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 (Spring 2026)

Day	Time	Event	Location	Description
1/28 – Wed	12:30 to 1:20 p.m.	Navigating OCC Technology	Coulter Hall Room C205	Need to get more comfortable navigating D2L Brightspace, Office 365, OneDrive and/or OCC e-mail? Then this workshop is for you!
2/2 – Mon	Noon – 1:20pm	School supply giveaways, explore GPS offerings, and plan your semester	Gordon Student Center Gordon Great Room	This is an opportunity to get any school supplies you need such as notebooks, binders, writing utensils, highlighters, etc... In addition, a chance to preview upcoming GPS sessions to help you be successful along your journey at OCC and beyond. Start your semester ahead of the game by taking some time to plan assignments, exams, and other important campus events. Attendees need to bring course syllabi.
2/4 – Wed	12:30 – 1:20pm	Time is Money, don’t spend it all in one place	Coulter Hall Room C116	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. Introducing strategies to manage procrastination
2/9 – Mon	12:30 – 1:20pm	Study Smarter, Not Harder	Coulter Hall Room C116	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.
2/11 – Wed	12:30 – 1:20pm	Goal Setting/Academic Plan/Explore Academic Resources	Coulter Hall Room C116	This workshop will: Overview of how goal setting provides direction and focus, helping students prioritize their efforts and stay motivated. Academic planning involves creating a roadmap for students to navigate their educational journey effectively. It includes identifying hurdles and utilizing available resources to achieve academic success. Students can learn about the various academic resources OCC offers.
2/16 – Wed	12:30 – 1:20pm	Peer 2 Peer Learning & Student Panel	Coulter Hall Room C116	This workshop is a collaborative educational approach where individuals learn from each other by fostering knowledge sharing and mutual support. This will encourage students to engage in discussions, share experiences, and learn from one another, enhancing understanding and skills.
2/18 – Wed	12:30 – 1:20pm	Stress less about the test (your textbook is your best friend)	Ferrante Hall Room F282	Learn how to manage stress when taking tests along with valuable test taking strategies that will help you ace that next test!
2/23 – Mon	12:30 – 1:20pm	How to study using a whiteboard	Coulter Hall Room C116	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.
2/25 – Wed	12:30 – 1:20pm	General Study Skills Overview	Coulter Hall Room C116	This workshop will review all important study skills: Time Management, Note Taking, and Test Taking strategies. Now is the time to make adjustments in your study habits and explore academic resources to ensure you finish the semester strong!
3/2 – Mon	12:30 – 1:20pm	Explore Career & Transfer Services	Coulter Hall Room C116	Career & transfer services overview, how to set yourself up now for future success, “who do you want to be?” Transferring between colleges can be complicated. This workshop will help you navigate the transfer process to get you where you want to be.
3/25 – Wed	12:30 – 1:20pm	Financial Literacy Series #1 – Understanding Your Paycheck	Coulter Hall Room C116	Do you wonder how taxes, health insurance, and retirement savings affect your take-home pay or how your status as self-employed or an employee impacts your earnings? This workshop will help you understand paycheck deductions and the financial implications of your job options.
3/30 – Mon	12:30 – 1:20pm	Triple C H (Counseling Community Care Hub)	Coulter Hall Room C116	Come learn about what services OCC has available for mental health, case management, and other supports available to students.
4/1 – Wed	12:30 – 1:20pm	Financial Literacy Series #2 – Managing Your Money to Build Your Best Life	Coulter Hall Room C116	Want to take control of your money but aren't sure where to start? Join us to learn how to build a budget, manage your spending, and save for the future.
4/6 – Mon	12:30 – 1:20pm	Talk the Talk: Communication Skills for the Future	Coulter Hall Room C116	Communication is the #1 skill employers look for across all industries. This workshop teaches you how to communicate in the workplace from the interview to after landing the job.
4/8 – Wed	12:30 – 1:20pm	Financial Literacy Series #3 – Becoming Bank Savvy	Coulter Hall Room C205	Choosing a bank and bank account can be easy if you understand your choices. What are the differences between checking and saving accounts? Money market accounts? Certificates of deposits? This workshop will help you choose a bank and accounts that are right for you
4/13 – Mon	12:30 – 1:20pm	Lead, Motivate, and Inspire! Building Leadership Skills	Coulter Hall Room C116	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.
4/20 – Mon	12:30 – 1:20pm	Life After OCC	Coulter Hall Room C116	The transition from student life to the professional world is a significant milestone, filled with excitement and challenges. This workshop will empower you with the tools and insights you need to thrive in your journey beyond graduation!
4/27 – Mon	12:30 – 1:20pm	Final Countdown: Rock Your Final Project & Exam Prep!	Coulter Hall Room C116	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.
5/4 – Mon	12:30 – 1:20pm	Total Wellness: Strategies for Resilience and Well-being	Coulter Hall Room C116	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.