SFC 1001 is a student success course designed for your first semester at St. Francis. This one credit course, part of the College's General Education Program, teaches the important practical tools you need to be successful during your academic career.

Taught by academic advisors in the Center for Student Success and other members of the SFC community, the course will help you develop academic and study skills and teach you how to organize a successful academic plan as you work toward your degree. SFC 1001 also offers information on campus resources, assists in laying the groundwork for choosing your major and planning your career, eases the transition from high school to college and generally helps you build a connection to the College, campus and fellow students.

First Year Seminar course topics include:

• College-Level Study Skills (note-taking, test-taking, textbook reading, memory, etc.)
• Career Exploration
• Academic Planning (including choosing a major)
• Time Management
• Goal-Setting
• Opportunities & Resources Available at St. Francis
• Communication Skills
• Stress Management

To help students who are struggling academically or on academic probation, St. Francis College has developed a program called Removing Obstacles to Success (ROS). This program provides students with a comprehensive support system of student success workshops, strength-based individual advisement and peer counseling. Students who fall into this vulnerable category are targeted to participate in the program in an effort to help build their academic skills and improve their GPAs.

The program has significantly assisted students in recognizing obstacles and has proven successful in helping them achieve academic progress.

ROS Workshops are required for students on academic probation, as well as students interested in getting the upper hand on their academic success.

What does the Removing Obstacles to Success program consists of?

1. Academic Success workshops on a variety of topics tailored to student needs (students must attend at least 2 sessions).

Workshops include but are not limited to the following topics:

• Preparing for the start of a semester (getting organized)
• Learning new study habits and strategies
• Identifying your strengths and using those strengths to achieve success
• Tips to manage time and limit distractions
• Strategies on balancing school, work and other stressors
• Choosing a major that suits you academically

2. One-on-one meetings with an academic advisor specializing in assisting students who want to improve their GPAs.

3. Connecting students to the following resources as needed:

• Academic Enhancement
• Career Center
• Wellness Center
• Academic department

We understand that sometimes it may be difficult for a family to know what they can do to help their new college student succeed. We aim to help families, as well as students, through this transition process. Although student records are confidential, advisors in the Center for Student Success are happy to answer family questions about procedures, policies and programs. Please contact us at (718) 489-3443 and ask to speak with an advisor.