Spring Fever

During this time of year, we often speak of “spring fever” striking on college campuses. As we approach the final weeks of the semester at NSCC, we thought we’d share some thoughts on how it can end on a strong note.  The purpose of today’s blog is to focus on how we can encourage the students who are doing well, as well as how we can show concern for the students who are struggling.

First, some students may need to just keep up the good work! We can encourage students who are doing well to let them know what their strengths are. Many of our students have overcome great obstacles to be where they are, and they would benefit from an encouraging word. 

Second, you may have a student who is struggling, but there is still the potential to earn credit for the course. One option is an Access Team Meeting where Access Center staff, students, and instructors come together to talk about study and testing strategies.  The semester often ends with crucial final exams, papers, and projects, and an Access Team Meeting could be an effective tool.  If you would like to schedule an Access Team Meeting, please contact Gina Jones or Andrew Mason at 3741 or 3721.

Although an Access Team Meeting is not counseling, we incorporate several ideas from “solution-focused counseling.” In solution-focused counseling, the client is encouraged to focus on solutions instead of dwelling on problems.

According to one author, a solution-focused counseling session is like a tennis game, with the counselor and the client being on one side and the problem being on the other side. In Access Team Meetings, we’re all certainly on the same side; we all want the student to learn as much as possible.

For other students, a medical withdrawal may be appropriate. Even if the reason for excessive absences is health-related, the student may need time to recover before he or she can concentrate on higher education.  If you have a student in this situation, have them contact Carol Martin-Osorio.

Every student, regardless of the grade he or she receives, has learned important life lessons. As Michael Sandler says in College Confidence with ADD, “while good grades are great, I want to help students discover their inner talents, joy, and passion, so they may…achieve their dreams while living life to the fullest.”