WWCC Parents

Strategies for Student Success

The first years of the college experience can be very stressful and students often find it difficult to adjust and prosper. There are many things that Western does to help facilitate the process. You can encourage your student to take advantage of these services. Their success can depend on it.

1. Getting Started Right

Attend Orientation—it helps your student connect to the institution and know who to see about what

Take responsibility early for seeking answers to questions from key offices

Recognize areas where help is needed. The College studies courses help student adjust to college, build reading skills, and master other skills such as time management. Development courses (those numbered <1000) are designed to build skills in math and English that are critical to overall college success.

Get wired into the college network. Regardless of whether one lives on or off campus access to the high speed network is available.

Get basic computer skills together. The ability to use a computer for research and for basic word processing is a must. Help your student to gain these proficiencies. Don’t assume because they use MySpace and surf that they can use the computer for collegiate work.

Get involved. The more involved in activities within and outside the classroom, the more likely it is that the student will be retained. Encourage involvement in classroom discussion and participation in social, athletic and education events outside the classroom.

2. Use Support Services that are available

Career Planning helps student to determine areas of interest and focus for the major. Free assessments and analysis are available to your student.

Tutoring. The college makes tutoring available online and through live peer tutoring sessions. How ever your student learns, there is help available. Encourage your student to visit the Peer Tutor Center.

Counseling. Licensed counselors are available through the student development center to help students with adjustment issues and other personal problems as they attend Western.

Advising. Each full-time student is assigned a faculty advisor who helps him or her with scheduling and information on careers and other institutions. Your students should develop a good working relationship with this person. They are a great resource.

3. Use Online Resources

Mustang Cruiser—the college portal to information and access to all other online resources

Mustang Web—online registration, bill paying, educational planning and other resources.

Blackboard—the colleges course management system that is used for online courses and some partial Internet courses

Library—online services for library research and resources

Bookstore—order books for classes online

Smarthinking—online tutoring service