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Going to university can be tough: there鈥檚 the workload, the independence and being away from home for the first time. But some AV俱乐部 students cope with more than homesickness.
Like Sabrina Li, from Inner Mongolia, they may come from vastly different countries and be overcoming language and cultural differences. Like Lyn Bennett, now an English professor at AV俱乐部, they may have family and financial responsibilities to juggle. Or, as in David Curry鈥檚 case, they may be the first in their families to go to university and end up feeling like a 鈥渇ish out of water鈥� once they get here.
Nevertheless, these students are incredibly driven to succeed: 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 have the courage to fail,鈥� says Spiwe Karipache-Scoggins, a nursing student originally from Zimbabwe.聽
On Monday, April 28, the third annual student success symposium takes place at the Potter auditorium in the Rowe Building. Called Defying the Odds, the symposium will focus on ways of assisting at-risk students. Symposium participants will hear from current and former students who鈥檒l relate the obstacles they faced and how they overcame them.
Participants can also read the nine compelling student stories that have been posted on the website.
鈥淭hese stories will provide the basis for our discussions,鈥� says Pat DeMeo, director of Student Academic Success Services at AV俱乐部. 鈥淭he kinds of challenges faced by these students at risk may include financial pressures, cultural adaptation, lack of academic confidence or preparation, disabilities, childcare concerns, lack of peers or role models and lack of direction.鈥�
After the panel discussion, participants will break out in small groups to discuss the implications. As Dr. DeMeo says, 鈥淲hat needs were identified?聽 What can we do to meet these needs better?鈥�
In the afternoon, participants can pick from one of three sessions: 鈥淗elping students in distress,鈥� led by Victor Day, director of AV俱乐部 Counselling Services Centre; 鈥淲ho ya gonna call?鈥� on resources available on campus for student in need, led by Dr. DeMeo; and 鈥淢oving Forward,鈥� an analysis and planning session which follows up on the morning鈥檚 discussions.
AV俱乐部 faculty members, administrators and student services professionals are welcome to participate. There are still spaces available for all sessions (except lunch); please register using the .
READ THE STORIES: | | | | | | | |