The University of Arkansas at Little Rock kicked off this semester with its Student Success Workshop Series, an initiative aimed at helping students succeed in their college careers.

“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.”

Rikki Turner, assistant vice provost for Student Affairs – Auxiliary Services, will lead the upcoming workshop, “Can I Get More Hours in the Day? Making Time Work for Me,” from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, and Wednesday, Jan. 24. This segment will teach students about effective time and life management strategies, as well as how to use their smartphones to prioritize their schedules.

The final workshop scheduled for January, “Am I Technologically Lit? Learning Life Study Google Apps,” will be led by Alveno Smith, customer service consultant in the Information Technology Services Department. During his sessions at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30, and Wednesday, Jan. 31, Smith will present students with Google and mobile applications useful for enhancing their academic journey.

Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, executive director of the Community Connections Center, will teach students how to effectively prepare for a career and land jobs after college during “Am I Career Ready? Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Interviewing, and Negotiating Career Salaries.” This workshop will take place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 6, and Wednesday, Feb. 7.

Tag teaming “How Can I Get More Money For College? Financing Your College Education,” will be Carlia Smith, director of Financial Aid, and Allison Holland, director of the University Writing Center. Together, these  directors will identify the scholarships and grants available to students, followed up with how to write a scholarship essay to attain such awards. These sessions will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, and Wednesday, Feb. 21.

Avestine Ward, real estate broker and certified credit counselor, will present students with “How Do I Keep My Money? Managing Your Budget, Credit, and Purchases.” She will use her expertise to teach students personal banking strategies, how to establish credit, and offer tips on making the best decisions for personal purchases. Her segment will run from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, and Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Each workshop will take place in Donaghey Student Center Room 205 G.

This initiative 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.

For more information, contact Dobbins at tgdobbins@ualr.edu.