Finishing strong: How the Academic Success Center supports students

The Academic Success Center aims to support Augusta University students. (photo source: Augusta.edu, used with permission)

By Lena Garrard | Staff writer

As the spring semester comes to a close, students are wrapping up assignments, preparing for finals and finalizing their end-of-semester plans.

This time of year can be exciting, with students anticipating graduation and summer break, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming.

Rosalyn Holliday, academic success coach and coordinator, and Paula Owens, interim director at the Academic Success Center (ASC), shared how the ASC can support students during finals and provided practical tips to help students avoid burnout, stay focused and study effectively during exam season.

“At the Academic Success Center,” said Owens, “we’re here to support students every step of the way, especially as finals approach.”

Owens encouraged students to tap into the resources available and take the initiative to visit the ASC at either of their offices: Greenblatt Library on the Health Sciences campus or  Room 156 in University Hall on Summerville campus.

The Academic Success Center is located in University Hall on Summerville campus. (photo source: Augusta.edu, used with permission)

“The ASC can provide students with a personalized academic success plan tailored to their needs,” said Holliday. “We’re here to help you finish the semester strong.”

The ASC helps students push through to the finish line in a number of ways.

·       Tutoring support.

Owens said tutors are available in a variety of subject areas to “provide the academic help students need as they review class content, prepare for finals and tackle challenging assignments.”

·       Peer coaching.

Coaches help students create personalized study plans, manage their time effectively and make last-minute study adjustments with confidence.

·       Study space and snacks.

Owens invited students to drop in, grab a snack and some swag and get into study mode in a supportive environment.

“Whether you study with a tutor or a friend,” she said, “the ASC is a great place to refocus and recharge.”

·       Prepare for next semester.

Owens encouraged students to look ahead even when studying for finals.

“Peer coaches can help reflect on what worked this term and set goals for a successful start next semester,” she said, “including registration planning and building strong academic habits.”

Owens wanted students to know that they don’t have to face the stress at the end of the semester alone.

“The ASC team is here,” she said, “ready to walk alongside them as they finish strong and move forward in their academic journey.”

Holliday shared several practical strategies to help students stay on track when trying to avoid burnout, stay focused and study effectively.

·       Use the Pomodoro Technique.

This technique has students study for 25 minutes then take a five-minute break. After four rounds of that, students take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

"This keeps your brain fresh, prevents mental fatigue and improves focus,” Holliday said.

·       Make a study schedule.

Holiday said students can start by marking exam dates, then work backward to plan what to study each day.

They can also break subjects into manageable chunks and incorporate rest or light review days to avoid burnout.

·       Active recall and repetition.

“Don’t just reread notes,” Holliday said. “Test yourself using flashcards or quiz apps like Anki or Quizlet.”

She said that reviewing material regularly over several days instead of cramming locks it into long-term memory.

·       Prioritize sleep, food and exercise.

Holliday recommended students get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

“Sleep helps the brain retain information,” she said.

Holliday advised students to eat brain-friendly foods like fruits, nuts, eggs and leafy greens and “not just ramen and Red Bulls.”

Holliday added that a quick walk or stretch can help recharge the mind and body.

·       Use study groups wisely.

Holliday said students should team up with focused friends and teach each other difficult concepts.

“Explaining something out loud leads to deeper learning,” she said.

·       Use campus resources.

Both Holliday and Owens urged students to take advantage of university support systems.

“I strongly encourage students to visit the Academic Success Center during these final weeks,” Holliday said. “It’s a great opportunity to identify where you need support. We want to help students create a solid academic success plan to finish the semester on a high note.”

Students can contact the Academic Success Center by email at asc@augusta.edu or by phone at 706-667-4777.

Contact Lena Garrard at legarrard@augusta.edu.

The Academic Success Center is located in Greenblatt Library on the Health Sciences campus. (photo source: Augusta.edu, used with permission)