It’s good to get support and assistance when you need it.
And it’s even better to access that support before you need it.
To encourage students to take advantage of its programs in advance of, say, an anxiety attack at exam time, the Center for Student Success has launched the CSS Challenge. Here’s how it works: take three out of four of their programs in the next several weeks, and you’re entered to win a duffel bag. The four programs are focused on wellness, academic success and career readiness.
And here’s an even better incentive for participation: you’ll be more ready to take on the challenges of the academic year, with support contacts handy should you need them.
“My thought was to give students a buffet, or a sampler, of the services our office offers,” said Jarrett Lykins, CSS assistant director (pictured, above center). “Even if they feel like they don’t need it right now, it might be something they can put in their toolkit.”
Students who now work as CSS peer tutors but relied on the support services themselves in the past, agreed with that approach of making contact sooner in the semester.
Ritanshi Verma (pictured, above left), a senior who completed her first year at ACPHS online from her home in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic, got help from the Writing Center at that time. She was accustomed to writing in British English.
“When I was a tutee, I was intimidated at first,” Verma said. “But after we got going, it was a very smooth conversation. I could share things and be open.”
Maddy Garcia (pictured, above right), also a senior, said she found it easier to seek help from CSS because services are often provided by other students. As a younger student, she was intimidated at the thought of approaching faculty with challenges in their classes.
“I thought other students would be more understanding of my process because they also took the class,” Garcia said.
The first workshop, Finding Balance, will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. in LB 307. Beth Sweet from the Office of Counseling and Wellness will discuss cultivating balance in your life.
Future programs are:
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Study Smarter, Oct. 24
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Conquer Test Anxiety, Nov. 9
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Intro to Handshake (the career software), Nov. 28
More information on CSS support services is available on the website.