Academic Success Workshop Series

Making the transition to a new academic environment is not something that we anticipate students to accomplish overnight. In order to achieve academic success, there are a number of academic areas that should be regularly revisited in order to sharpen one’s skill set and prepare for the rigor that comes along with a college curriculum.

The Academic Success Workshop series will focus on these specific academic areas and review strategies that student’s can immediately implement in order to prepare for the current semester, as well as semesters to come.

Take a look at the schedule below and register for as many workshops as you would like. Snacks will be provided!

Upcoming Fall 2025 Sessions

Title: Spring Course Registration Information Session

Description: Registering for your second semester of courses will be your sole responsibility this time around. Don’t get overwhelmed! During this session, you will learn all of the necessary steps you need to take in order to be prepared to tackle that 7:00 am registration!

Steps that will be discussed include:

  • Important dates and deadlines
  • Exploring your degree audit
  • How do I access what courses are available?
  • Exploration of your major
  • How to prepare for your academic advisor meeting
  • What the heck is a PIN?
  • How to select backup courses
  • Tips/Tricks for the day of registration
  • What to do if you get put on a waitlist/don’t get into a class that you want

Presenters:
Dean Abigail Close, College Transition Specialist & Junior Class Dean
Dean Alexis Smith, First Year Class Dean

Date: November 12th
Register here
Location: Kirby Hall of Civil Rights, Room 104
Time: 4:15 – 5:00 pm

Title: Final Exam Prep

Description: Preparing for your first round of final exams can be overwhelming. You are excited about the end of the semester, but worried about how you are going to get everything done. During this session I will help you get organized, learn study strategies, and plan for a healthy final exam season. The end is in sight, but the first priority is completing all of your finals and final papers/projects.

Presenters:
Dean Abigail Close, College Transition Specialist & Junior Class Dean

Date: December 3rd
Register here
Location: Kirby Hall of Civil Rights, Room 104
Time: 4:15 – 5:00 pm

Title: Crash Course in How to Ace Your First Semester

Description: Register to listen to the College Transition Specialist and some current students during a crash course on everything Lafayette academics. During your first semester, it is important to utilize various support mechanisms to navigate your new academic environment. This session will provide an overview of all of the resources that are available to you. Additionally, you’ll hear from current students on their first-year, first-semester experience and learn some do’s and dont’s! 

The remaining workshop sessions will then dive into each academic support area in more detail! The sessions will coincide with important dates throughout the semester. 

Topics included will include:

  • Important dates and deadlines 
  • Goal setting and time management
  • Exploring your degree audit 
  • How to introduce yourself to your professors
  • How to utlize office hours
  • Classroom support: academic tutoring, SI, and mentored study groups
  • Health management
  • Tips/Tricks from current student personal experiences

Presenters:
Dean Abigail Close, College Transition Specialist & Junior Class Dean
Current Students

Date: September 2nd
Location: Kirby Hall of Civil Rights, Room 104
Time: 4:15 – 5:00 pm

Title: Individual Time Management Sessions

Description: Time to get organized! During this workshop, you or your small group will work with the College Transition Specialist to better understand how to map out your daily, weekly, and semester schedule. Together, we will review and organize your Fall 2025 semester and learn how to better manage your time. Additionally, you will be challenged to set short and long term goals for Fall 2025!

Each student will sign up for one, 30 minute time slot. After the initial appointment, you can decide whether you’d like a follow up appointment.

Presenters:
Dean Abigail Close, College Transition Specialist & Junior Class Dean

Date: August 25th – September 5th
Register: Select a 30 minutue session here
Location: Scott Hall 200
Time: throughout the academic day

Title: What is Academic "Practice" and Support at Lafayette? Catch up, Keep up, Excel!

Description: Come hear from current students who also serve as the Academic Resource Hub’s Supplemental Instruction Lead Mentors on how to engage and practice with course content through academic support programs. They will share with you what those resources are and how to use resources whether you are struggling with content or want to improve your understanding to get that A- rather than a B+!

Presenters:

Megan Dursema ’26, SI Lead Mentor
Natalie Johnson ’27, SI Lead Mentor

Date: October 1st
Location: Kirby Hall of Civil Rights, Room 104
Time: 4:15 – 5:00 pm

Title: Health Management

Description: Being a first-year, first-semester student is both exciting and challenging. At times you may find yourself stressed and overwhelmed with both your new environment and academic challenges. This session is designed to introduce you to a number of health resources that are available to you during your time on campus. Additionally, we will focus on healthy strategies to manage your academics and personal/social life.

Presenters:
Dean Abigail Close, College Transition Specialist & Junior Class Dean

Date: October 15th
Location: Kirby Hall of Civil Rights, Room 104
Time: 4:15 – 5:00 pm