October 1, 2013 - 2:20am
Crank it up and be successful – that’s the message to students at Vancouver Island University (VIU).
Crank it Up is a free one-day conference Friday, Oct. 4 from 11 am to 4 pm where students will learn the tools, tricks and skills they need to have a positive and successful academic year.
“At VIU, we believe in promoting student success,” says Tina McComb, interim director of Enrolment Management. “It’s part of our responsibility do everything possible to help students succeed. That’s what Crank it Up is all about.”
The one-day conference includes 15 fun and informative sessions where students can learn about budgeting, time management, making the most of research time, improving speed reading and comprehension, getting ahead of exam anxiety, the top 10 technology tips and lots more.
“University doesn’t have to be a scary place where students are stressed out and filled with anxiety,” says McComb. “It can be a positive experience if students have the right attitude, skills and access to services, programs and resources to help them succeed.”
A band of VIU departments and service areas are pulling together to make the day a great event for students, including the Counselling, Advising, Academic Career Preparation, International Education, Writing Centre and the Office of Aboriginal Education departments. The Library and Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Learning are also taking part.
A highlight will be a keynote panel discussion from 1 to 1:50 pm in Shq’apthut, VIU’s Gathering Place, where current VIU students will share their personal stories. Presenters include a mature student, an international student, an Aboriginal student, a student with disabilities and a peer coach.
“Often times, it’s most valuable when students hear and learn from each other,” says McComb.
In that regard, VIU’s Peer Coach program has proven popular and effective.
“We started the program last year and are expanding it this fall,” says McComb. “We match trained peer coaches with students to work one-on-one to identify areas of academic strengths and weaknesses, identify any barriers to their education, help the student develop an action plan for success and connect them with available resources.”
Peer Coach drop in sessions will be held throughout the day.
Students are encouraged to register for Crank It Up online at www.viu.ca/crankitup. The website includes session descriptions and a full schedule.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Janina Stajic, Manager, Vancouver Island University P: 250.740.6288
E: Communications@viu.ca Twitter: @VIUNews
Tags: In the Community
