Navigating Academic Challenges: You’re Not Alone
College can be a transformative journey, but it comes with its share of challenges.
From changing majors to dealing with a failing class, many students face hurdles that can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, these experiences don’t have to be faced alone, and knowing how to navigate these difficulties is crucial for personal and academic growth.
Common Academic Challenges:
Changing Your Major
One of the most significant decisions you might face is whether to change your major. This choice is a reflection of personal growth and a deeper understanding of your passions and career goals. Remember, changing your major is not a failure; it’s an opportunity to align your studies with your interests.
As you navigate these decisions, it's important to know that Widener provides a variety of resources to help you explore your options and make informed choices about your academic path.
Supportive Resources for Exploring Majors:
- Exploratory Studies Program: Helps you explore major options and guides you through the formal process of changing your major.
- Career Design and Development: Offers career counselors and tools like FOCUS2 to assist with major and career exploration, boosting your confidence as you consider changing your major.
- Widener Works: Bridges the gap between education and real-world experience, offering insights and networking opportunities to guide students toward fulfilling careers.
Boosting Your Grades
If you find yourself struggling in a course, it’s essential to address the situation head-on. Failing a class or falling behind can feel daunting, but it’s important to remember that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process.
If you’re encountering challenges in your coursework, it’s crucial to act quickly and take advantage of available resources from:
- Academic Coaching
- Tutoring Services
- Professor Office Hours
Along with the resources above, students are encouraged to connect with the Office of Student Success for supportive discussions on academic planning, exploring options, and receiving guidance both in and outside the classroom.
Struggling with Testing or Note-Taking
Maybe you’re struggling to remember everything you’ve studied, racing against the clock during exams, or trying to keep up with lectures that feel like they’re on fast-forward. A lot of students face these challenges, and at Widener, we provide academic accommodations to help you overcome them, including:
- Test-Taking Support: Extra time or a quieter environment during exams.
- Note-Taking Assistance: Help with getting comprehensive notes from lectures.
- Accessible Text Requests: Modified materials to suit your learning needs.
Please note, these accommodations are available to students who can provide documentation to help us understand their specific needs. While we strive to assist as many students as possible, it's important to know that these accommodations are not universally available.
If you think you could qualify from these accommodations, learn how to request academic accommodations.
Retaking a Class
If you need to repeat a class, remember that many students have been in your shoes. It's a common experience, and it doesn’t define your capabilities. Repeating a class can provide a valuable second chance to master the material and improve your understanding. It can also be an opportunity to develop better study habits and time management skills. In these instances, it is imperative that you maintain communication with your academic advisor to get the guidance you need to support staying on track for graduation.
Strengthening Your Support System Through Community & Family
Getting through college isn’t something you have to do on your own. Building a solid support system—whether it’s friends, professors, or your family—can make a huge difference when things get tough. Sometimes just talking things through or finding people who get what you're going through can help you handle challenges more easily.
Finding On-Campus Community
Connecting with your classmates is vital for navigating academic challenges, as it offers encouragement, shared strategies, and a sense of community and belonging. Collaborating on projects or studying with others can provide fresh perspectives and make learning more engaging and effective.
To build a strong support system, consider the following:
- Join Student Organizations: Engage in clubs related to your interests to meet like-minded peers and access academic support.
- Utilize Campus Resources: Take advantage of mentoring programs, study groups, and peer support networks for guidance and a sense of belonging.
- Connect with Professors: Establish relationships with your professors for academic support and valuable insights into your field.
Remember to give yourself grace as you navigate these challenges. College is a time for exploration, and each experience contributes to your growth. Embrace the journey, lean on available resources, and keep pushing forward—you have the resilience to thrive!
Communicating with Family
During tough times, open communication with your family can provide crucial support, even if it sometimes adds stress. Sharing your struggles helps them understand and offer encouragement. Keeping them informed is especially important when your academic path changes.
To navigate these conversations more effectively, consider the following strategies:
- Be Honest About Your Experiences: Transparency fosters understanding and support, helping your family appreciate the challenges you face.
- Set Expectations: Discuss your academic goals and the time commitments involved. Let your family know when you might be busy or need space to focus on your studies.
- Ask for Support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your family for encouragement or advice. They may offer perspectives that help you see your situation differently or remind you of your strengths.
Remember, your family, friends, and the entire university community genuinely want to see you succeed and thrive, both academically and personally. If you're facing conversations that seem overwhelming, the Office of Student Success is here to assist you in preparing and navigating these discussions. We offer resources and strategies to help you express your experiences clearly and effectively.
Remember to celebrate your achievements and allow yourself grace as you navigate this transformative period.
College is a time of exploration and self-discovery, and it’s okay to stumble along the way. College is not just about grades; it’s about growth, learning, and discovering your strengths. Overcoming challenges is possible, and support is often available at every turn. Allow yourself the space to learn from setbacks and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Embrace the journey, lean on resources, and recognize that you’re not alone. Keep pushing forward!
The Office of Student Success helps students navigate their college experience through academic coaching, goal setting, and tutoring, working with faculty and campus offices to support all students.