Academic Resources Make High School to College Switch Easier for First-Year Students

By: Maxwell Reese 

(SETON HILL Pa.) The transition between high school and college can be intimidating for students. Seton Hill University has many resources available to help students make this transition. 

“Seton Hill understands that the transition from high school to college is complex,” said Rosalie Carpenter, vice president of student affairs and athletics. 

Carpenter is also an instructor for Connections, a course made specifically to help first-year students adjust to Seton Hill University. Carpenter stated that Connections was, “originally designed with students to talk about what they wished they knew.”  

There are various other services first-year students can seek out for help. 

“Resources like the Writing Center, Math Center, and tutoring are exceptional resources,” Carpenter said. 

“The biggest thing that we’re here for is to help students improve their writing,” stated senior Rachel Dietsch, a writing consultant for the Brownlee Writing Center.  “Overall, we want our students to walk away with more knowledge about writing and how to improve their own writing.” 

This is accomplished through one-on-one sessions conducted either in person or over Zoom. Students looking to schedule one of these sessions can find an online calendar on the Writing Center’s website. Requests for a different time are also possible if a time that works is not available on the calendar. 

Kim Pennesi, the supervisor of the Brownlee Writing Center, said that the Writing Center’s website has extensive resources for those looking to improve their writing.

“Come in with a desire to learn and develop [your] writing,” said Pennesi.

The Brownlee Mathematics Enrichment Center’s website states that its primary goal is, “to empower students with the skills and resources necessary for success in their mathematical endeavors as well as to provide enriching activities that promote a lifelong love of learning mathematics.” 

The Mathematics Enrichment Center helps students access a variety of resources including but not limited to tutoring, facilitated study groups, and exam review sessions. 

Students can find links to information on many of these services at the bottom of the MySHU website. 

In addition to these resources, first-year students are encouraged to contact faculty and even upperclassmen if they need assistance.

Carpenter reminds us that, “student leaders want to help. You are never bothering them.” 

She also recommended that first-year students join clubs and participate in activities to both make friends and explore their leadership potential.

Carpenter ended by saying, “This is a smart group of humans. You all can do it. Sometimes we have got to believe ourselves that we can do it. Use those resources along the way. They are here for a reason.”

 

Photo was taken by Maxwell Reese of Noah Wright