Academic Success Program Offers Supportive Services to Social Science Students

Staff Writer

  
   MONTICELLO - University of Arkansas-Monticello social science students battling coursework and adjusting to college life can soon access a network of faculty and student support.

   Beginning Spring 2011, the Social and Behavioral Science Academic Success Program will offer members an array of supportive services to help them complete their respective degree requirements, according to Rejena Saulsberry, a professor of criminal justice at UAM involved with the new program.

   Services will include group mentorships led by upper-classmen to guide less-experienced students through the rigors of study and college life as well as a series of faculty-led seminars on topics such as study skills and stress management.

   “Our hopes are that the program will become a support system for those students who may be struggling with their coursework or managing the stress of work, having a family and attending school,” Saulsberry said.

   Saulsberry modeled the SBSASP after a similar program in place at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, her alma mater. There, professors guide students through the transition to postgraduate studies.

   “We decided to take that philosophy, the idea that not every student enters the university with the skills or knowledge to complete their degree, and create a student mentorship program that would mimic the spirit of a graduate or professional school orientation program,” Saulsberry said.

   While social science faculty designed the particulars of the program specifically for students seeking degrees through the School of Social and Behavioral Science, they hope the idea grows and spreads.

   “If the program is successful, we hope it will encourage other departments within UAM to support a similar program for their students as well,” Saulsberry said.

   Students will receive recognition upon completion of the program at the end of the semester.

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