Academic Confidence: About Us
The Academic confidence program was designed to assist otherwise academically competent students who have problems with certain classes such as mathematics and science due to anxiety, psychological “blocks”, dislike of the subject, previous ineffective teaching, or related difficulties. The Academic Confidence Group, which meets once a week for eight weeks, is available fall and spring for students who had special problems with certain courses. Group sessions include strategies for overcoming avoidance and procrastination as well as stress management, and study and test-taking skills. To be eligible for the group, students have to be evaluated by the group leaders in a math screening. Members of the group take pre and post measurements of their academic anxiety. Most group members are able to translate their academic confidence into improved performance in math and science courses and such.
The Academic Confidence program has gained in importance at the University as Universal Tracking has been implemented and the University sets goals not only for retaining more students but also for having more students graduating in their preferred majors. Additionally, with the advent of penalties for students and departments for excess credit hours, it is even more important for students not to have to retake courses.