructor and utilize their office hours. (If your course has a teaching assistant, you may also want to reach out to them).
- Use writing partner and tutoring services for additional support.
- Connect with classmates to create a study group and build a sense of community.
- Consider whether it might be best to utilize the Credit/D/Fail grading option, and if this is an available option for you.
- If you do not have a pathway to successfully complete the course, please reach out to a YSS staff member who can advise you on your options. For international and high school students who are required to maintain full-time enrollment, withdrawing from a course may not be an option. However, we do have two non-credit courses – Writing for Cross Cultural Understanding and Strategies for Academic Success – that allow students to withdraw from a course and enroll in a course where they may develop skills related to college success on a Pass/Fail graded basis.
Know the pertinent deadlines
If you are interested in dropping a course with a refund, withdrawing, or pursuing a Credit/D/Fail grading option, you must submit the request by the appropriate deadline and using the correct procedures.
Prioritize your health
Be sure to get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and manage stress to stay mentally and physically prepared for coursework.
Understand academic policies and regulations
Students can learn more about academic policies and regulations in the YSS Student Handbook.
In addition to the strategies provided on this page, students will find more tips and resources in the Starting Smart Student Guide: