Student Success

College is a challenge; like with most challenges, there will be times when things get difficult or complicated, times when you feel like giving up, and times when nothing seems to be going the way you expected. So, when times do get difficult or complicated, when life happens and puts obstacles in the way, and when you’re feeling like college is just not what you expected, we are here to help. GBC and the Student Support and Retention office are committed to your success as a student, and we offer a variety of resources and programs to help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals.

If you are experiencing difficulty adjusting to college life, attending or completing classes, or just need a little guidance and support, please contact us (see information above.) Whether your goal as a student is to graduate with a degree or certificate, complete core credits for transfer to other higher-ed institutions, improve skills for employment or personal growth, or if you are returning to college, we look forward to helping you reach your goals!

Student Support Services (List)

Student Coaching: Individualized coaching to help students reach their academic goals. Trusted, experienced student support professionals are available to assist you through your college experience and help you succeed.

Student Success Workshops: We offer several workshops were students get expert advice and information on building the skills necessary to be successful in college. Topics include study skills and tips, time management, test taking strategies, test anxiety, learning styles, finals week survival, and more. Video clips of workshops are available online and can be viewed at any time by clicking here: http://www.gbcnv.edu/retention/workshops.html.

Resource Referrals: Information and guidance about services available through GBC and in your community. We can guide you to appropriate services ranging from help with enrollment and financial aid to mental health counseling and community resources.

10 Keys to Success in College

1. Show up and participate. Skipping class and not being actively engaged in learning is the #1 reason students do poorly in college. Whether you are enrolled in live, IAV, or online courses, participation is vital to learning and course completion.
2. Have your work done and be prepared for class. Students who are aware of deadlines, fully complete their assignments, and are ready to learn when class starts are going to be more successful than students who do not take responsibility for their education.
3. Understand why you are in college. Being self-motivated and understanding the importance of your goals in college are key factors to being successful in college.
4. Know and utilize the services Great Basin College has to offer. These services (which students pay for through their tuition/fees) can provide study skills and tutoring assistance, academic and career advisement, and counseling, to name a few. (See links on left side bar)
5. Get involved and be connected. Not only are college activities fun, but they build communities, help students meet new people, and research shows that these activities increase students’ likelihood of being successful. If you can’t participate in campus activities, build relationships with your peers in class, even online, to stay connected with other students and share in the experience of college.
6. Find and get to know one individual on campus who cares about your survival. This could be someone in the support and retention office, an instructor, or academic advisor.
7. Take your health seriously. Eating healthy, regular exercise, and adequate sleep all contribute to good physical and mental health, and in turn will help students be successful during their time in college.
8. Assess and improve your study habits. Everyone learns and studies differently; students should find ways to study that will best fit them and be continuously looking for ways to improve these study skills.
9. See your instructors outside class. Instructors know exactly how to be successful in the classes they teach, so take advantage of this. Every instructor has office hours in which students can ask questions about the materials taught, assignments given, and upcoming tests.
10. Manage your time away from your classes well. For some students, college is the first time they are away from home or managing the responsibility of caring for themselves. For other students, balancing life outside of college with family and career obligations is a challenge. Managing academic freedom, taking personal responsibility, finding the necessary balance between academics and life outside of class, and making education a priority are the first steps to college success.

For More Information Contact

Jake Rivera
Vice President for Student and Academic Affairs
E-mail: jake.hinton-rivera@gbcnv.edu
Phone: 775.327.2116

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Why Great Basin College

Great Basin College, "The Gold Standard in the Silver State", offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming over 4,000 students annually from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, GBC's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, GBC takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.