The Alumni Association partnered with the Enhanced Learning Center to offer academic workshops for new Legacy Scholarship recipients on Oct. 13-15 at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. Legacy Scholars receive a waiver of non-resident tuition and must maintain a 2.75 GPA for renewal each year. The Alumni Association recognizes that the key to retaining the Legacy Scholarship is establishing a strong GPA the first semester.
Therefore, shortly after mid-term grades were reported we held our first Alumni Association academic workshop. Anne Raines, associate director of the ELC, led the one-hour workshop and provided some great insight on developing structure during the “unstructured” college experience.
The greatest challenge facing new freshmen is the amount of free time you have outside of class. You need to make wise decisions every day that will help move you toward your goal of attaining at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA and keeping your Legacy Scholarship.
Habits you form in college will really set the stage for the rest of your professional and personal lives, so now is the time to focus on developing smart strategies. Raines reviewed some tips that really can make a difference:
- Use the Quality Writing Center (Kimpel 315) for all papers! Did you know that you can even submit a paper on-line for review by a tutor?
- Scan or skim your text before class to establish a framework for the day’s lecture.
- Give your instructor your full attention. Sit in the “T” zone (1st two rows + the center of the room).
- Try out the Cornell note-taking method.
- Review your notes daily.
- Know your learning style and make the right adaptations to enhance your ability to learn.
- Set a study schedule.
- Plan out the remainder of your semester! Be ready for the final exam.
Most importantly, be sure to contact the ELC if you need help. Staff in the ELC can offer assistance with everything from test-taking anxiety and note-taking strategies to tutoring and life skills. Visit the ELC online for a comprehensive list of free tutoring and supplemental instruction.
Historically, students who take the time to attend the one-hour workshop have higher GPA’s and are more likely to qualify for renewal of their scholarship compared to students who do not attend.
The Alumni Association and the University want you to succeed and remain a Legacy Scholarship recipient. There are many resources available on campus to assist you and all it takes is making an effort to seek help. Don’t be afraid to ask!
We wish all our Legacy Scholars much success this year!
