Baylor’s Success Center Shares Tips, Resources for Students in the Homestretch of Spring Semester

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By Cameron Barbier, senior marketing specialist, Baylor Marketing and Brand Strategy

WACO, Texas (April 14, 2020) – During this time of physical and social distancing, many Baylor University students who are learning online, off campus and in remote settings are battling the effects of isolation. Even though students aren’t on Baylor’s campus, that doesn’t mean campus isn’t finding ways to go to them.

Baylor University faculty and staff in the Paul L. Foster Success Center continue their commitment to provide academic assistance and resources to students, especially during this health crisis and time of isolation.

“The remote setting doesn’t impact a student’s ability to learn, but it could have an influence on how a student learns. The same basic, brain research-based strategies that lead to deep, optimal learning for ‘in person’ learning in the classroom are applicable to online learning now, with only a few minor tweaks,” said Sally Firmin, director of the Success Center’s Academic Support Programs.

As the spring semester comes down the homestretch, it’s important to keep in mind some best practices when learning in a remote setting, Firmin said.

The Success Center advises students to:

• Follow a weekly study plan. A weekly study plan provides students structure for learning and helps them avoid procrastination.

• Take 10- to 15-minute breaks after 45-50 minutes of screen time and study. This tip also applies to non-students who are working from home as well, Firmin said. There are multiple, categorized strategies offered on the Success Center website.

• Use the Success Center’s tutoring, mentoring, supplemental instruction (SI) resources, as well as one-on-one academic consultations with staff. Tutoring, Firmin said, has a variety of options that students can sign up for including – one-on-one virtual appointments, tutor-led group sessions or Baylor YouTube video tutorials for courses in biology, chemistry, calculus and precalculus.

Baylor faculty and staff continue to devote time and attention to putting resources and information upfront on departmental websites.

Students can also contact the Office of Academic Support directly for assistance at (254) 710-8696 or send an email to Academic_Support@baylor.edu.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 18,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.