Requesting a Student Success Workshop

First-Year Seminar Workshops are designed to support faculty in enhancing their engagement with college students by providing presentations on relevant topics. These workshops typically cover areas crucial to student development, well-being, and academic success. We kindly request that you submit your presentation requests for the first 6-8 weeks to ensure their timely delivery. Each presentation lasts approximately 40 minutes, ensuring a concise yet thorough exploration of the subject matter.

Key Features of First-Year Seminar Workshops:

Format and Duration:
- Each workshop is designed to be approximately 40 minutes long. This duration is optimal for maintaining engagement and delivering comprehensive content without overwhelming the participants. The format of the workshop will be dependent on the format of the course, i.e. Zoom or in-person course.
Interactive Elements:
- Many workshops incorporate interactive components such as Q&A sessions, group discussions, and practical exercises. This encourages active participation and allows attendees to apply what they've learned in real-time.
Resource Availability:
- Participants typically receive supplementary materials such as handouts, guides, and access to online resources that they can refer to after the workshop. This helps reinforce the learning and provides ongoing support.
Graduate Assistant Presenter:
- Graduate Assistants (GA) typically provide the First-Year Seminar Workshops and will be available to assist students through the Center for Student Success & Academic Excellence. Our services are provided year-round. The students will be able to connect with a GA who they can refer to for assistance throughout their time here at KU.

If you have any questions, please contact us at success@kutztown.edu.

Presentation topics offered are listed below:

Golden Bear Guide to KU: Syllabus Mapping

This workshop focuses on how to effectively use and understand course syllabi to plan for the semester. Students will learn how to break down their syllabi, mark important dates (such as exams and assignments), and create a comprehensive semester schedule. This helps students stay on top of their workload and avoid last-minute cramming. A syllabus mapping worksheet and academic calendar will be provided for students to take with them following the workshop.
Golden Bear Guide to KU: Study Skills & Test Taking Strategies

This workshop provides students with effective study habits and test-taking techniques to enhance their academic performance. Topics include active reading strategies, note-taking methods, memory aids, effective study environments, and tips for handling different types of exams (multiple-choice, essays, etc.). This workshop aims to boost students' confidence and preparedness for taking tests.
Golden Bear Guide to KU: Transition to College

This workshop helps students adjust to the academic and social differences between high school and college. During the workshop, we will go over time management, developing new study habits, finding and utilizing campus resources, making new friends, and adapting to a new level of independence. The goal is to ease the transition and reduce anxiety about the changes from high school to college. Students will be provided a handout with a summary of the information to take with them after the workshop.
Golden Bear Guide to KU: Time & Stress Management

This workshop helps students develop skills to manage their time efficiently and balance their academic, social, and personal lives. Included are techniques such as creating schedules and to-do lists, prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and avoiding procrastination. Practical tools and strategies are provided to help students make the most of their time as well as a review of campus resources. Handouts for this workshop include a SMART Goals worksheet, academic calendar, and an hourly calendar.
Golden Bear Guide to KU: Technology

This workshop aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize technology for their academic and personal success during college. Mastering the use of technological tools and platforms is essential for staying organized, enhancing learning, and maintaining security. Students will have the opportunity to log on to MyKU, D2L, Outlook, Starfish, Engage, and Handshake during the workshop to understand how they work.

Student Success Workshop Request Form