Supporting Your Students - 2021 Springboard

Supporting Your Students Office of Retention and Student Success

Where is your student?

• Worked hard for good grades • Developed good study habits • Manages stress well

• Worked hard – real struggle to pull off "alright" grades • Knows weaknesses and has strategies to address them • Gets stressed but has ways to manage

• Didn't have to put in a lot of effort for good grades • Studies the minimum and gets good grades • Has never had too much stress

• Unfocused on academic goals • Has not developed strong study skills • Continues to struggle with stress

Setting Expectations College is not high school even for honors students On average, first year students have a .5 -.7 lower GPA than high school

Preparing for the transition There is still time to get ready for college!

Summer Preparation

Use a planner

Put summer plans and schedules in a planner.

Check email

Check email twice a day to develop good habits.

Develop sleep schedule

You will know your academic schedule. Plan this summer to develop a sleeping schedule so it is less difficult to transition.

Don’t forget academics

Work on something academic so you don’t get rusty.

Say goodbye to high school

Say farewell to friends and family members. Identify ways to stay in touch, but don’t expect to continue status quo. BEGIN TO TRANSITION.

Common Issues ▪ Homesickness ▪ Time management ▪ Study skills ▪ Academic expectations ▪ Stress management ▪ Knowing when and where to get help

Timeline for Inter[action] Timeline of Common Pitfalls Pitfall

When it can occur

Homesickness

Typically occurs in the first six weeks, but can happen anytime and may or may not be connected with other issues

Time Management

Appears to be a problem between weeks three-five, but can occur at any time

Study Skills

First noticed after the first test, exam, or major writing assignment

Academic Expectations

Many times the student is not aware until notified by instructor via Starfish flag

Stress Management

Typically is realized after one of the prior issues present themselves

Tips to Assist ▪ Read syllabus ▪ Check email ▪ Use a planner ▪ Join student organizations ▪ Use support services ▪ Tutoring Center ▪ Writing Center ▪ Supplemental Instruction

▪ Study 2-3 hours per credit hour

Counseling Services ▪ Deliver multi-level clinical services ▪ Create culture of mental health awareness and wellness ▪ Reduce stigma by promoting selfcare and help-seeking behaviors

▪ Build campus community of trained personnel to recognize and respond to students in crisis

Mental Health: What to look for ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Mood swings Irritability/sadness Changes in eating habits Lack of follow-through Patterned misuse of substances Crying spells Increase in risk-taking behavior Social withdrawal Lack of interest/enjoyment Decrease in hygiene References to death/suicide

What can you do?

▪ Express concern and encourage student to seek assistance ▪ Connect student to resources ▪ Refer to Counseling Services ▪ For immediate safety concerns, contact SIUE Police siue.edu/counseling/online-emergency-services Counseling Services: 618-650-2842 SIUE Police: 618-650-3324

Campus Resources ▪ Student Success Coaches

▪ Counseling and Health Services

▪ Learning Support Services

▪ ACCESS

▪ Academic Advising

▪ Kimmel Involvement Center

▪ Cougar Connectors

CONTACT US

Geoff Edwards, EdD Director of Retention and Student Success 618-650-5930 geedwar@siue.edu