As you think about your academic success, it’s important to recognize how much this area intersects with your overall well-being.
This "wellness wheel" represents our various dimensions of wellness and the many factors of our life that can both positively and negatively impact our sense of well-being. If at any point, you are experiencing challenges in one dimension, it’s common that this could quickly impact another dimension. An example of this might be when you are feeling under the weather — your physical health is quickly impacted by this experience which can then cause a trickle effect in your emotional and intellectual dimensions. When our physical body is struggling, it can be difficult to feel like our normal selves and to keep up with our day-to-day activities. You may notice this impacting your academic success if your attendance lowers, your ability to focus and engage in class feels strained, your motivation to complete assignments on time decreases, etc.
Anticipating that you will likely navigate some personal challenges throughout the academic year, we encourage you to implement regular habits and routines that will support your academic success and overall well-being on a consistent basis. Take some time to review the following strategies and resources to help you feel re-energized and motivated to support your academic well-being.
Campus Resources
Redefining "Academic Success" and "Productivity"
Even on a good day, finding the motivation to be productive can be difficult during a global pandemic. For some college students, schoolwork and academic success have traditionally been a top priority in their life. With all that is happening in the world around us, it can be easy to feel distracted and lose focus on academic responsibilities.
As you navigate change or hardship, it is important to find new and sustainable strategies for managing your academic responsibilities amidst the challenges you are experiencing in your personal life.
There are many resources available to support your academic success and well-being as a USD student and we encourage you to reach out if you are looking for some additional support this year. The USD community is here to support you!
Center for Student Success
Connect with Center for Student Success if you are looking for some additional academic support. They are best known for their wonderful student success peer coaching program. You can also find lots of helpful resources on their website including things like organizational tools, resources to support reading and test taking, remote learning strategies, and tips for managing stress and caring for your mental well-being.
Student Support Services
The Student Support Services program provides opportunities for academic development, assists with college requirements, and serves to retain and motivate students towards the successful completion of their post-secondary education at USD. Visit their website to see if you are eligible for this wonderful program.
Tutoring Services
Take advantage of the great assortment of tutoring and advising services available through the College of Arts & Sciences & Knauss Business School.
Office Hours
Take advantage of the virtual office hours that your professors offer. This is a great way to ask additional questions and receive guidance on coursework that you are struggling with. Your professors want you to succeed!
Copley Library
Utilize the wonderful resources that our Copley Library staff offers. They are here to help get you connected with a Librarian/Subject Specialist, reserve private study space, and locate helpful and relevant resources for your academic writing and research needs. Checkout their instagram and website to learn more about how their well-trained staff can support your academic success.
As you think about how to support your academic success, here are some gentle reminders to keep in mind as your care for your well-being and set intentional goals:
Be patient with yourself
Maintain a healthy and balanced routine
Take time for yourself
Most importantly, we want to remind you that your self worth is not determined by your grades and that it is completely normal and ok if you feel you are struggling to perform at the same level you have done in the past. We encourage you to practice self-compassion and reach out to one of the many resources available to support you at USD. Accepting and asking for help is an important first step in caring for your well-being and managing the many responsibilities that come along with your role as a student. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need additional support or are concerned about a friend or peer right now. We are always here to support you and our USD community.