Departments across the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have teamed up to create a series of workshops aimed at helping students succeed in their college careers.

The Student Success Workshop Series is sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising, the federally funded TRiO programs Student Support Services and Ronald E. McNair, UALR Works, and Cooperative Education Internship and Career Services.

“This workshop series is like an extension of First Year Experience and Academic Advising,” said Trakenya Dobbins, interim director of the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising. “We have what we like to call ‘campus experts’ to lead the workshops, and they inform students on how to navigate campus in general.”

Elivia Wafford, First Year Experience instructor and Yvette Palmer, academic advisor, will be spearheading the workshop “What is my Major? Career Exploration and Goals” from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, and Friday, Jan. 20, in Room 205 D of the Donaghey Student Center.

Throughout this workshop, students will learn how to write SMART, or specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely goals. They will be given the opportunity to explore UALR majors amongst instructors and peers while also learning their SHAPE, or skills, heart, abilities, personality and experiences.

“Before these students leave this workshop, they will learn how to officially declare their major on campus,” Dobbins said.

The next workshop, “Who Am I Really? Study Strategies for College Success,” will be hosted from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, and Friday, Jan. 27, in Donaghey Student Center Room 205 D. These sessions will be led by Brandon Scott, academic mentor and administrative specialist of the federally funded TRiO program Student Support Services.

In this workshop, students will complete three Myers Briggs assessments that target their personalities, best learning styles, and brain dominance. After completing the assessments, the instructor will explain how the results contribute to the best way to study at the college level.

Also in this session, students will learn how to effectively read textbooks, take notes, and study for college exams.

The final workshop of January will be “How Can I Get More Money for College? Financing your College Education.” This session will take place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, in Donaghey Student Center Room 205 D.

During this session, representatives from UALR Financial Aid and Scholarships will introduce students to scholarships offered by UALR and help students to find scholarships and grants in Arkansas and the U.S. Students will be provided an overview of UALR financial aid along with instructions on how to write a scholarship essay.

This workshop series will be held every Tuesday and Friday until March 31. For more information, contact Trakenya Dobbins at tgdobbins@ualr.edu or 501.569.8430.