This class was a free, self-paced WebCampus course that consisted of topics aimed to help students succeed in an online, virtual environment. Students who completed the following four required modules earned a WebCampus badge:
- Study Space and Organization
- Time Management
- Communication and Interaction
- Learning Styles
Optional modules included additional topics with engaging titles, such as "Academic Integrity Greenhouse," "GPA Speedway," and "Cirque Du Solidarity." Additional Time Management resources were also available.
The Office of Online Education setup, structured, and prepared the course content and five facilitators from the ASC provided input into the course content, tracked student progress, gave useful feedback to students on all assignments. The course was marketed shortly after the end of the Fall 2020 semester via social media and other outreach efforts and, in total, 38 students signed up online and were enrolled in the course.
So far, the feedback from students who took the course has been positive. One student stated, "Before this course, I'd been trying to familiarize myself with productivity apps, Google Calendar being the biggest one. I spent a lot of time personalizing and setting it up. My favorite part of it all was changing the colors of everything. I didn't realize that Google Calendar actually recognizes events from my email!" Another student said, "I found the YouTube video on office hours the most meaningful because it motivated me to utilize office hours for my success." Additional assessment is currently being completed on the course and improvements and adjustments will be integrated into the course.
Stay tuned for information on when additional Online Learning Essential courses will be offered!
|
|
Achievements:
-
UNLV's student-athletes set a record high cumulative GPA of 3.21 for Fall 2020, breaking Spring 2020's record of 3.13. This is the seventh semester in a row that student-athletes earned a GPA over 3.0.
- Record semester GPAs were earned by Baseball, Men’s Basketball, Softball, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Tennis and Track & Field
- Record cumulative GPAs were earned by Baseball, Men’s Basketball, Football, Softball and Women’s Tennis
- Special recognition goes to the Women’s Tennis program, which set the record for highest team GPA (3.88) by any athletics program in UNLV history
-
192 student-athletes made the Dean's Honors List by earning at least a 3.50 while taking at least 12 credits.
-
308 Advising drop-in meetings with students were held from January 11-22. ASC Advisors assisted students with a variety of concerns including spring enrollment, course planning, and other issues for the current semester.
Presentations:
-
Dr. Paige Johnson, Visiting Assistant Professor for the Academic Success Center, had two posters selected for UNLV's Best Teaching Practices Expo
-
Featured Poster & Discussion Panelist: Mid-Semester Reset: Approaches for Student Self-Assessment, Self-Efficacy and Support
-
Poster: Appreciative Teaching
-
Dr. Ann McDonough, Founding Dean, Dr. Dan Gianoutsos, Senior Associate Dean, and Cheyenne Rogers, Assistant Director of Academic Transitions and Learning Support, will be virtually presenting Math Bridge: First Year Transitions to College Math at the 40th Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience.
Publications:
-
Gianoutsos, D., White, M. A., Smith, B., & Stella, N. (2021). Path to success: Examining a multifaceted retention model for major pathways students at a large, diverse, research university. Journal of Higher Education Practice and Theory, 21(2).
|
|
STUDENT & STAFF SPOTLIGHTS |
|
|
|
Andy Larsen
UNLV Junior
Economics Major
Leadership Development & Engagement Cert.
ASC Peer Mentor
|
Why did you choose to come to UNLV?
I spent four years in the Marine Corps right after high school. When I was in the process of leaving the military, I wanted to move to a big city and go to a big university. My sister emailed me a catalog of different universities and I actually chose UNLV that way.
|
|
|
Tell us a little about your role as a Peer Mentor for the ASC. What does that position entail?
As a Peer Mentor, it is our role to reach out to newer students and provide them with mentorship and emotional support. We also help them navigate the resources. It’s our goal to help students move towards meeting their own personal goals.
What is your favorite thing about reaching out to students?
I really love being able to help and offer advice. I’ve had so many great conversations. When I was a new student, it would have been great to have this help. Seriously, this has been a great experience.
What is the most important piece of advice you give to the students you speak with on the phone?
I would say, trying to remind the students that there are a ton of resources at UNLV and the ASC and to take advantage of them. Part of the reasons the Peer Mentors exist is to point students in the right direction and use the right resources at the right time.
What’s one good thing that you’ve learned or discovered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?
The whole remote thing has a lot of benefits. As someone who relies on public transportation, it’s been great - to be honest. I miss in person things, but it’s been great for me to be able to go to appointments virtually. Even being able to talk to an advisor on the phone is a big advantage. I hope some of these options continue after the pandemic.
What is an item/habit that you must have/do in order to survive the semester?
100% - I would say have a planner and a calendar. This is probably the second most important piece of advice I give to the students. Don’t make college harder than it has to be. There are a lot of things going on at the same time - plan things out.
What has been your favorite class at UNLV, so far? Why?
It was actually my first college class ever: History of Rock. It was so memorable. The instructor would bring in an electric guitar and play during class. How cool is that? It’s pretty awesome. I’ve been sold on college since then. It’s been great.
Is there anyone on campus that has been particularly influential in your time at UNLV? Why/How?
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m considering moving back to the East Coast for Graduate School. I’m looking at a Masters in Higher Education. My Leadership certificate program is run by the Department of Educational Psychology and Higher Education. I really hope to study similar things in the future. I’ll apply to UNLV too.
|
|
|
ASC Spring 2021 Services
The ASC building is open during the following hours of operation:
Monday - Friday
8 AM - 5 PM
Representatives are available to answer questions at
702-895-3177 during normal business hours.
COVID-19 Updates:
In response to Nevada and UNLV guidance regarding the COVID-19 pandemic,
the ASC is following all guidelines, including social distancing measures.
Masks are required.
|
|
|
|
Academic Success Coaching
Virtual Workshops
|
Prepare to Hit the Road: How to Personalize Your Academic Journey (Feb. 1, 2, 3)
Taking the Side Roads: How to Adapt to Virtual Times (Feb. 8, 9, 10)
Avoid Running Out of Gas: How to Take Care of Yourself (Feb. 16, 17)
Follow the Signs: How to Find a Note-Taking System (Feb. 22, 23, 24)
|
|
|
|
|
#RebelsGive is our annual 1,957-minute fundraising challenge (in honor of UNLV’s founding in 1957), that encourages alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the entire Rebel community to get involved and support campus programs and initiatives.
|
|
|
|
Save the Date - Virtual ASC Honors Ceremony:
Wednesday, 4/7, at 12 p.m.
|
The ceremony recognizes recipients of ASC faculty, staff, and student awards as well as students who have received scholarships and placed on the Dean's Honors List. Due to the pandemic, this year's event will be virtual.
|
|
|
The Importance of Organized Planning!
The start of the semester (and the new year) is the perfect time to start fresh with an organized calendar and planning system. Taking an hour or two during the first few weeks of class can alleviate periods of stress and worry throughout the semester. As ASC Peer Mentor Andy mentioned above, "Don’t make college harder than it has to be. There are a lot of things going on at the same time - plan things out."
|
|
|
|
- Identify what kind of system works for you (e.g., a physical planner or electronic calendar).
- Set up automatic reminders for due dates, special events, and milestones.
- Be sure to schedule time for studying, exercise, and self-care.
- Color-code for different types of events to help give a quick overview.
-
Consider integrating a "to-do" app such as Google Tasks if you like checking off items on a list.
- Get in the habit of viewing your calendar at the beginning of each day, so you know what to expect.
- Integrate your personal goals into your calendar to track momentum.
|
|
|
Calendar and Planning Resources:
Class Syllabi
|
|
Be sure to follow the ASC on Social Media for additional tips! |
|
|
Hixson-Lied Success Scholarship Program:
Applications Open Now! DEADLINE: 4/19/2021
Thousands of students across Nevada may never have the opportunity to earn a college degree primarily because of economic and academic challenges, and there are very few programs in place to help these students. The UNLV Hixson-Lied Success Scholars Program helps make a difference in the lives of these students by providing both financial and academic support through the ASC.
The program provides students:
- A scholarship in the amount of $1,250 per semester ($2,500 per year) for up to eight semesters.
-
Academic Success Coaching sessions.
- The ability to make a difference through serving peers and giving back to UNLV.
- Access to the Hixson-Lied Success Scholars Newsletter, a monthly newsletter created by the scholars.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
