Whether this is your first semester at Catawba or your last, academic overwhelm can strike at any time and from any place. Papers can be many and their subject matter intense. Homework can seem insurmountable. And readings? Forget about it.
Fortunately, help is closer than you may think – like the front of your classroom. Professors, the assumed sources of your frustration, can be your number one ally, helping you connect with the support services you need for academic success.
“The number one thing is to target what’s the problem,” said Dr. Julie Chamberlain, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Sacred Music and Worship Arts at Catawba. “You say ‘I need some help.’ Let’s talk about what’s the problem. If it’s not understanding a concept, that’s what I’m here for. Set up some time with me during office hours and let’s talk through it.’”
Dr. Chamberlain represents one of many professors at Catawba eager and willing to help students succeed. She often offers supplemental labs for her more intense courses like music theory, or assigns shadow students to those who are struggling. She also stresses the importance of free resources available to students like the Writing and Math Centers.
While Professor Ron Corriher, Adjunct Professor of Biology, similarly notes the importance of reaching out to one’s professor in times of struggle. If a student is open and direct, he is more than happy to offer alternative testing methods such as presentations and projects – provided a student is making an effort to be present and participate.
“Come to class. I am a traditionalist; I am a firm believer in coming to class,” Corriher said.
Outside of or in conjunction with professor consultation, Catawba College’s Office of Student Academic Success offers a wealth of academic resources for students at no charge.
Services include course-specific academic assistance such as supplemental instruction and tutoring. Each of these services are offered by students who have previously completed and done well in a class. Supplemental instruction leaders offer group sessions outside of class time, and tutoring is offered on a one-on one basis.
Other services offered by the Office of Student Academic Success include academic coaching, testing services and Academic AccessAbility. These services can be obtained by visiting Student Affairs. Walk-ins are always welcome.
Whether you reach out for assistance through consultation with your professor or through a visit to Student Affairs, your academic success rests in your own hands. According to Dr. Chamberlain, the key is not only a student making contact, but also following through with suggestions offered.
“You can use all the strategies and give all the suggestions you want as a teacher, but it’s up to the student to follow through and actually do it,” Dr. Chamberlain says. “To me, if they do, it’s an experience that will help them throughout their college career, not just that one course.”
