May 31, 2023

First-year students to kickstart Wayne State experience with Summer of Success program

Smiling students walk together on a sunny day at Wayne State University.
The Summer of Success workshops will help incoming Warriors build community and start the semester strong.

To help incoming students kickstart their success, explore campus and make connections, Student Success will host a series of workshops through its new Summer of Success program. The in-person workshops are free to admitted first-year students who have completed New Student Orientation and will run on select Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 20 through August 8. 

With cross-campus collaboration, the Summer of Success program will offer five workshop themes centered around common interests and needs of incoming students. Workshops will be repeated for a total of 10 sessions, each hosting approximately 75 students.

“Summer of Success is one of many student success initiatives that underscore our commitment to ensuring students thrive academically and personally,” said Darryl Gardner, assistant vice president of student success. “With this pilot program, our campus community has come together to help our students connect and build confidence early, which we know contributes greatly to their success.”

The workshops will bring all participants together for morning icebreaker activities at Keast Commons and again for lunch at Towers Café. The program will also introduce them to popular campus resources including the Undergraduate Library, the STEM Innovation and Learning Center, the Student Center Building, the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement, the Dean of Students Office, the Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center, various classroom spaces, and more.

“We designed these workshops to strengthen academic preparation and directly address some of college’s ‘hidden curriculum’ — how to navigate campus, find resources and make connections,” said Latonia Garrett, director of student success initiatives and academic partnerships. “As a next step after New Student Orientation, we’re confident that Summer of Success will help solidify students’ commitment and make them even more excited about their future as Wayne State Warriors.”  

The workshops are strategically scheduled to coincide with social events, including the Tuesday Movies on Keast series, hosted by the Dean of Students Office.

Summer of Success Workshops

Making the Grade

Students will learn how to get the most out of a lecture, apply tips in a mock tutoring session, and learn how to access University Advising tools and other academic success resources including Canvas and Degree Works.

Campus partners: Academic Success Center, Department of Biology faculty, Undergraduate Advising Center, Student Disability Services, First-Year Interest Groups

Effective Writing and Research

Students will build foundational college writing and research skills.

Campus partners: Department of English faculty, Library Services

Mastering Math

Students will learn from faculty and past students about critical strategies and tools to shift their thinking about learning math.

Campus partners: Department of Mathematics

What Can I Do with a Major In…?

Students will explore majors and different career paths and interact with alumni to learn more about their college experience and professional journey.  

Campus partners: University representatives from various schools, colleges and academic departments

Engagement, Belonging and Wellbeing

Students will learn how to maximize their experience outside the classroom by getting involved on campus and accessing resources available for mental health and wellbeing.

Campus partners: Dean of Students Office, Counseling and Psychological Services, Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center, Office of Multicultural Student Engagement

 

For more information, contact summerofsuccess@wayne.edu.

 

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