The Academic Skills & Strategies Workshop Series at Saint Mary's will open the year with two lectures, one for students interested stepping up their academic game and one for first-generation college students.
The academic skills programs will take place Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. The workshop intended for first-generation college students will be held Wednesday at 8 p.m. All of the functions will be held in the Academic Resource Center in Madaleva Hall.
Diane Fox, director of the Office for Student Success, said both workshops are meant to make students' lives easier.
"If I can give students strategies to be more effective and efficient in their studies, they will definitely be able to enjoy themselves when studying or playing," she said.
During the academic skills workshops, Fox will discuss topics ranging from empowerment to study strategies for different types of classes.
"I hope that students will become more confident, more aware, and more savvy," she said. "Two of the most important things to college students [are] doing well academically and having fun. I believe one should never have to come at the expense of the other."
The program for first generation college students is the first of four to be held on Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
"The first-generation workshops are for any student who wants to come and is interested in the topic," Fox said. "But the new series is [truly] targeted for first-generation students."
By giving the first-generation students an outlet for success, Fox said she hopes they will be more willing to open up to other students.
"What a blessing to be the first in your family to attend and, hopefully, finish college," she said. "This is my way of trying to make their lives easier as well."
Fox said the office plans to hold academic strategies workshops throughout the semester. The programs are about 30 minutes long, and will be held in the same time and place as the first skills events.
"I consider it a privilege and a blessing to have my job," Fox said. "I love what I do, and I hope the students all know that they are always more than welcome to come and get help whenever they may need it."
Contact Jillian Barwick at
jbarwi01@saintmarys.edu
