Self-Assessment

Self-knowledge is vital to academic success at the university level. The activities contained in this section will enable you to better understand who you are as a student, what you hope to achieve at Immaculata, and what steps you need to take in order to be successful.

• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses:
  
  • Students often struggle with college work early because they rely on high school study habits. Take this student self-assessment and bring it to the Academic Success Center, where an academic coach will help you craft a study plan to succeed at Immaculata.
• Goal Setting:
  
  • A goal without a plan is nothing more than a wish. This goal-setting worksheet will help you reach your goals by articulating what you hope to achieve and what you need to do in order to accomplish those goals.
• Learning Styles:
  
  • Different learning styles not only affect your retention of subject material, but how you draw conclusions from it. You may learn more effectively through watching a demonstration, listening to a lecture, or participating in a discussion. This learning styles survey will help you discover which approach to learning is best for you.

Campus Activities

In-class lectures are only one educational environment at college. A significant amount of learning occurs outside of the classroom through workshops, faculty lectures, and extra-curricular programming.

• Academic Success workshop schedule
  
  • Academic coaches from the Academic Success Center host workshops throughout the year to help you learn to study more effectively. Topics include: test-taking strategies, note-taking tips, time management techniques, and more. Some faculty members award extra credit for attending these workshops.
• Common Reader Lecture Series
  
  • This fall, faculty from Immaculata and the surrounding area will deliver free lectures to students and the public, offering an opportunity to hear varying viewpoints on the Common Reader.
• Student Activities & Leadership

FAQs

Who could benefit from academic coaching?

Everyone! Even if you are excelling academically at Immaculata, it’s likely you could benefit from a short conversation with an academic coach. A coach can help successful students better organize their time and help struggling students get their semester under control.

Do I need an appointment to see an academic coach?

No, but we do encourage you to make appointments, because it ensures that the coach is present and better prepared for the meeting. But if you’re having a meltdown day, don’t hesitate to drop in the Academic Success Center.

What services can an academic coach provide?

Our coaches are trained to provide guidance in note-taking, test-taking, time management, stress reduction, test anxiety, and other topics related to academic success. Coaches can also connect you with a peer tutor or the coordinator for academic accommodations where warranted.

What is the Common Reader Program?

This program provides a shared intellectual experience among the incoming freshman class, faculty, and staff through reading a book group discussions, the FYE seminar, and the faculty lecture series. In 2012, the Common Reader is The Other Wes Moore.

Major Decisions

Resources designed to help you make an informed decision about the major that’s right for you.

• Sample Major Map
• How to Choose a Major
• List of Major Maps (with instruction for current students to access them on Moodle)
• List of Minors
• Major Descriptions
• Meet Your Map Guides: How to have a successful advising appointment
• Links to
  
  • Holland
  • ONet
  • What can I do with this major?

Milestones and Momentum Stoppers

Milestones to mark your academic progress and momentum-stoppers that could obstruct your journey to success.

• Step by Step to Success (semester-by-semester checklist)
  • First Year Fall and Spring
  • Second Year Fall and Spring
  • Third Year Fall and Spring
  • Graduation Year Fall and Spring
• Milestone guide (including plans for graduation, declaration of major, etc.)
• Momentum-Stopper guide (including Stop Out process, Academic Probation, FA probation, etc)
• Annual Academic calendar
• Semester success timeline (Fall)
• Semester success timeline (Spring)
• Liberal Arts Core
• Honors Program

Activity Samples

Here are some sample worksheets other IU students completed of activities that current students can access through Moodle

• Wandering Map
• GPS
• Holland Activity (Interest Inventory)

Tutoring

Immaculata’s Academic Success Center provides both group and individual tutoring if you need additional assistance to excel in a course. All tutoring is free of charge. Simply fill out a tutor request form, submit it electronically (or print out the form and drop it off at the Academic Success Center), and we’ll pair you with a tutor, typically within 3 business days.

• Group and Individual
  
  • With the exception of composition and math courses, we offer individual and group tutoring in almost every subject at Immaculata. Group tutoring typically covers high demand courses such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy/physiology. Our tutors complete a rigorous training program and have been recommended by faculty members, so you can be confident that your tutor is capable and knowledgeable.
• Writing/Math Center
  
  • Immaculata offers free tutoring in math and writing composition through the Math and Writing Centers. You can drop in any time during the Math Center’s hours or during the Writing Center’s hours.
• Tutoring Request Form
  
  • In order to receive tutoring, simply fill out this online form and submit it. The tutoring coordinator will e-mail you with the contact information for your tutor, typically within three school days. You can then contact the tutor to schedule a mutually convenient time to meet. It’s that simple.
• Become a tutor request form
  
  • Are you interested in helping a fellow student learn, building your resume, and making a little money too? You might be the perfect candidate to become a peer tutor at Immaculata. Click Here, fill out the necessary form, and the tutoring coordinator will contact you if you meet the GPA requirements.

Academic Coaching

• Academic Coaching Intake form
  • Are you struggling to earn the grades you want? Do you have trouble taking notes during lectures? Do you feel hopelessly behind in your work? Do you forget to do assignments? If so, you could benefit from an academic coach. An academic coach can help you with all of these things. Complete this form and send an electronic copy to academicsuccess@immaculata.edu. An academic coach will contact you to schedule an appointment.
• Academic Success Workshops
  • Academic coaches from the Academic Success Center host workshops throughout the year. Topics include: test-taking strategies, note-taking tips, time management techniques, and more. Some faculty members award extra credit for attending these workshops.
• Stress/Time Management
  • Do you feel like you need an extra hour or two each day just to get everything done? Are you disorganized? Does your lack of time and organization stress you out? If so, an academic coach can help you better organize your time to accomplish more and manage your busy life. Also, if you are having test anxiety, an academic coach can give you helpful techniques to relax and focus during examinations. Activity completed but it’s getting reformatted. Make an appointment -To make an appointment with an academic coach, please send an e-mail to academicsuccess@immaculata.edu
• Make an appointment
  • To make an appointment with an academic coach, please send an e-mail to academicsuccess@immaculata.edu

Academic Accommodations

• Overview
  • In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Immaculata University is committed to providing reasonable academic accommodations to students diagnosed with a disability who are seeking accommodations.
• Accommodations Handbook
  • The determination of a disability is made only when an individual’s impairment substantially limits his/her ability to perform one or more major life activities. An institution is required to provide accommodations only to individuals who have a record of such impairment. While the University or individual instructor is not, by law, required to fundamentally alter the nature of a class or curriculum to meet the needs of individuals with a disability, the University is committed to assist all students in their effort to achieve academic success. More details are available in the Accommodations Handbook.
• Contact us
  • If you have a question about academic accommodations or you believe you have an academic disability that qualifies you for academic accommodations, please contact the Director of the Academic Success Center at msparrow@immaculata.edu.

FAQ's

• Who could benefit from academic coaching?
  • Everyone! Even if you are excelling academically at Immaculata, it’s likely you could benefit from a short conversation with an academic coach. A coach can help successful students better organize their time and help struggling students get their semester under control.
• Do I need an appointment to see an academic coach?
  • No, but we do encourage you to make appointments, because it ensures that the coach is present and better prepared for the meeting. But if you’re having a meltdown day, don’t hesitate to drop in the Academic Success Center.
• What services can an academic coach provide?
  • Our coaches are trained to provide guidance in note-taking, test-taking, time management, stress reduction, test anxiety, and other topics related to academic success. Coaches can also connect you with a peer tutor or the coordinator for academic accommodations where warranted.
• I had an IEP (individualized education plan) in high school. What do I have to do in order to receive academic accommodations at Immaculata?
  • Having an IEP alone does not guarantee that you will receive academic accommodations. The coordinator of academic accommodations will make a determination based on all available documentation and an interview with you. Please see the Academic Accommodations Handbook for more guidance on the process.

Activities

• Honors
  • To give recognition to students of exceptional accomplishment and to promote intellectual and cultural achievement, a number of honor societies are active at Immaculata. Some students are invited to participate in the Honors Program as freshmen. Others are honored by membership in specific honors societies based on their academic achievement in college and their program of study.
• Internships
  • Internships are a critical piece to your college education that offers you a chance to develop skills and gain real-world experience. Check in with your academic department for internship opportunities in your major.
• Service Learning
  • As a core value of Immaculata, service is another great way to give back to the community while learning practical skills to prepare you for a competitive job market. Check in with your academic department for service learning opportunities in your major.
• Research
  • Participating in a research project outside of the classroom can be a real boost to a job or graduate school application! Check in with your academic department for research opportunities in your major.
• Study Abroad
  • Study Abroad enriches the value of your degree and also helps you learn more about yourself. Students who study abroad return home with new ideas and perspectives about themselves and their own culture, challenging them to reconsider their own beliefs and values. While abroad, students take courses they would never have the opportunity to take at home.

Grants

The Pathways Mini-Grant Program is available for faculty to obtain funding for the development of academically enriching activities on campus. Current students may contact their academic department for opportunities suitable for their course of study.

The following faculty members will work with the academic departments in calling for proposals and awarding the mini-grants.

• Sister Susan Cronin, Area of Focus: Research
• Dr. Christine Moran, Area of Focus: Service Learning
• Dr. Julie Ryan, Area of Focus: Internships
• Dr. Stephanie Theodorou, Area of Focus: Honors
• Sister Elaine Glanz, Area of Focus: Study Abroad

Areas of Focus

Activity Resources

Build skills and gain experience to further your career goals and help you make more informed decisions. Click on the samples below to preview a few activities you can complete in Moodle to begin compiling information about your experiences. To view all available activities, log in to Moodle and go to the Get Experience folder. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, "contact us".

• Leadership: A Leader I Admire
• Selecting a mentor: Are you ready?
• Volunteer

Career Column

Click on career advice articles to learn more about getting experience. You can log in to Moodle and go to the Pathways to Success course for additional information and activities. To ask a question, or schedule an appointment, "contact us".

• Elevator Speech: Job Search Infomercial
• Mentoring: Follow the Leader
• Internships: Test Drive the Real World
• Networking: 101

Career Tracks Brochures

Want to know more about possible career tracks for a particular field or industry, including a general overview, common tasks, and common settings? Click on the brochure of the area you are interested in to gather more information. You can log in to Moodle and go to the Pathways to Success course for additional information and activities. To ask a question, or schedule an appointment, "contact us".

• Education
• Human Movement Sciences
• Nursing

Areas of Focus

• Resume and Cover Letter Writing 101
  • A resume is your personal marketing tool. It summarizes skills, career goals, education, work experiences, activities, and honors. Cover letters serve as your introduction to an employer and connect your skills to their company. Crafting these sales tools to highlight your most relevant qualifications is both an art and a science.
• Job Search Skills
  • Job seeking requires action, and the most effective action is to make contacts with the people who are most likely to need someone with your skill set. Identify the steps and elements of an effective job search, discover various avenues to find a job, and develop a job search plan and execute it.
• Monitor Your Online Image
  • Employers are increasingly using social media to screen candidates prior to in-person meetings. It is important to review your social media profiles and remove any content that you would not want your prospective employer to view.
• Utilize Your Network
  • Networking is only effective if you cultivate the relationships you have built with your contacts. Let your contacts know you are in the market for a job, and highlight skills you have to offer a potential employer.
• Ace Your Interview
  • An interview is a professional meeting with an employer to determine how your skills, experience, and personality will fit the needs of their business or organization. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your value to your potential employer. Learn the steps to take before, during, and after an interview to increase your chances for success.

Activity Resources

Develop the tools necessary to navigate a successful job search. Click on these samples to preview activities you can complete in Moodle. To view all available activities, log in to Moodle . For more information, to ask a question, or schedule an appointment, "contact us".

• Creating a Chronological Resume
• Mock Interview
• Monitoring Your Online Image

Career Column

Click on career advice articles to learn more about getting hired topics. You can log in to Moodle and go to the Pathways to Success course for additional information and activities. To ask a question, or schedule an appointment, "contact us".

• Interviews: To-Do Tips
• Job Fairs: The Basics
• Me, Myself, and Inc.
• Resumes: The Basics
• Why a Cover Letter?

Job Feed

Looking for jobs and other opportunities? Browse these posted positions and job search resources. You can log in to Moodle and go to the Pathways to Success course for additional information and activities. To ask a question, or schedule an appointment, "contact us".

Academic Resources

There are numerous academic resources available to students all across the Immaculata campus. They include:

Pathways Center

• Academic Advisement – Stop in and get help with dropping/adding courses; summer school study; general academic advice
• Academic Success Center – Distraction-free testing location; help with study skills and organization; personalized academic coaching
  • Academic Accommodations – Services for students with documented learning differences
  • Tutoring Services – Peer tutoring is provided in most subjects, either in a one-to-one or small group setting.
• Career Development - Explore careers, create a career plan, and get personal support.
• Math Center – Students may make individual appointments for help with any level of mathematics course
• Writing Center – Students receive help in the planning, drafting, and revising stages of their writing

 

Campus Resources

• Business Office - Pay your tuition bill, pick up your paycheck, and more.
• Bookstore - Buy, rent, or sell your textbooks, and show your school spirit with Immaculata gear.
• Campus Ministry - Grow in your faith, participate in service projects, and enjoy fellowship.
• Campus Safety & Protection - Stay safe, learn about Immaculata's drug and alcohol policies, and find out what to do in an emergency.
• Commuter Life - Connect with fellow commuter students.
• Counseling Services - Improve your well-being and learn about individual and group counseling, referral services, and consultations.
• Current International Students - Get help navigating life in the U.S., including visas and employment.
• Dining Services - Get information about on-campus dining options.
• One Card - Get and use an all-in-one ID card that allows you to make bookstore purchases, buy meals, check out library books, and access campus buildings.
• Residence Life & Housing - Learn about campus housing and residential programs.
• Student Activities & Leadership - Participate in IU's activities and events.
• Student Handbook - Everything you need to know about being a student at Immaculata University.
• Student Health Services - See a doctor, get a flu shot, enroll in a health insurance plan, or get health information.
• Student Organizations - Join a club or organization focused on academics, social activities, cultures, media, arts, health, leadership, or service.
• Transportation & Parking - Learn about public transportation options and parking guidelines.