The Fresh Start Orientation module will be available in Canvas starting on Monday, August 7th. Log in to Canvas and find the Academic Success Center (Fall 2023) Community. Once you go into the community, follow the instructions to complete the Fresh Start module. Students will be added to the community as departments and colleges send referrals to the ASC. If you do not see the ASC Community on your Canvas dashboard by the end of the first week of classes, check with your college or department. Or you can email Dr. Joel McGee at jmcgee@tamu.edu and be added manually. 

DEADLINES:

• You are highly encouraged to complete the Fresh Start Orientation by September 20th in order to have access to the all of the workshop options. 
• The final deadline to complete Fresh Start is October 20th. The online module will no longer be available after that date. 

You're required to complete a Fresh Start Orientation each semester that you're asked to complete a Success Certificate program, even if you've completed Fresh Start in a previous semester.

After successfully completing the online Fresh Start Orientation module, you'll have access to a Google form (linked in Canvas) where you can select how you want to earn a Success Certificate. This form is how you will be enrolled in any of the workshop options. Submitting the form is a required step for completing a Success Certificate. 

The options below may change each semester, but these are typical. Details about each option will be available in the Fresh Start module. 

1. ASCC 101: This is a semester long, 2-credit hour course. You may only choose this option if the course fits your schedule and you register before the drop/add deadline, which is on the 5th class day of each semester. To complete your Success Certificate through ASCC 101, you must earn a letter grade of C or higher. 
2. Commit to Success:  Commit to Success is a multi-session workshop series with a total of 6 hours of instruction. Among the topics covered are time management, note taking, text-book reading, test preparation, memory, metacognition, motivation, procrastination, and effective study strategies. This workshop has a required attendance policy. 
3. Motivation Matters: Motivation Matters is a multi-session workshop series with a total of 6 hours of instruction. The topics covered will help you develop strong mental skills that are conducive to academic success and to success beyond your time at Texas A &M. This workshop has a required attendance policy. 
4. GRIT: Gaining Resilience, Inspiration, and Tenacity (GRIT) is a multi-session workshop series with a total of 6 hours of instruction. The workshop is organized around three major topics that include the fear of failing, mindsets that affect academic performance, and developing resilience to overcome previous failure. Classes are designed to include brief lectures, group participation, videos, and tangible activities to understand and apply information being discussed in the workshop. This workshop has a required attendance policy. 
5. BTHO Procrastination: BTHO Procrastination is a multi-session workshop series with a total of 6 hours of instruction. The sessions focus on willpower as it applies to academic success in college. Topics include the science behind willpower, becoming more aware of willpower challenges, and developing more willpower. Most examples are in the context of procrastination as a willpower challenge, but the topic applies in a variety of areas for students. Classes are designed to include lecture, group discussion, and the application of concepts outside class. This workshop has a required attendance policy.
6. Academic Coaching (Group): In group coaching, a small number of students meet with an Academic Coach twice per week for two weeks to discuss a range of academic issues and best practices that enhance academic performance. Topics vary depending on the interests and needs of group members. Attendance at all four sessions is mandatory and all student participants are expected to contribute to discussions.
7. Academic Coaching (One-to-One): Students can also choose to participate in 1:1 meetings with one of our Academic Coaches. At an initial coaching session, you and your Academic Coach will collaborate to develop a plan of action to help you develop effective study strategies and connect you to appropriate academic resources. There are not a fixed number of coaching appointments required in order to earn a certificate.  Since this option is tailored to your specific needs, your academic coach will determine when you have successfully completed this option and have earned a Success Certificate. You will be given information in the Fresh Start Orientation module about how to schedule your first coaching appointment.
8. Aggie Research Program: This option involves participation in the Aggie Research Program on an Academic Success Center team. You can simultaneously complete a certificate program for the Academic Success Center and earn certification as an Aggie Research Scholar. This option is open to all students on probation regardless of GPA or major. It will require more time and effort than other options for completing a certificate with the ASC.

We do not provide hard copies of Success Certificates. Once you have successfully completed the option you selected, we tag your profile in Navigate. Your advisor or the office who referred you to us can see this tag to confirm you earned a Success Certificate.