Growth, Progress, & Skills (GPS) for College

Navigating college life can be challenging, with so much to figure out — and that's perfectly normal! 

We have created the GPS for College Series to support you in your journey. Participating in these events will give you the tools and knowledge to navigate college life successfully, ensuring you have the support and skills needed to thrive. In the GPS for College Series you will: 

  • Enhance Academic Skills: Learn effective time management, note-taking, study techniques, and test-taking strategies to excel in your coursework.
  • Develop Personal and Practical Skills: Gain insights into career paths and enhance your communication skills, equipping you for future success.
  • Foster a Sense of Belonging and OCC Pride: Discover the resources available to support your success inside and outside the classroom. 

On-Campus Events

DayTimeLocationEventDescription
9/3/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Navigating OCC Technology & How to Communicate with your ProfessorNeed to get more comfortable navigating D2L Brightspace, Office 365, OneDrive and/or OCC e-mail? Then this workshop is for you!
9/8/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Planning Your Semester & How to Form a Study GroupStart your semester ahead of the game by planning assignments, exams, and events. Find study partners! Studying with others helps you learn complex material and connect with peers!
9/10/2512:30 – 1:20pmGordon Student Center Great RoomCampus Job FairStop by to learn about jobs on campus and how to apply!
9/15/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Time is Money: Don’t Spend It All in One Place!

Feeling overwhelmed with the assignments/responsibilities you have this semester? This workshop will:

 

  • Provide an overview of time management techniques.
  • Help you develop a routine to manage your time effectively.
  • Introduce strategies to manage procrastination 
9/17/2512:30 – 1:20pmMawhinney Quad (Great Room for rain)Getting Involved/Campus Resources

Interested in getting involved? Haven't you found exactly what you're looking for? This event will help you get involved by:

 

  • Looking at campus-recognized organizations.
  • Informing you of campus events for specific groups.
  • Provide an overview of important campus resources.  
9/22/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Study Smarter Not Harder

Are you looking for another way to study? The pomodoro technique and SQ3R are easy but powerful methods that can be used to help keep you on track while studying. During this session, we will: 

 

  • Cover the pomodoro technique.
  • Summarize concepts with graphic organizers.
  • Practice the technique with your own course content. Please bring your homework.
9/24/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Stress Less about the TestLearn how to manage stress when taking tests along with valuable test taking strategies that will help you ace that next test!
9/29/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116How to Study Using a Whiteboard

Using a whiteboard can be an effective and fun way to study! This workshop will:

 

  • Appeal to all types of learners and learning styles.
  • Share different ways to use a whiteboard to outline, study, and stay organized.

  • Help you identify which concepts you have a strong understanding of, and which areas need more review.

     

    All students will be provided with a whiteboard to take with them to continue the strategies learned in the workshop!  

10/6/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Financial Literacy 101The workshop will provide participating students with basic knowledge of managing their money effectively, including budgeting, managing expenses, saving for short-term and long-term, maintaining good credit, and staying away from financial scams.
10/13/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Put your OCC degree to workCareer & transfer services overview, how to set yourself up now for future success, “who do you want to be” 
10/20/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Mid-Semester Check-in & General Study Skills OverviewThe mid-point of the semester is a great opportunity to pause and reflect on your semester thus far. Now is the time to make adjustments in your study habits and explore academic resources to ensure you finish the semester strong! 
10/27/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Ready to Transfer?Ready to see where your OCC degree can take you? Transferring between colleges can be complicated. This workshop will help you navigate the transfer process to get you where you want to be. 
11/3/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Lead, Motivate, and Inspire! Building Leadership Skills

Interesting in becoming a leader but unsure what it means to "be a leader"? During this workshop, you will:

 

  • Consider what it means to be a leader on and off campus.
  • Analyze different skills that leaders have.
  • Prepare to continue your leadership development.
11/10/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Civic Engagement: Where Purpose Meets ActionAre you ready to turn your values into real impact? In this interactive session, learn about the Office of Civic Engagement at Onondaga Community College and the many ways to get involved, including volunteer opportunities, community-engaged learning, and signature programs like the Empire State Service Corps and the Meg O’Connell Social Justice and Community Impact Scholars. Participate in a hands-on activity that highlights the role of decision making and the power of voice in group settings. This workshop will show how civic engagement builds valuable skills, meaningful connections, and personal growth while preparing you to understand the importance of taking action to make a difference. 
11/17/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Final Countdown: Rock Your Final Project & Exam Prep!

This workshop will help you reflect on the semester and determine what you need for a successful final week. During this session, we will:  

 

  • Explore learning activities and study strategies.  
  • Find your finals week schedule.  
  • Create your finals study plan.  
12/1/2512:30 – 1:20pmCoulter Hall C116Total Wellness: Strategies for Resilience and Well-being

The Six Dimensions of Wellness (emotional, occupational, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual) all play a role in your holistic wellness and fulfillment. This workshop will teach you about the dimensions and how they can impact you daily. Get ready for finals by focusing on yourself first. During this workshop, you will:  

 

  • Learn what it means to be aware of your self-care practices.  
  • Consider what you can do regularly to practice self-care.  
  • De-stress before the end of the semester.   

Online/Evening Events

DayTimeLocationEventDescriptionMeeting Info
9/3/255:00 – 6:00pmCoulter Hall C116Navigating OCC Technology & How to Communicate with your ProfessorNeed to get more comfortable navigating D2L Brightspace, Office 365, OneDrive and/or OCC e-mail? Then this workshop is for you!Join OnlineDial in by phone:
+1 315-401-0789
9/10/255:00 – 6:00pmCoulter Hall C116Time is Money: Don’t Spend It All in One Place!

Feeling overwhelmed with the assignments/responsibilities you have this semester? This workshop will:

 

  • Provide an overview of time management techniques.
  • Help you develop a routine to manage your time effectively.
  • Introduce strategies to manage procrastination 
Join OnlineDial in by phone:
+1 315-401-0789
9/17/255:00 – 6:00pmCoulter Hall C116Study Smarter Not Harder

Are you looking for another way to study? The pomodoro technique and SQ3R are easy but powerful methods that can be used to help keep you on track while studying. During this session, we will: 

 

  • Cover the pomodoro technique.
  • Summarize concepts with graphic organizers.
  • Practice the technique with your own course content. Please bring your homework.
Join OnlineDial in by phone:
+1 315-401-0789
9/24/255:00 – 6:00pmCoulter Hall C116Stress Less about the TestLearn how to manage stress when taking tests along with valuable test taking strategies that will help you ace that next test!Join OnlineDial in by phone:
+1 315-401-0789