Our New Student Summer Series features specialized virtual sessions for our new students including sessions on mental health, successful study habits, being an advocate for yourself, help with financial aid, and much more… Our 2024 Summer Series has ended. Please see below for recordings from our six sessions.
SUMMER SERIES 2024 – RECORDINGS
#1: Back to School, Back to Basics
Session Host: Sonya Foor, Academic Success Coordinator
Session Description: There are so many things to think about when heading “back to school.” It can be unnerving…whether it’s after a short summer or after several years out of the classroom. In this presentation, we’ll get “back to basics” and talk about the essential technology and resources you’ll need as a student.
#2: Stress Less at Laurel Ridge
Session Host: Amber Foltz, Dean of Students
Session Description: Managing stress, conquering test anxiety, and taking care of our mental health and wellness are essential to a successful college experience. Join this session to learn and practice techniques that help mitigate our bodies response to stressors and explore free resources, for example, yoga, meditation, health coaching, mental health counseling, psychiatry and more.
#3: Manage Your Time — Manage Your Life
Session Hosts: Greg Anderson, Director of Academic Advising, Christopher Vaughan, Academic Advisor
Session Description: Life is often very busy with many competing priorities and responsibilities, but have you ever really thought about how you actually spend your time? In this session participants will develop their own individualized study plan that, if followed, will maximize their chances of college success.
#4: Being Your Own Best Advocate
Session Hosts: Caroline Walls, Sadie Gargano, Sasha Dawson, Thomas Chalk, Academic Advisors
Session Description: Learn how to effectively communicate with college staff to make the most out of your Laurel Ridge experience. We’ll practice the skills you need to advocate for yourself as you walk through various career and academic processes at the college.
#5: Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together with Financial Aid
Session Host: Kaitlyn Lambert, Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Session Description: We understand that the financial aid process can feel like a confusing puzzle so we will go through all the pieces together. Join us for this interactive session!
#6: Success with Support Services
Session Hosts: Tiffany Matthews, College Social Worker, Nick Shomo, OADS Counselor
Session Description: More than a student! Getting Connected with Support Services on Campus and in your Community.
SUMMER SERIES 2023 – RECORDINGS
#1: Stress Less at Laurel Ridge
Session Host: Amber Foltz, Dean of Students
Session Description: Managing stress, conquering test anxiety, and taking care of our mental health and wellness are essential to a successful college experience. Join the session to learn and practice techniques that help mitigate our body’s response to stressors and explore free resources, for example, yoga, meditation, health coaching, mental healthy counseling, psychiatry, and more.
#2: How to Get Involved
Session Hosts: Chris Lambert, Coordinator of Student Life & Engagement & Angela Schroeder, Student Activities & Recreation Specialist
Session Description: Make the most of our your time at Laurel Ridge! Learn what amazing opportunities the Office of Student Life & Engagement has to offer, including student activities, intramural sports, clubs & organizations, health and wellness programs, and so much more. It’s all about building your leadership skills and making the most of your time here!
#3: Back to School, Back to Basics
Session Host: Sonya Foor, Academic Success Coordinator
Session Description: There are so many things to think about when heading “back to school.” It can be unnerving…whether it’s after a short summer or after several years out of the classroom. In this presentation, we’ll get “back to basics” and talk about the essential technology and resources you’ll need as a student.
SUMMER SERIES 2022 – RECORDINGS
#1: Get Involved! Making the Most of your Laurel Ridge Experience
Session Hosts: Chris Lambert, Coordinator of Student Life & Engagement & Angela Schroeder, Student Activities & Recreation Specialist
Session Description: Make the most out of your time at Laurel Ridge Community College! Learn what amazing opportunities Laurel Ridge has to offer and about the lasting impact it can have on your life. It’s about building your leadership skills and making the most of your time here!
#2: Stress Less at Laurel Ridge
Session Hosts: Amber Foltz, Dean of Students
Session Description: Managing stress, conquering test anxiety, and taking care of our mental health and wellness are essential to a successful college experience. Join the session to learn and practice techniques that help mitigate our body’s response to stressors and explore free resources, for example, yoga, meditation, health coaching, mental healthy counseling, psychiatry, and more.
#3: JumpStart to Success: Connecting with your Professors and Classmates
Session Hosts: Naomi Simpson, Associate Professor of Communication Studies
Session Description: Building connections and relationships with your professors and classmates is critical to your success and engagement in college. Further, according to a recent workplace report by LinkedIn, Communications is the number 1 skill gap across major cities in the United States. From practicing your interpersonal skills through peer collaboration to refining the way you communicate with your professors, putting in the effort to be engaged student (online or on-campus) will pay off in more ways than one. In this session, find out what effective communication means at the college-level, discover how it differs from everyday communication you have with your friends and family, and get expert advice for staying connected while you attend Laurel Ridge Community College.
#4: Career Exploration and the Job Search Process
Session Hosts: Sarah Pangle, Academic Advisor & Career Services Specialist
Session Description: Learn what Career Services has to offer you when you’re planning your current job search or future career; we can even help you land scholarship interviews!
#5: Back to School, Back to Basics
Session Hosts: Sonya Foor, Academic Success Coordinator
Session Description: There are so many things to think about when heading “back to school.” It can be unnerving…whether it’s after a short summer or after several years out of the classroom. In this presentation, we’ll get “back to basics” and talk about the essential technology and resources you’ll need as a student.
#6: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Session Hosts: Julie Fainter, Success Coach
Session Description: The current ‘you’ does not create your next level of success. If you want to crush the fall semester, attend this session to learn some new strategies you can implement right away. We’ll talk about how to access resources to meet your needs, how to pre-plan your week so you never miss an assignment, and how getting disciplined and productive can reduce your stress.
Additional information and links: Setting yourself up for success
#7: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action at Laurel Ridge
Session Hosts: Andrew Gyurisin, Development Officer & Kerry Kilpatrick, Librarian & Tajmarie Rowe, Academic Advisor
Session Description: Join a panel discussion with representatives from our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council to learn more about DEI initiatives at Laurel Ridge Community College and how you can get involved!
The Office of Student Life & Engagement strives to ensure opportunities for all Laurel Ridge students. We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, ability, or sexual identity. If special accommodations are needed, please contact [email protected] one week prior to the event date.