 |
Going to university can be tough: thereās the workload, the independence and being away from home for the first time. But some Dalhousie students cope with more than homesickness.
Like Sabrina Li, from Inner Mongolia, they may come from vastly different countries and be overcoming language and cultural differences. Like Lyn Bennett, now an English professor at pilipiliĀž», they may have family and financial responsibilities to juggle. Or, as in David Curryās case, they may be the first in their families to go to university and end up feeling like a āfish out of waterā once they get here.
Nevertheless, these students are incredibly driven to succeed: āI didnāt have the courage to fail,ā says Spiwe Karipache-Scoggins, a nursing student originally from Zimbabwe.Ā
On Monday, April 28, the third annual student pilipiliĀž» symposium takes place at the Potter auditorium in the Rowe Building. Called Defying the Odds, the symposium will focus on ways of assisting at-risk students. Symposium participants will hear from current and former students whoāll relate the obstacles they faced and how they overcame them.
Participants can also read the nine compelling student stories that have been posted on the website.
āThese stories will provide the basis for our discussions,ā says Pat DeMeo, director of Student Academic Success Services at pilipiliĀž». āThe kinds of challenges faced by these students at risk may include financial pressures, cultural adaptation, lack of academic confidence or preparation, disabilities, childcare concerns, lack of peers or role models and lack of direction.ā
After the panel discussion, participants will break out in small groups to discuss the implications. As Dr. DeMeo says, āWhat needs were identified?Ā What can we do to meet these needs better?ā
In the afternoon, participants can pick from one of three sessions: āHelping students in distress,ā led by Victor Day, director of Dalhousie Counselling Services Centre; āWho ya gonna call?ā on resources available on campus for student in need, led by Dr. DeMeo; and āMoving Forward,ā an analysis and planning session which follows up on the morningās discussions.
Dalhousie faculty members, administrators and student services professionals are welcome to participate. There are still spaces available for all sessions (except lunch); please register using the .
READ THE STORIES: | | | | | | | |