Marching on from Midterms

 by Arabella Chamberlain

So midterm grades are out, spring break is over, what now?

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It can feel overwhelming, especially in the last leg of the semester, to look at those midterm grades and wonder if you'll ever be able to pull that grade up. Fear not, there are tons of resources available to put you back on the path to success!

• To start with, if you are struggling in a class, a good place to start is to have a chat with your professor. Reach out by email and set up a time to meet or just drop by office hours - they have them for a reason! Ask about what you can do differently in the course to improve. Are you getting your assignments in on time? Is something hindering your ability to learn in the classroom? Have an open, honest conversation. Your professor can't help you if they don't know you need help.
• Request a tutor - they're here for a reason! The Learning Commons has tons of tutors available for many classes and if there isn't a tutor, we'll work on finding you one! Tutoring is a great resource for working through homework and assignments, prepping for an exam, or just learning a new study strategy or two.
• Stop into the Peer-to-Peer Academic Space. Trained tutors are available, staffing the P2PAS in the back right corner of Stewart Memorial Library from 12-9pm Mondays through Thursdays, 12-5pm Fridays, and 5-9pm Sundays. The staff are tutors for multiple courses and can help you get connected to the right resources.
• What is you are struggling in more than one class? Meet with an academic coach. If things feel like they are too far off-track, set up a meeting with an academic coach to help you get organized and back on top of everything. These are professional staff members who are trained on how to set you up for success - use them as a resource!
• Lastly, as the past couple years have shown, mental health is so important and comes before academics. If you are struggling, reach out for professional help. Coe offers a number of resources available on- and off-campus. Reach out to Cathy Muller, Coe's Student Care Coordinator & Counselor.

Many of the aforementioned resources can be accessed here, unless otherwise noted.

Request for Academic Support Form

Survey Responses: What Do You Know About the Learning Commons?

 

We conducted a survey about students' knowledge of the Learning Commons to gain feedback and suggestions for the future. We would love to continue hearing students' feedback, so feel free to fill out the survey if you haven't yet!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUgICImAUW0l_ZP48wM8tkIHEXTL6eldYJ1XMRoT4TO3cMdw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Most Commonly Used Resources

1. Writing Center

2. Tutoring

3. Supplemental Instruction

4. Test Proctoring

5. TRIO/AAP

6. Peer-To-Peer Academic Support Space

7. LC Study Hall

Have These Resources Helped You?

"Yes, these resources have made it so my time here at Coe was possible, without their help I would not have been able to attend this school and be passing.”

“Yes, they have helped tremendously!”

“Yes, specifically the writing center in my FYS class.”

Every student who responded said "yes" in some form. Many responders mentioned specific resources that have been the most help to them such as tutoring, the writing center, and test proctoring.

Suggestions For Additional Resources/Support

Students offered up these suggestions in the survey:

1. "More times for SI, possibly structural type SI's for assistance with learning and how to do things like fill out a lab journal for those who may be lost in the course."

2. "Professor, staff, or just student hours on a monthly basis (sort of like a long night against procrastination)."

3. "Professors in the library"

4. "It would be helpful to have a folder of organizational templates such as monthly calendars, assignment checklists, and so on. That way students have easy access to helpful academic planning materials."

Questions About the Learning Commons

What is the Learning Commons "Study Hall"?

This is a new program we are trying out this semester. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5pm, the library classroom is open for study to have a place where they can be held accountable to study. Each session, students work until 4pm then a Learning Commons staff member leads a 15-20 minute study break. These breaks change each session and include activities such as games, meditation, and crafts. After the break, students work until 5pm.

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