Second-Year Experience
The Second-Year Experience includes programming and activities designed specifically to help students through their second-year. Research suggests that during the second-year, students may experience a period of confusion and uncertainty. There is a new set of stressors second-year students experience when they return to college. Unlike first-years, second-year students receive less attention with regards to adjusting to college life and are expected to be familiar with how things work. The combined pressure to declare a major, find an internship and decide whether or not to study abroad may lead second-year students to fall into the sophomore slump. Sophomore slump is a decline in academic performance during a students’ second-year of college. The following programs are provided to help students avoid the sophomore slump.
Second-Year Plan
- Academic Planning and Support
- Identify and declare an academic major.
- Continue taking advantage of the tutoring center and .
- Continue meeting with academic advisor.
- Make a personal connection with a faculty member.
- Visit professor's Office Hours (see syllabus or schedule a meeting that fits your schedule).
- Contact faculty about assisting with research.
- Career Planning
- Explore possible majors and careers
- Register for a career decision-making course for elective credit
- Learn about and apply for internship opportunities
- Search for volunteer opportunities
- Explore possible majors and careers
- Involvement and Leadership Development
- Become involved in Extracurricular activities
- Participate in fun and free events
- Become involved in your major organizations
- Apply for leadership positions such as T.A.L.O.N.S or Student Ambassador
- Run for a seat in Student Government
- Explore Greek Life opportunities
- Participate in sports
- Attend at least one campus program or event each month
- Participate in at least one multicultural event per month
- Stay up to date with the campus calendar of events
- Study Abroad
- Visit a Study Abroad Advisor
- Prepare to participate in a study abroad program
- Taking Care of Business/Money Management
- Work with a Financial Aid Counselor to be sure you are on track
- Submit the FAFSA in January
- Attend a financial literacy event each semester
- Health and Wellness
- Make an appointment with Student Health for physical and mental wellness
- Engage in chosen self-care activities on or off campus