www.unlv.edu/asc
February 2021 Issue
First-year seminar class with students
These questions even grow in intensity as students begin college. A central mission of COLA 100E is to support students as they navigate these major/career questions and chart their path forward at UNLV. 

A misconception of COLA 100E is that the main curriculum will simply be an introduction, via a series of lectures or research projects, to factual information about UNLV majors and career paths. Students are indeed introduced to UNLV majors and to reliable resources, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. However, the core of the COLA 100E curriculum is guided self-reflection that supports students’ growing capacity to make sense of and effectively use that factual information regarding major and career options. 

For example, via an activity we call Major Madness, students are exposed to at least 64 different possible UNLV majors and the paired UNLV webpages outlining learning outcomes, classes, and career possibilities. Yet, after gathering information on the majors, the activity transforms into a series of conversations and debates that ask students to reflect deeply on what they are looking for in a major: Financial stability? Community impact? Job security? Fulfillment of passions? Skill development? Though the activity ends with one major voted as that class’s Major Madness “winner,” each student walks away with a better understanding of the broad range of ways in which to determine the value of a major, and their own personal wants and needs when it comes to their final major declaration.

Guided self-reflection in COLA 100E formally begins early in the semester with an assignment that requires students to take the Focus 2 self-assessment offered via UNLV Career Services. The Focus 2 self-assessment supports students in identifying their work and leisure interests, dominant personality traits, values, and skills, and matches them with UNLV majors and careers that may be well-suited to particular combinations of traits and abilities. Reflection continues through the readings and videos we assign, many of which feature individuals describing their (often circuitous) journeys to career fulfillment. Students engage regularly in written reflection exercises, from casual discussion board posts to formal essays, that expand their self-understanding and connect it to what they are learning about various career options through online research, informational interviews, and more. Each student meets one-on-one with their instructor as well as their academic advisor to continue these reflections and receive individualized advice. 

As students conclude COLA 100E, our hope is not only that students declare a major. Rather, we intend that the model of self-inquiry to which we introduced them results in long-term benefits, including stronger self awareness and regular reflection practices that lead students to succeed and thrive at UNLV and in their future careers.
#REBELSGIVE 2021
UNLV Rebels Give Logo
March 2-3, 2021
#RebelsGive is our annual 1,957-minute fundraising challenge (in honor of UNLV’s founding in 1957), that encourages alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the entire Rebel community to get involved and support campus programs and initiatives.
 
Join the Academic Success Center for #RebelsGive 2021 on March 2-3. Make a gift to the ASC and help make a lasting impact!

New Text-to-Give Option
Text # 91999
Keyword: rgasc2021

To learn more, visit rebelsgive.unlv.edu
POINTS OF PRIDE

Awards:


Publications/Presentations:

  • Elizabeth Johnson, ASC Academic Advisor, recently published two articles:



  • Dr. Joseph Ervin, Assistant Professor-in-Residence, will be presenting the following accepted publication at the Philosophy of Education Society Annual Conference on 3/4:

  • Ervin, J., Beisecker, D., & Özel, J. (2021). The St. Louis Hegelians and the institutionalization of democratic education. Philosophy of Education

STUDENT & STAFF SPOTLIGHTS
Picture of Thea Sweder
Thea Sweder
UNLV Senior
Kinesiology Major
UNLV Women's Volleyball

Why did you choose to come to UNLV?

The main reason was that I received a good scholarship offer to play. The Volleyball team was projected to be really good.

Also, I thought it would be cool to live in a city like Las Vegas. I went to high school in a very small town and I knew I didn’t want to stay in a small town for school. I actually grew up in Oslo, Norway, but attended an All Volleyball boarding school in Norway for two years. 
What role has the ASC played in your success at UNLV?

I feel like it has made everything a little easier. The student-athlete advisors, they really have helped me stay organized and assisted with school issues. They are really helpful in a lot of areas - they take a lot of stress off of me.

What are your plans after graduating?

I will graduate this semester with a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology. Right now, I’m studying to be certified as a strength and conditioning coach. I want to be certified by the time I graduate. I hope to get a job at a gym or with a team so I can use the training. Since I’m international, I have limited time in America, so I’d really like to work in the US for one year to get some experience.

What is one piece of advice you would give to new students?

Probably, take advantage of the resources like the library or your advisors. Even professors can help a lot. This year was different with covid, not being able to see people in person. But, the resources and people are still there for you - you just need to reach out to them.

Who is a person in your life that has been extremely influential? Why?

I would say, my parents. They have always set great examples for me. They raised me well. I just know how they are and that’s how I want to be when I’m older. I find they have really good values and I want to live up to them. They've always supported me and never pushed. With volleyball, they've supported me with all of my decisions, but never pushed. They’re why I’m here today.

What’s one good thing that you’ve learned or discovered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Definitely learning how disciplined I can be regarding school and workouts. Online school is not my favorite. Before the pandemic, I took as many in person classes as possible. I’ve learned to stay consistent and keep disciplined, both with my grades and workouts. For the longest time, I couldn’t play or practice with the team. It’s almost been a year. It’s good to see how I can stay motivated.

What are you going to celebrate when the COVID-19 pandemic is over?

I’m going to be sure to be happy with smaller things - traveling freely, hanging out with friends. I was unable to go home during the holidays, so just being able to see the people that I love.

What is something on your personal bucket list?

There are a lot of places I would like to travel to. It’s a hard question - I’ve already traveled a lot. I’ve been to 22 countries already. Traveling in Europe is like going to a different state in America. Volleyball has taken me to a lot of different places. In general, islands like Hawaii, Fiji, Bora Bora, the Maldives - tropical islands would be great!
Jacquee deJesus
ASC Academic Advisor

What led you to work at UNLV?

UNLV is my alma mater - it’s like returning home. I love the college environment. I earned my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with with a concentration in Linguistics. My graduate degree is in Educational Leadership with a focus on Higher Education Leadership. 

What inspired you to become an academic advisor?

For me it was having great academic advisors for myself. As a student, I didn’t know there was a career option. In particular, Derek Furukawa was amazing. I also did an internship with the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. In speaking with a past student, he reminded me that what I said was very helpful. It was a spark - knowing that I helped someone out - that was inspirational.
Picture of Jacquee deJesus
What is your favorite part about your job as an academic advisor?

I have a couple. When starting out with the course recommendation, it is kind of like solving a puzzle - and I like solving puzzles. Also, meeting and interacting with inspiring students. Our students are great!

What has been challenging with advising virtually compared with in-person?

The biggest thing was the technology hiccups. I’ve done video conferencing in the past, but sometimes the video or audio wasn’t working. I would end up being on the phone and on WebEx at the same time. Or, there have even been power outages. There are also certain things I need to send to students early so that they are prepared, which I would normally just hand to them at my desk. I also miss the random conversations from running into people in the hall. 

What is the #1 thing that is important for first-year students to remember?

The main thing is for students to ask questions and ask as soon as possible. If you’re not quite sure and don’t even know who to ask, ask an advisor. When I say ask earlier, the earlier you ask, the more options you may have. But, don’t be afraid to ask even if you think it is late - you may still have some options. Also, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask - ask anyway.

If you could give your younger self some advice, what would that be?

I’d want to teach myself ways to study better that I learned later in my studies. Also, keep exploring and keep following the exploration as it’s being exposed and you are learning new things.

If you weren’t working at UNLV, what do you think you’d be doing?

Also known as figuring out what I want to do when I grow up. I find online entrepreneurs very inspiring. I’d want to find a way to work in that realm. I also believe you can do more than one thing. Opportunities may arise - you just never know. I don’t really think about retiring, I think more about doing different things, even if I don’t know what they are right now.

What would you say is a silver lining of the Covid-19 pandemic?

The commute - even physically going into the office once a week. Things haven’t really slowed down in the office, but in general, it’s felt a little less hectic. Just being able to go to the park and walk around - it’s been fun.

What is something on your bucket list?

Traveling all over Japan, to a bunch of different countries in general. But Japan is number one. Post pandemic, traveling anywhere would be great. I’d love to see a beach again!
NEWS AND UPDATES
ASC Spring 2021 Services

The ASC building is open during the following hours of operation:
Monday - Friday
8 AM - 5 PM

All ASC services are available online at www.unlv.edu/asc.

Representatives are available to answer questions at
702-895-3177 during normal business hours.

COVID-19 Updates:
In response to Nevada and UNLV guidance regarding the COVID-19 pandemic,
the ASC is following all guidelines, including social distancing measures.

Masks are required.

Picture of classroom with students, each with computer
Spring 2021 Series:

Academic Success Coaching
Virtual Workshops
Which Routes to Take: How to Create a Study Plan (March 1, 2, 3)

Detours and Pit Stops: How to Stay Connected (March 8, 9, 10)

Review the Map: How to Prepare for Exams (March 22, 23, 24)

Watch out for Roadblocks: How to Find Motivation and Avoid Procrastination (March 29, 30, 31)
Save the Date - Virtual ASC Honors Ceremony:
Wednesday, 4/7, at 3 p.m.
The ceremony recognizes recipients of ASC faculty, staff, and student awards as well as students who have received scholarships and placed on the Dean's Honors List. Due to the pandemic, this year's event will be virtual.

Honors Ceremony with students walking to receive award
STUDENT SUCCESS TIPS
Avoiding Procrastination!

Alexander Graham Bell once wisely stated, "the only difference between success and failure is the ability to take action." Now that the semester is firmly underway, the temptation to start putting off assignments, papers, or studying may start to appear. One of the easiest ways to work towards success in college is actually just completing tasks and studying in a timely manner.

Sometimes, getting started seems to be the hardest part. Perhaps the tasks seem too large, too complicated, or even too scary. One way to overcome these procrastination obstacles is to just get started. Approach your tasks with a broad view at first, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable (and less intimidating) pieces. Identify some strategies or tactics that work for you, such as small rewards or designated study spaces.

Importantly, understand that you are not alone. One of the most popular topics we discuss in our COLA 100E First-Year Seminars is how to get the Procrastination Monkey off your back. By understanding why you are procrastinating and building in tactics to address these tendencies, you can move forward productively!
Picture of paper calendar and electronic calendar
Avoiding Procrastination Tips:
  • Schedule time for assignments in your calendar/planner.
  • Break assignments/papers into manageable tasks.
  • Get small tasks out of the way - crossing those items off your To-Do List will give you a sense of accomplishment.
  • Try a "Power Hour" or the Pomodoro Technique
  • Put away all your distractions
  • Set a timer
  • See how much you can complete in a set amount of time.
  • Reward yourself for accomplishing small tasks.
  • Attend an Academic Success Series Workshop or meet with an Academic Success Coach to discuss personalized strategies.
  • JUST START!

Be sure to follow the ASC on Social Media for additional tips!
SCHOLARSHIPS
Hixson-Lied Success Scholarship Program:
Applications Open Now! DEADLINE: 4/19/2021

Thousands of students across Nevada may never have the opportunity to earn a college degree primarily because of economic and academic challenges, and there are very few programs in place to help these students. The UNLV Hixson-Lied Success Scholars Program helps make a difference in the lives of these students by providing both financial and academic support through the ASC.

The program provides students:
  • A scholarship in the amount of $1,250 per semester ($2,500 per year) for up to eight semesters.
  • Academic Success Coaching sessions.
  • The ability to make a difference through serving peers and giving back to UNLV.
  • Access to the Hixson-Lied Success Scholars Newsletter, a monthly newsletter created by the scholars.