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I find it troubling to stay completely organized with all my work at times.

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I find it troubling to stay completely organized with all my work at times.

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For the most part, i can stay organized. However, there are times where I lack and get unorganized which can make my grades suffer if I don't get back on track. My goal is to always stay away from that.

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I tend to procrastinate a lot and i'm trying to get into the habit of not.

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I tend to procrastinate a lot and i'm trying to get into the habit of not.

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When I pick up my phone while i'm doing work, then i'll more than likely get distracted and tend to not finish the work that day.

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Trying to hang out with friends and family while being in school full time.

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Trying to hang out with friends and family while being in school full time.

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1. Schedule your meeting with your Success Coach as usual

2. Your coach will add a "Conferencing" link in your Google Calendar event

3. At the appropriate time, use the link in your Google Calendar event to join the "Meet"

4. If you haven't yet met with a Success Coach, you may choose a coach from the list below

Be sure to have your planner and any questions with you when you join!

Holman success coaches are professionals, UNIV instructors and UNIV SIs who:

Are personal trainers for college

Have experience meeting with students

Can help arrange and prioritize your academic life

Can connect you to other services when needed

Can demonstrate 'how-to-study' techniques

Offer one-on-one skill-building workshops .

Why You Should Meet with a Success Coach

Meeting with a success coach is an excellent way to get you on track academically and personalize your education. We assist students in navigating the University system, as well as assisting in tracking progress toward both academic and personal goals. If you need a hand in developing a plan of action to tackle academic challenges and attain personal achievement, we are here to help!

Student Testimonial

My experience with the Holman Success Center has been unmatched in its utility and profundity. When I met with my success coach, Alexandra Kubiak, I was almost down and out entirely. However, we discussed the basic building blocks for creating a strong semester. Things like organization, time management, and attendance were some of the weaker aspects of my college career. These life skills are transferable directly to my day to day, and my future career goals. Once Alex and I figured out what I was lacking, and why, we began to develop a tailored solution for me. This took into account my job, my current grades, my overall GPA, my post-grad goals, and even my personality and inability to focus. Through consistent meetings, goal setting, application of said goals, and persistent work, I managed to complete a total of 5 classes with 4 A's and a B+. I am proud of myself and of the work I put in. I am also grateful for having Alex as my mentor and success coach. Honestly, this past year has been life changing, eye opening, and most certainly educational all thanks to the brilliance of Alex.

- EMU Student, Winter 2020

How to Connect

Don't see your Success Coach listed? Contact us! We can recommend someone great to work with you on your continued success.

Kim Jones, Success Coach

Kimberly Jones has earned her master's in educational leadership: higher education student affairs (HESA), a graduate certificate in higher education: academic advising, a bachelor's degree in psychology, and a bachelor's in literature; all from Eastern Michigan University. Kim has spent over 10 years working with the EMU Alumni Association and has spent the past two years as the Eastern Michigan University Black Alumni Association (EMUBA) president. Kim is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals in life while maintaining a fun and engaged work-life balance. In her spare time, Kim is a devoted mother to her children and works on the board of her high school alumni association.

Alex Kubiak, Success Coach

Alex couldn't get enough of EMU during her undergrad, so she decided to come back to continue her studies. Her BA is in German language and Literature with a minor in English linguistics, and she is currently pursuing her MA in TESOL. Alex loves working with EMU students and believes that she can strongly influence them to not only succeed academically, but to succeed in all aspects of life. She says that, "With every student comes a special story and a unique experience. I believe that it is through self discovery that we find how to empower and motivate ourselves. Throughout my own journey, I have acquired some useful tools that have taken me far, and I look forward to sharing these tools with my students. I believe that by encouraging students to take such an introspective outlook, these tools can assist them in achieving their own understanding of success."

Janis Strickland, Success Coach

Janis is a native of Detroit, Michigan and is a first generation college student. She earned her BS from Eastern Michigan University in the areas of psychology and communication, media and theater arts. She then went on to complete an MS in technology studies with a concentration in information assurance/digital investigations. Janis also holds a Specialist of Arts degree in educational leadership. She developed a passion for student support services and helped students navigate through life transitions and worked with students to address and manage their academic, personal, social and financial concerns.

Janis has over nine years of experience working with at-risk students, from all sectors of post-secondary education (community college, career training/vocational, private and public) and is a life coach for students.
Need an appointment?

James Tobias, Success Coach

James Tobias has had six years of professional Higher Education experience and has spent that time helping students learn how to succeed in college and make the most of their time during the most pivotal period along the journey of life. Prior to is current position at EMU, he worked for three years down in Virginia at Richard Bland College of William & Mary. He holds a Master's degree in Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) from Eastern Michigan University and has his BA in German and European History from the University of Michigan. He wrestled as an undergraduate and currently enjoys coaching wrestling in his free time. He believes that the college experience is not just about earning a degree; it is more about taking control of your life, gaining valuable experiences, and building your network. He is passionate about helping students reach their full potential.

Lauren Anargyros, Part-time Success Coach

Lauren has been working in the Holman Success Center since 2015 when she started as an undergraduate peer mentor. She got her Bachelor's degree in Communication and Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Higher Education Student Affairs. Through working in HSC, Lauren has found her passion for working with students to help them succeed in college and life. Her ultimate goal is to continue that passion by becoming an Academic Advisor.

Kristian Burns, Graduate Assistant and Success Coach

Kristian is a graduate student here at Eastern Michigan University pursuing her MA in Educational Leadership - Higher Education/Student Affairs. She also received Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Business from EMU, too. She has been with the Holman Success Center as a Peer Academic Coach (PAC) in Fall of 2017. Kristian is skilled in organizational tools (including: making schedules, filling out your planner, and how to use it effectively, as well as time management). She is also an alumnae member of Zeta Sigma Chi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated - Omicron Chapter. Feel free to reach out regarding EMU Greek Life or anything else! Kristian loves to meet new people and make connections.
Need an appointment?

Abby Hein, Graduate Assistant and Success Coach

Abby is very excited to start her journey at EMU working in the Holman Success Center! She received her Bachelor's degree in linguistics from Oakland University, and she is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at EMU. During her undergrad, Abby worked as an Academic UNIV SI and loved helping students develop strong study skills and habits that would influence their academic success. She aims to be a supporter and motivator for her students in every aspect of their new college career.

Make an appointment

Veronica Konglim, Part-time Success Coach

Veronica Konglim is from Cameroon. Education: B.A. in Bilingual Letters, French/English Translation and Interpretation from University of Yaounde M.A. in TESOL, Eastern Michigan University Ph.D. in Educational Studies (In Progress). Currently, her research interest is on the use of gardens for teaching. She has been a part of the HSC family since 2016, which is 4 years now and notes that it has been a blessing. Fun Facts: She is a mother of two who loves gardening and cooking. When I have free time, apart from gardening or cooking, she also loves to watch CSI shows. One thing that fascinates me is the philosophy of existentialism and I am intrigued by the cultural understandings of death and dying.

Naja Martin, Graduate Assistant and Success Coach

Naja graduated in August with her Bachelor's in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University, and is currently pursuing her Master's in Social Work. This is her first year as a Graduate Assistant, but has been with the HSC as a Peer Academic Coach for the last three years during her undergraduate studies. Her areas of expertise include: building schedules, study habits, starting your own organization, and ABA therapy. She is originally from Ohio and a first generation college student. Her goal is to help others realize their potential regardless of obstacles in their life. She says that her "students futures are endless" and she "enjoys making a difference, helping others find their path to success and confidence." New students are always welcome to book a meeting with her!
Need an appointment?

Nikol Ray, Graduate Assistant and Success Coach

Nikol is an EMU and Edge Program alumna. She graduated from EMU in December 2019 with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a double minor in Communication and Interdisciplinary Leadership. She has worked in the Holman Success Center since April 2016 as a Peer Academic Coach, working in the UNIV classrooms to assist students as they enter the next chapter of their lives. Her passion is helping students find the order in which they want to take their courses and planning out their month-to-week-to-day schedule break down. She hopes to take those skills and become an academic advisor after finishing her Master's in Higher Education/Student Affairs this December.
Make an appointment

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Schedule your meeting with your Success Coach as usual Your coach will add a "Conferencing" link in your Google Calendar event At the appropriate time, use the link in your Google Calendar event to join the "Meet" If you haven't yet met with a Success Coach, you may choose a coach from the list below Be sure to have your planner and any questions with you when you join!

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Classroom Resources for Addressing Procrastination, by Dominic J. Voge
Source: Research and Teaching in Developmental Education
excerpted from Vol. 23, No. 2 (Spring 2007), pp. 88-96

Why do so many people procrastinate and how do you overcome it?

For most people procrastination, irrespective of what they say, is NOT about being lazy. In fact, when we procrastinate we often work intensely for long stretches just before our deadlines. Working long and hard is the opposite of lazy, so that can't be the reason we do it. So, why do we procrastinate and, more importantly, what can we do about it?

As suggested above, some say they procrastinate because they are lazy. Others claim they "do better" when they procrastinate and "work best" under pressure. I encourage you to be critical and reflective of these explanations. Virtually everyone who says this habitually procrastinates and has not completed an important academic task in which they made a plan, implemented it, had time to review, etc. before their deadline. So, in reality, they can't make a comparison about the circumstances they work best under. If you pretty much always procrastinate, and never really approach your tasks systematically, then you can't accurately say that you know you "do better" under pressure. Still other people say they like the "rush" of leaving things to the end and meeting a deadline. But they usually say this when they are NOT working under that deadline. They say this works before or after cramming when they have forgotten the negative consequences of procrastinating such as feelings of anxiety and stress, fatigue, and disappointment from falling below their own standards and having to put their life on hold for chunks of time. Not to mention, leaving things to the end dramatically increases the chances something will go wrong - like getting sick or a computer problem - and you not being able to pull off the desired grade. So, procrastination can be hard on us and actually increase our chances of failing, but we do it anyway. How come?

Procrastination is not a matter, solely, of having poor time management skills, either, but rather can be traced to underlying and more complex psychological reasons. These dynamics are often made worse by schools where students are constantly being evaluated, and especially in college where the pressure for grades is high and a lot can be riding on students' performance. In reality, procrastination is often a self-protection strategy for students. For example, if you procrastinate, then you always have the excuse of "not having enough" time in the event that you fail, so your sense of your ability is never threatened. When there is so much pressure on getting a good grade on, say, a paper, it's no wonder that students want to avoid it and so put off their work. For the most part, our reasons for delaying and avoiding are rooted in fear and anxiety-about doing poorly, of doing too well, of losing control, of looking stupid, of having one's sense of self or self-concept challenged. We avoid doing work to avoid our abilities being judged. And, if we happened to succeed, we feel that much "smarter." So, what can we do to overcome our tendencies to procrastinate?

Awareness: The First Step

First, to overcome procrastination you need to have an understanding of the REASONS WHY you procrastinate and the function procrastination serves in your life. You can't come up with an effective solution if you don't really understand the root of the problem. As with most problems, awareness and self-knowledge are the keys to figuring out how to stop procrastinating. For a lot of people acquiring this insight about how procrastination protects them from feeling like they are not able enough, and keeping it in mind when they are tempted to fall into familiar, unproductive, procrastinating habits goes a long way to solving the problem. For instance, two psychologists, Jane Burka and Lenora Yuen, who have helped many people overcome procrastination, report in their article, "Mind Games Procrastinators Play" (Psychology Today, January, 1982), that for many students "understanding the hidden roots of procrastination often seems to weaken them" (p.33). Just knowing our true reasons for procrastinating makes it easier to stop.

Time Management Techniques: One Piece of the Puzzle

To overcome procrastination time management techniques and tools are indispensable, but they are not enough by themselves. And, not all methods of managing time are equally helpful in dealing with procrastination. There are some time management techniques that are well suited to overcoming procrastination and others that can make it worse. Those that reduce anxiety and fear and emphasize the satisfaction and rewards of completing tasks work best. Those that arc inflexible, emphasize the magnitude of tasks and increase anxiety can actually increase procrastination and are thus counter-productive. For instance, making a huge list of "things to do" or scheduling every minute of your day may INCREASE your stress and thus procrastination. Instead, set reasonable goals (e.g. a manageable list of things to do), break big tasks down, and give yourself flexibility and allot time to things you enjoy as rewards for work completed.

Motivation: Finding Productive Reasons for Engaging in Tasks

To overcome procrastination it's critical that you stay motivated for PRODUCTIVE REASONS. By productive reasons I mean reasons for learning and achieving that lead to positive, productive, satisfying feelings and actions. These reasons are in contrast to engaging in a task out of fear of failing, or not making your parents angry, or not looking stupid, or doing better than other people to "show off." While these are all reasons - often very powerful ones - for doing something, they are not productive since they evoke maladaptive, often negative feelings and actions. For example, if you are concerned with not looking dumb you may not ask questions, delve into new areas, try new methods, or take the risks necessary to learn new things and reach new heights. A good way to put positive motives in motion is to set and focus on your goals. Identify and write down your own personal reasons for enrolling in a course and monitor your progress toward your goals using a goal-setting chart. Remember to focus on your reasons and your goals. Other people's goals for you are not goals at all, but obligations.

Staying Motivated: Be Active to be Engaged

Another key to overcoming procrastination is to stay actively engaged in your classes. If you are passive in class you're probably not "getting into" the course and its topics, and that weakens your motivation. What's more, if you are passive you are probably not making as much sense out of the course and course materials as you could. Nonsense and confusion are not engaging; in fact, they are boring and frustrating. We don't often want to do things that are boring or frustrating. Prevent that by aiming to really understand course material, not memorize it or just "get through it." Instead, try (1) seeking out what is interesting and relevant to you in the course materials, (2) setting your own purpose for every reading and class session, and (3) asking yourself (and others) questions about what you are learning.

Summary of Tips for Overcoming Procrastination

Awareness - Reflect on the reasons why you procrastinate, your habits and thoughts that lead to procrastinating.

Assess - What feelings lead to procrastinating, and how does it make you feel? Are these positive, productive feelings: do you want to change them?

Outlook - Alter your perspective. Looking at a big task in terms of smaller pieces makes it less intimidating. Look for what's appealing about, or what you want to get out of an assignment beyond just the grade.

Commit - If you feel stuck, start simply by committing to complete a small task, any task, and write it down. Finish it and reward yourself. Write down on your schedule or "to do" list only what you can completely commit to, and if you write it down, follow through no matter what. By doing so you will slowly rebuild trust in yourself that you will really do what you say you will, which so many procrastinators have lost.

Surroundings - When doing school work, choose wisely where and with whom you are working. Repeatedly placing yourself in situations where you don't get much done - such as "studying" in your bed, at a cafe or with friends - can actually be a kind of procrastination, a method of avoiding work.

Goals - Focus on what you want to do, not what you want to avoid. Think about the productive reasons for doing a task by setting positive, concrete, meaningful learning and achievement goals for yourself.

Be Realistic - Achieving goals and changing habits takes time and effort; don't sabotage yourself by having unrealistic expectations that you cannot meet.

Self-talk - Notice how you are thinking, and talking to yourself. Talk to yourself in ways that remind you of your goals and replace old, counter-productive habits of self-talk. Instead of saying, "I wish I hadn't... " say, "I will ..."

Un-schedule - If you feel stuck, you probably won't use a schedule that is a constant reminder of all that you have to do and is all work and no play. So, make a largely unstructured, flexible schedule in which you slot in only what is necessary. Keep track of any time you spend working toward your goals and reward yourself for it. This can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and increase satisfaction in what you get done. For more see the book Procrastination by Yuen and Burka.

Swiss Cheese It - Breaking down big tasks into little ones is a good approach. A variation on this is devoting short chunks of time to a big task and doing as much as you can in that time with few expectations about what you will get done. For example, try spending about ten minutes just jotting down ideas that come to mind on the topic of a paper, or skimming over a long reading to get just the main ideas. After doing this several times on a big task, you will have made some progress on it, you'll have some momentum, you'll have less work to do to complete the task, and it won't seem so huge because you've punched holes in it (like Swiss cheese). In short, it'll be easier to complete the task because you've gotten started and removed some of the obstacles to finishing.

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Classroom Resources for Addressing Procrastination, by Dominic J. Voge Source: Research and Teaching in Developmental Education excerpted from Vol. 23, No. 2 (Spring 2007), pp. 88-96 Why do so many people procrastinate and how do you overcome it? For most people procrastination, irrespective of what they say, is NOT about being lazy.

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Having problems with classes or work and might need a tutor.

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Having problems with classes or work and might need a tutor.

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Sometimes in classes, especially math, i'll need some help because i'm not understanding whats being taught in that specific section or maybe it's just a worksheet.

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Fall 2020 Tutoring Schedule

Fall 2020 Tutoring has not yet been finalized, but all services will be offered virtually through Google Meet or Zoom. Check back later or email [email protected] with tutoring questions or to be advised when/if summer tutoring becomes available.

HSC's Drop-In Tutoring program is designed and organized to best fit EMU student needs. Our program offers free tutoring services in many of the most challenging general education and gateway courses on campus. Whether you have a few quick questions on an assignment or need some long-term help getting caught up, our tutors are there to help.

Looking for help in Biology? Join us for BIO Nights!

Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., virtually through Zoom
Join the Tutoring Session

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Fall 2020 Tutoring Schedule Fall 2020 Tutoring has not yet been finalized, but all services will be offered virtually through Google Meet or Zoom. Check back later or email [email protected] with tutoring questions or to be advised when/if summer tutoring becomes available. HSC's Drop-In Tutoring program is designed and organized to best fit EMU student needs.

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Learning to get organized, stay focused, and get things done are must-have skills when it comes to schoolwork.

These skills can help you with just about everything in life, too. The more you practice, the better you'll get. Let these skills become go-to habits that make your life work better.

Get Organized

Organize your stuff. Everything is easier when you're organized. You can get to work faster without wasting time looking for stuff.

Keep your assignments and class information organized by subject. Put them in binders, notebooks, or folders. If you find yourself stuffing loose papers in your bag or grabbing different notebooks for the same class, it's time to stop and reorganize!

Clean out your backpack every few days. Decide where to keep things you want to hold onto. Offload things you no longer need to carry around.

Organize your space. You need a good workspace - someplace quiet enough to focus. It's best to work at a desk or table where you can spread out your work. Have a set place for homework. That way, when you sit down, you can shift into work mode and focus more quickly.

Organize your time. Use a planner or planning app to keep track of your schoolwork:

Write down all your assignments and when they're due.

Break big projects into parts. Mark the dates when each part needs to be complete. Be sure to schedule when you'll work on each part.

Mark the dates you'll have tests. Then make a note of when you'll study for them. One sure way to reduce test anxiety is to prepare by studying (really!).

Enter other activities on your calendar. Fill in times for team practices, drama rehearsals, plans with friends, etc. This helps you plan ahead because you'll see when things might be too busy to get all your work done. Use your planner to schedule a time to do your schoolwork on days you have other activities.

Get Focused

Avoid distractions. When you multitask, you're less focused. That means you're less likely to do well on that test. Park your devices and only check them after you finish your work.

Some people focus best when it's quiet. Others say they study best if they listen to background music. But music with lyrics can distract you. If you find yourself reading the same page over and over, it's a clue that the music is a distraction, not a help. If you need to block out other sounds, try white noise or nature sounds.

Take breaks. Taking a short break between assignments can help your mind stay fresh and focused. Get up from your desk. Move, stretch, or walk around to clear your head. Take some slow deep breaths. Then get back to your studies.

Refocus yourself. If you get distracted, guide your attention back into study mode. Resist checking your phone or device. Remind yourself that now it's time to stay on task.

Get It Done!

Get started. It's not always easy to get started on homework. But you've got to get started if you want to get it done. Sure, you can think of a million other things you'd rather do. But if you procrastinate, you're more likely to feel stressed - and less likely to do your best work.

To help yourself get started, break down homework into small tasks. Pick one small task to do first. Some people like to start with the hardest thing. Others like to start with something easy. Then do it.

Keep going. When you finish the first task, tell yourself , 'Alright. I got this done.' Then move on to the next task. Keep it up. Cross off each task as you do it.

Some people find it helps to set a timer for five (or 10) minutes. See how much you can get done before the timer goes off. Coach yourself to keep going for another five minutes. Don't rush. Just try to work at a steady pace.

Finish it up. Stay focused as you do the final steps and details. Cheer yourself on - you're almost at the finish line!

Check your completed work. Put your work into the right folder or binder. Pack up your backpack for tomorrow. Now you've got it DONE.

These skills may sound simple. But they're not always easy. If you need more tips to organize your work, stay focused, or get it done, ask a teacher, school counselor, or a parent for help.

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It's not just for school: Mastering the skills of getting organized, staying focused, and seeing work through to the end will help in just about everything you do.