Sydney Crabtree | Contributing Writer
Molly Crabtree | Contributing Writer
Patience Tesz | Contributing Writer
Numerous students report feeling disconnected from their school community during their first semester at college. Are you overwhelmed with schoolwork, struggling with time management, or unsure of a major of study? You are not alone. While many students are struggling with the adjustment, Eastern Connecticut State University (ESCU) has a support system that will help you work through these new obstacles. Looking for a solution, we interviewed Morgan LaFlamme, an academic advisor and student development specialist at ECSU, regarding the struggles first-year students might face. Upon further discussion, we highlighted the resources that Eastern offers, specifically the Academic Success Center (ASC).
The Academic Success Center includes tutoring, advising, career success, supplemental writing, and math instruction. Each employee plays a crucial role in this agency's function, with the mission being to support students and provide them with resources to be successful academically and professionally. Ms. Laflamme emphasizes the ASC “is a very team-based effort to support students.” In the advising center, there is a team that specifically works to support first-year students in their transition. Ms. Laflamme expresses that the sooner students hear about this agency, the better. Students can find more information about the ASC on Eastern Connecticut State University’s website. Morgan Laflamme is confident that this agency fulfills its mission. For first-year students in particular, the advisors have an understanding of how their students are adjusting to college. Whether you need to talk about how to manage your workload or need support in a specific class, advisors are always there for you. This welcoming space located in the J. Eugene Library offers walk-ins, but appointments can also be made.
“Time management” is a phrase that college students may hear constantly repeated from their advisors, professors, and parents, but despite the importance of time management, it is not a simple process. With challenging classes, clubs, free time, and a lack of motivation, organizing and planning how to divide time between activities can be a challenge. Time management can increase productivity, help manage stress, and motivate students to achieve goals. Luckily, the Academic Success Center has the resources to support Eastern students. Previously, one tutor in the ASC could tutor for study strategies, time management, organization, and help students set up the semester calendar. Starting the fall semester of 2024, Eastern students can meet with any subject tutor as they are all trained in assisting with these important skills. Ms. LaFlamme recognizes time management is one of the hardest aspects of the transition to college. It is essential students remember they are not alone in their transition to college and trained adults are ready to assist on the journey to becoming independent, organized adults.
When we asked LaFlamme about students' concerns regarding choosing the “right” classes, she explained the schedule process for first-year students. During orientation over the summer, schedules are pre-built for students. This takes away concerns about choosing classes because the information is laid out for each student. They then can make changes as needed, but the general class schedule is created. The goal is to take away anxiety and feelings of overwhelm coming into the first semester of college. As the end of the first semester approaches, the advising center hosts something called “Eastern in 4 Sessions”. Students can create a model of the classes they will take during their next years of college.
The plan provides a visual illustration for students to see the course of their education at Eastern. The advisors recognize the amount of stress that students are under, which is why they have implemented this multi-step process. We understand that transitioning into college can be difficult for students. The first semester is a significant adjustment period. Eastern has an academic alert system, which can be used by professors to submit their concerns to advisors when it comes to student stress-levels and class attendance. Eastern has numerous policies for students, such as the course withdrawal policy that can be used when a student is facing concerns that they may fail a class. They can withdraw from the class, having no impact on their GPA. The credit-no-credit guarantees that a student receives credit if they received a D or higher in the class. Eastern hopes that these policies will alleviate stress, allowing a student to focus on their other classes.
Eastern Connecticut State University recognizes the difficulty that first-year students may experience during the transition. When asked about ways to help students with feelings of overwhelm, LaFlamme said,
| “connecting them to resources, the policy options, and just being someone that they can talk to and listening to what they are going through and letting them know that we understand it is a very overwhelming time. It is a lot, it is a big transition, so just being a supportive person that they have in their corner as well.”
While you may feel helpless, there are resources available. ECSU wants you to succeed and is willing to provide you with the tools needed to do so. The Academic Success Center, along with other offices, are all here for you!
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