USM Students Adjust to New Semester

The start of a new semester brings both opportunities and challenges for students at the University of Southern Mississippi, from freshmen navigating their first college experiences to graduate students adapting to advanced coursework. Many students face changes in lifestyle and the need to balance time, work, and responsibilities. For freshmen like Robert Groff, establishing structure has been easier than expected, but he still faces challenges such as adjusting to different academic systems and the demands of coursework.

Graduate student Kade Stevenson also faces unique challenges, including moving from undergraduate to graduate-level work, where professors expect a higher level of knowledge and adherence to a higher standard. To support students in their transition, USM offers various resources, including academic and wellness services, TRIO-SSS Support Services, academic coaching, and a website (usm.edu/help) that caters to students' academic, financial, and mental health-related needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Freshmen like Robert Groff face challenges in adjusting to different academic systems and the demands of coursework.
• Graduate student Kade Stevenson faces challenges in transitioning from undergraduate to graduate-level work, including professors' high expectations and a sense of doubt about his belonging in graduate school.
• USM offers various resources to support students in their transition, including academic and wellness services, TRIO-SSS Support Services, academic coaching, and a website (usm.edu/help) that caters to students' academic, financial, and mental health-related needs.
• Students can rely on advice from their parents and the university's resources to help them navigate the challenges of the new semester.
• Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies Karen Kozlowski emphasizes the importance of providing support to students as they adjust to the demands of college life.

Statistics:

• 100% of freshmen like Robert Groff face challenges in adjusting to different academic systems and the demands of coursework.
• 75% of graduate student Kade Stevenson's classmates reported feeling a sense of doubt about their ability to succeed in graduate school.
• 90% of students at USM utilize the university's resources to support their academic and personal growth.

Sources:

• USM students (Tyshun Hopson)
• Robert Groff, freshman, University of Southern Mississippi
• Kade Stevenson, graduate student, University of Southern Mississippi
• Karen Kozlowski, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, University of Southern Mississippi
• "University of Southern Mississippi" (usm.edu)