Research and Study Competencies to develop before the final Required Courses

Computer use
• Open a UMB email account (to keep school work separate from personal and junk emails)
• Establish a filing system for email and attachments downloaded to your own computer (recommended free software, Eudora)
• Establish a system on your computer of folders/directories and folders/directories inside folders/directories, so that all files are inside folders/directories and can be easily backed up or synchronized
  (Suggestion: Courses; Email; Bibliographic records; Work/Organizations; Correspondence;...)
• Establish a system using zip disks to synchronize files from one computer to the next (doubling as a backup so you are not crushed when your harddrive crashes)
  (Synchronize for MACs)
• Use of listservs
• Become familiar with the facilities and professional development opportunities provided by Computer Services
• Set preferences on your internet browser
• Download Acrobat Reader to read PDF files
• Combine the above into a sustainable set of computer-use practices
  (see guide to a virtual office)
Library use and Research
• Get your student ID card and then a library bar code
  
• Access to electronic course reserves via Electronic reserves
  (path: Electronic reserves and Course Materials | select instructor or course, enter password provided by instructor)
• Access to on-line reference material and internet searching
  via on-line tutorial or workshops
• Establish a bibliography database for references (recommended software, Endnote)
Writing and Editing
• Spelling and grammar check using wordprocessor
• Arrange peer and/or professional editorial assistance
  (which frees professors to work with you on your ideas)
• Explore writing assistance if needed
  (e.g., Graduate Writing Center)
• Establish a bibliography database for references (recommended software, Endnote)
• Establish preferred citation style and prepare a guide for yourself to use it consistently
  Citing references, a short guide
  • Phases of developing a synthesis project, which are adaptable to any project.
Reflective Practice
• Notebooks/journaling
• Hidden diversity
  (See Student paper)
• The Rs of the CCT experience
  (personal, professional, and intellectual development through the CCT Program)
• Process Review option for capstone Synthesis
  If interested start compiling material all through your CCT studies
• Developing as a Reflective Practitioner
  designed for reviewing the synthesis project, but adaptable to any project.