Page 8 - Laker Connection Spring 2012

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“The people here are friendly and positive. It’s a great place for students to begin a successful college career.
AMY POOLE, FYARC ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
students with the history and traditions of their ent. Even though you are an adult, they can help soon-to-be alma mater. you through the most challenging times of your
“I believe those students who participate in freshman year.”
“Sometimes a student may just need motiva- tion or help with something that may be difficult, may need an alternative solution, or just a simple word of encouragement that would impact their decision to continue on,” shares Smith’s advisor Erica Jackson who joined FYARC from a full-time advising position in Clayton State’s Center for Ac- ademic Success. “We reach out to students allow- ing them to know there is a place just for them to help guide them through academic and personal situations.”
The first hand to reach out to students when they enter FY ARC is Administrative Operations Coordinator Amy Poole, who joins the center from serving 14 years in Clayton State’s Office of Re- cruitment and Admissions.
“Students enjoy coming in here and sitting, getting the help they need and getting their ques- tions answered,” says Poole. “This is a positive, safe place. Students can come anytime for any issue. They feel comfortable here. They pop in a lot, and they know we have their best interest at heart.”
FYARC demystifies the first-year experience, erasing unknowns and preparing students to suc- ceed not only in those critical first 30 credit-hours, but also throughout their entire college experience. FYARC helps each student lay the foundation for that important walk across the commencement stage and that even more important walk through life.
“I like connecting with students. I like that I understand and can identify with them...It makes me feel good when students come back and report their sucesses to me. I feel accomplished knowing I had some influence in their success.
ERICA JACKSON, FYARC ADVISOR
FYARC are more successful because they are en- rolled in Learning Communities that allow them to not only be familiar with study strategies, but to also meet other members of the faculty and staff, as well as student leaders,” says Pettigrew.
Encouraging the connection between student and professor is a benefit freshman Xavier Smith from North Charleston, SC discovered last semes- ter.
“FYARC is a liaison between the students and the professors. Not only have I been able to see my current professor with the help of the center, but I have also been able to speak with a future profes- sor about the coursework I will be attempting,” he
says.
Smith says he visits FYARC at least once
a week.
“My questions tend to be about majors, upper level courses and even gradu- ate school preparation. I feel it is never too early to prepare for another chap- ter in your life even if the current chapter has not yet come to a close ...The advisors offer more than advis- ing. If you are living away from home, they are like a standing par-
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THE LAKER CONNECTION