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The first few weeks of the first semester of college can be scary, stressful and overwhelming for many freshmen.
Whether it is their first time away from home or just their first time with such a crowd of people, the whole college scene may be intimidating. Dealing with classes, homework, making new friends, making money last and missing friends and loved ones from home can be hard on a new student.
At the University of Louisville, there are groups and organizations to help students get through the tough times.
For problems with classes and homework, the Resources for Academic Achiement center may be a good place to seek help.
REACH is located in Strickler Hall and is available to all students. The center offers one-on-one and group tutoring, computer help, study skills workshops and a number of other services.
According to Cathy Leist, REACH director, becoming an academically successful student in college demands new time management skills.
“College students must balance academic requirements, social and student organization activities and sometimes, on- or off-campus employment,” she said. “New students benefit from using campus resources such as REACH to ‘study smart.'”
REACH provides peer mentors who offer useful and accurate advice about courses and majors. It also provides study sessions to help clarify concepts and allow students to process challenging material.
Leist said one of the best things about REACH is its cost – all of its services are free.
“As consumers, new students benefit from REACH services and programs because the university provides this additional academic assistance at no additional cost,” said Leist.
What’s more is that REACH offers help to students on all academic levels, not just those who are at risk for failing.
“Professional schools and graduate schools are looking for extremely high GPAs. If students want to compete for admission to these programs or in the world of work, [they] need to begin earning high grades during their first semesters at U of L,” Leist said. “The smarter student uses academic assistance services to earn an A or a B rather than earning a C or paying extra tuition dollars to repeat a required course.”
Besides REACH, another resource available at no charge for students at U of L is the Writing Center, which is located behind the third floor elevators in Ekstrom Library.
“If you think college writing and high school writing are the same, you’re probably in for a surprise,” said Mary Rosen, the center’s director. “Come to the Writing Center if you have questions about what you’re learning in your first-year writing classes. We’re happy to help [students] work on making sense of an assignment, brainstorming and planning, drafting an essay, revising, and talking about what troubles [them] the most.”
Getting started in the Writing Center is one of the easiest ways to get academic help on campus. “You are guaranteed an appointment if you schedule one in person, by phone or on the Writing Center Web site,” said Rosen.
Rosen said staff in the Writing Center try to see walk-ins as much as possible, but emphasized the importance of scheduling a timeslot before coming to the center.
The center Web site also lets students schedule a “virtual meeting” with a consultant or use Cardinal Questions to get a quick answer to a specific question.”
Other offices on campus are also available to help students deal with personal issues in the their lives.
Information from the Counseling Center explained “a visit could really be a step in the right direction when dealing with the increased frustration, tension or confusion brought about by today’s rapidly changing world.”
The center’s services – though generally only available on a short-term basis – are free for all enrolled students and are confidential. Appointments can be made by stopping by the office or calling 852-6585 during office hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The Prevention, Education and Advocacy on Campus is another alternative for students dealing with sexual or domestic violence issues.
“Students entering college are generally thinking about class schedules, books, residence halls and meeting new friends. Most students are not thinking about how violence may impact them,” said Sharon LaRue, director of the PEACC program.
“U of L is considered a safe campus,” LaRue said. “However, according to national statistics, one in four women will be a victim of sexual or physical violence during her college career, with the first month of school being the highest risk time for violence to occur.”
PEACC workers call that first month of school the “Red Zone,” explaining that, statistically, students are at the greatest risk of being victims of sexual assault during this time.
Being away from home, loved ones and friends can open anyone up to trusting perhaps before they should, LaRue said. “Out of concern for the safety and well-being of female students, the university has established a proactive, comprehensive program to address violence against women issues through the PEACC program,” she said.
The PEACC program also offers opportunities for students, both men and women, to participate in advocacy programs on campus.
For students that may need a check-up, gynecological visit or other medical services, the Student Health Center may be able to help. It is located in the same building as the Counseling Center, between the SAC and Houchens Building with regular office hours Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m until noon and 1 until 4:30 p.m. The center is also open Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and 2 – 4:30 p.m.
More information about services and scheduling appointments is available by phone at 852-6479.
For more information about all of theses services – and many others offered on U of L’s campuses – visit the school’s Web site: http://www.louisville.edu. The Cardinal’s Web site also offers information and is available at http://www.louisvillecardinal.com.
