SASS

-Zack Bires

(Defiance, Oh) Everyone who has visited the Pilgrim Library has seen the study tables in session. They were not always like this; they used to be a free for all. There was no scheduled times and, consequently, little work was accomplished. Then, Lisa Crumit-Hancock took over Student Academic Support Services, SASS, and felt there needed to be a change.

Lisa wanted these study tables to be in a general area near the Learning Commons, Computer Lab, and the librarians, so the students were able to have every resource right at their fingertips. SASS then received a grant from OFIC, and began what we see as today’s study tables.

Structured study today is required by most sports teams, but one does not have to be a student athlete to be a part of structured study. If you want to schedule hours as you would classes, and hold yourself accountable, then feel free sign up. Signing up for hours gives the student a specific time every day to where he or she can set aside to do homework with little to no distractions.

To sign up, visit Lisa’s office directly behind the structured study check in desk.

Studies have shown that once a student gets into a routine, they tend to do better at whatever it is they are doing. If they normally study at 8 PM, their brain is in study mode every night around 8 PM. It also helps teach students time management and creates consistency in their schedule.

These services also give freshman students an effective method to transition from high school to college. It gives students a chance to practice their study habits that they may not of needed in high school because they could just go to class and get by with a passing grade without having to do anything outside of class.

These services do not help everyone though. “You get out of it what you put into it,” says Lisa Crumit-Hancock. If students are willing to use this time and resources effectively, they will see how much of an impact study tables can have on their academic success. If students do not use these to their advantage, they will not see the impact it can have on their academic excellence.

If students have any ideas to improve study tables or any questions, they can talk to the Graduate Assistant Trumaine Jones tjones@defiance.edu or Lisa Crumit Hancock lcrumithancock@defiance.edu.