Next Up. Student Success!

Emotions, such as what we might feel when we are overwhelmed, typically define who we are and can influence the outcome of different experiences. There are over 27 different kinds of feelings and as complex humans, we are able to experience more than one at a time. Being overwhelmed happens to everyone at some point in time. With the current circumstances students are facing, many are experiencing being overwhelmed and are not sure how to face it. This episode features Dr. Melody Williams, a current professor in the Department of English and Foreign Languages at Norfolk State University. Dr. Mel shares her experience with feeling overwhelmed, how she handles it and advice for students when they are facing  struggles. Tune in for some peace of mind. 

Whether online or on campus, etiquette helps professors and students establish expectations for engagement. Now that online learning is the “new normal,” tune in to discover how to be successful with your own class management and start your professional development and why it is important. This episode features Dr. Denelle Wallace, Associate Dean for the School of Education. Part of her expertise is teaching prospective teachers how to work with students to create productive and respectful environments that support learning. 

As a student, when deadlines come up within the university, we receive countless emails reminding us to plan ahead and be responsible for our academic plans. One reminder we receive each semester includes the add or drop date for classes. Many times, we see the date and are not completely sure about how to make the best decisions for our academic plan.This episode explains in depth the purpose of adding and dropping classes and the benefits or downfalls that could potentially happen. This episode starts with a conversation between the hosts, Dr. Mebane and Ms. White, who focus on tips and takes. To make sure that they covered the key points, they talked with Ms. Ashley Vaughn before the recording. Ms. Vaughn is a academic advisor in the Dr. Patricia Lynch Stith Student Success Center. Make sure to tune in and add any classes for fall 2020 by September 4th. 

This episode on yoga and meditation is the final one in the podcast's Learning Communities Self-Care Series for summer 2020. All of the episodes share tips for reducing stress, supporting good health and setting yourself up for academic success. Whether you are a student or faculty or staff member, we hope that you will use this series to start or enhance a commitment to your own care. In this session, Dr. Kathleen Thomas talks about her experience with yoga and breathing exercises inside and outside the classroom. she also notes tools and the importance of self care in the current, larger pandemic and political environment. shares the importance of sleep for your health, academic success and livelihood. Listen for tips and tools for good sleeping habits. Dr. Thomas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science with expertise in "Motor Control/Learning of Posture and Locomotion, Kinesiology, Injury and Rehabilitation and Biomechanics." 

In this Learning Communities Self-Care Series episode, Ms. LeKenya Skelton shares the importance of sleep for your health, academic success and livelihood. Listen for tips and tools for good sleeping habits. Ms. Skelton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who supports students as a resource in the NSU Counseling Center.  

Academic plans are vital when it comes to mapping out your course loads and timeframe for earning your degree. However, some students do not have a clear idea of what it is or how important it is for student success. Our special guest this episode is none other than Dr. Malikah Abdullah (Chair and Associate Professor of the Biology Department at Norfolk State University). Dr. Abdullah provides a full explanation of what an academic plan is and how it affects you as a student and tips and tools for how to create one and use it to earn your degree. 

Welcome to another special segment of the Learning Communities series focused on self-care. This session features a mediation moment focused on mindfulness presented by Ms. Shana Simmons. Ms. Simmons, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the NSU Counseling Center, shares tips, tools and her take on mindfulness by leading listeners on a guided meditation. Join us for this demonstration. And,  bookmark this episode and utilize this information in between classes, before or after an exam and before you go to sleep. 

Welcome to a special segment of the Learning Communities series focused on meditation as a part of self-care. This session features how to work on establishing mindfulness and is presented by Ms. Cheniqua Goode.  Ms. Goode, a Licensed Professional Counselor with the NSU Counseling Center, shares tips, tools and her take on being present through deep breathing. Join us for this demonstration. And, bookmark this episode and utilize this information between classes, before or after an exam and before you go to sleep. Stay tuned for part 2.  

In this Learning Communities Self-Care Series episode, Ms. Arkitia Pegram-Crawley shares easy to access and important advice on being present and intentional. Listen in for tips and tools that you can begin to use now to build good habits for managing stress, including disappointments. Whether you will be new to NSU this fall or returning for your last year, this content will be informative and helpful. Ms. Crawley is a Licensed Professional Counselor who supports students as a resource in the NSU Counseling Center. Stay tuned for two follow up episodes in which two of her colleagues help us practice her recommendations. 

With so much going on in the world, it will be a real challenge for students to stay focused on study when classes return this fall. Some classes will be online. In-person classes will require new public health pre-cautions. Spaces will not be available for larger groups. Sports and other events will not be the same. Family and friends make be affected by COVID-19. And, students still have to take classes. This special episode highlights a panel of student leaders who we asked to share academic advice on staying focused and making distraction free zones that students can think about before classes start. Our student panel consists of Ms. Jamie Turner (a recent May 2020 graduate from Virginia), Ms. Symone Thomas (a current senior from Texas) and Ms.Serenity Magee (a current sophomore from North Carolina). Make sure to tune in for their tips, tools and takes on what works.