CHCS Perspectives Summer/Fall 2013

PERSPECTIVES • SUMMER-FALL 2013 – Page 7 T he College of Health Care Sci- ences’ Office of Student Affairs completed its inaugural Gradu- ate Professional Success (GPS) Series in April with its final session entitled “Find a Job…Find Your Fit.” Throughout the 2012-13 academic year, CHCS students as well as faculty and staff members from Fort Lauderdale, Jack- sonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers attended workshops together to improve their academic and professional capacities. The average attendance throughout the eight-workshop series was 77 partici- pants. Most were students but many fac- ulty members attended one or more of the workshops. Additionally, faculty members and students from other colleges within NSU’s Health Professions Division at- tended some of the sessions. After each workshop, students shared what they learned in the session and how they ex- pected to implement their new knowledge as well as suggestions for ways to improve the series to best serve their needs. “We want to know exactly what the students are taking away from the workshops and provide a student-centered experience that allows them to be both teachers and learn- ers,” said Jonathon May, M.A., assistant director of student affairs. Nicole Banegas, a class of 2013 physi- cian assistant student, kicked off the series with her session entitled “It’s About Time” —a session designed to help in- coming students manage their time effec- tively in order to succeed academically while effectively balancing non-academic responsibilities. Students shared how they learned to set realistic goals, gained knowledge about specific practical steps to maximize their study time, obtained tips for effectively using their planners, and dis- covered the value of taking breaks. Many students reported they believe the knowl- edge they gained would help them be less stressed, while others noted they ex- pected to curb procrastination and study more proactively. Angela Mesa-Taylor, PA-C, adjunct professor in the Physician Assistant Pro- gram, who led the second session entitled “Making the Grade: Strategies for Test Taking and Studying in the CHCS,” was nominated to speak on this topic as a result of the results she had seen from a study-skills and test-taking ap- proach she had designed and imple- mented with her students. As a result of her work with students in her program that were struggling academically, test scores had risen significantly. Stanley Wilson, Ed.D., CHCS associ- ate dean of academic affairs, organized the October symposium entitled “Cur- rent Trends in Health Care Policy” that brought together high-level health care community leaders to speak about the implications of the Affordable Care Act for emerging health care professionals. Students and faculty members engaged with the expert panel about issues of aca- demic preparation, challenges, and oppor- tunities. Many participants commented on how their improved understanding of the trends in health care will help them pre- pare to better comprehend and contribute to the future of their profession. In preparation for the holidays, the November session entitled “Young, Fab- ulous, and Broke” was designed to help students budget their finances, manage their debt, and plan for the future. In fact, it was the most highly attended event of the semester with 97 participants. After the seminar’s conclusion, many students shared that they felt more empowered to manage their budgets and prepare for the future. After the winter break, The GPS kicked off its spring series with the “New Year, New Stress, New You” session. As students prepared to leave the stress of finals and the holidays behind and begin a new year and new academic course load, Douglas Flemons, Ph.D., director of the NSU Office of Suicide and Violence Pre- vention, and Edye Groseclose, Ph.D., pro- fessor of biochemistry in the College of Medical Sciences, led participants through interactive exercises using hypnotism and meditation to allow them to experience states of deep relaxation. Participants walked away with knowledge and skills that will serve them for a lifetime—or at least through the next exam. The session entitled “Professional Skills to Pay Your Bills” was designed By Terry Morrow, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Student Affairs STUDENT AFFAIRS Story continued on page 8... THE GRADUATE PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS SERIES: Promoting Student Success at CHCS