Self-Guided Resources
Explore academic success strategies and learning tools on your own time, at your own pace!
- Develop a Growth Mindset
- Learning Strategies
- Tools for Successful Online Learning
- Preparing to Return to Campus
- Get Academic Support
- Connect with Professors
- Explore Majors
- Improve Your Research Skills
- Improve Your Public Speaking Skills
- Improve Your Writing Skills
- Work Effectively in Group Projects
- Engage in High-Impact Opportunities
Develop a Growth Mindset
Based on the research of Carol Dweck, students with a growth mindset believe in their ability to learn and grow, and that success is achieved through hard work and effort. Check out these resources to learn more about how to build a growth mindset and why it matters to your success.
Growth Mindset: What it is, How it Works, and Why it Matters
TEDTalk - The Power of Belief -- Mindset and Success
Learning Strategies
Take charge of your learning. Experts in the field of education offer tips and strategies for how students learn most effectively in the resources below.
Tools for Successful Online Learning
Adapting to an online learning environment may present challenges. These resources can help you prepare for a successful semester while studying remotely.
Keep Learning! Student Tech Guide
SUNY Orientation to Online Learning
CELT Online Student Success Tips
Online Semester Organization Worksheet
Advice from Student Leaders:
Creating an Effective Home Study Space:
4 Simple Ways to Succeed in Online Classes:
Preparing to Return to Campus
"Tuesdays with Melanie: The Comeback" - Produced by SBU Journalism student Melanie Formosa, this podcast is a forward-thinking show focused on coming back to a revitalized campus community in the fall. It features many prominent leaders on campus.
Get Academic Support
When things get tough, successful students know the importance of asking for help. These resources offer course-based tutoring as well as skill-based success strategies on topics such as time management, goal setting, and study tips.
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Program
Additional Campus Tutoring Services
Connect with Professors
Building and maintaining meaningful relationships with professors can positively impact your academics and overall college experience. Below are some tips to help you connect with your instructors.
How to Talk to a Professor — Explained by a Professor
Let's Chalk About It:
View more faculty interviews here
Explore Majors
There are many factors to consider when deciding which major is the best fit for your interests, strengths, and career goals. These tools can help you to explore different major options.
Explore Majors & Careers | Career Center
Career Center Major and Career Decision Guide
What Can I Do With This Major?
Undeclared Students | Academic and Transfer Advising Services
Undergraduate Bulletin - Majors, Minors, & Programs
Improve Your Research Skills
Need research help? SBU librarians love answering your questions! They are available to help you find all types of information, and can teach you how to use effective search strategies, use the library’s online databases, engage with resources on the open web, cite your sources, avoid plagiarism and more. Learn about all the different ways to contact a librarian on our Ask-A-Librarian page, and explore more on the library's website.
Improve Your Public Speaking Skills
Public speaking is intimidating for many students, but these resources can help you develop stronger communication skills which will be valuable during college and throughout your career.
ASC 101 - Practicing Engaging Presentations
JRN 120 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Improve Your Writing Skills
Writing tutors are trained to help writers of all skill levels and at any stage of the writing process. The Writing Center aims to help make writers better critics of their own writing, so that they can succeed in the academic community, in the workplace, and in life.
Work Effectively in Group Projects
Group projects can sometimes be challenging, but there are resources to strengthen your communication and collaboration skills to work more effectively on group assignments.
Engage in High-Impact Opportunities
Students are encouraged to participate in these experiential, hands-on activities. Not only will they enrich your college experience, but these opportunities are shown to have a “high impact” on students’ overall academic performance, success, and well-being.
Internships, Jobs, and Experiential Learning
Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities