Freshman Success Series 2013-2014
Hello Nursing Freshman and Parents,
Welcome to the McAuley School of Nursing (MSON)!
Congratulations on your admission to the University of Detroit Mercy and the McAuley School of Nursing
(MSON). Our goal is to help you achieve your goal in becoming a Registered Nurse. Over the course of this
upcoming academic year (2013-14) we will be hosting several sessions to help assist you in having an
incredibly successful freshman year- and to try to help you start your sophomore clinical (hospital) courses ontime, with no delays.
At the beginning of the Fall semester you will receive an email related to our Freshman Blackboard/Knowledge
site (BB). This BB site will provide you with a host of resources to help you and answer common questions &
concerns that arise. Over 95% of the students who attended the freshman success series (FSS) last year stated
that the series was very helpful to them and contributed to their success. In addition, students who attended
had better outcomes than those who did not [i.e. more attendees passed their classes with higher grades].
Come out and join the nursing faculty, staff, and current nursing students during the freshman success series.
If you have additional questions, please contact Dr. Stokes at stokesla@udmercy.edu. Include “freshman
success” in the subject line.
What can I expect
4 sessions spaced over the academic year, approximately 2 each semester. *Refreshments have been
provided.* Dates are already established, listed below ~ Please mark your calendars!
AS A STUDENT IN THE MSON YOU ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND ALL SESSIONS.
Oct 3, 2013Dec 5 2013Feb 6, 2014April 3, 2014-
Study Habits, introduction to the SNA (Student Nurse Association)
Stress management/ test anxiety/ test taking
Summer advising/ schedule management and self-care
Orientation for sophomore (clinical) courses
Sessions are during university “dead-time” (12:30- 1:30 pm), purposely chosen NOT to interfere with class schedules.
Challenges to Success
Every year some nursing students do not continue to progress in the nursing program. We have observed
several factors that contribute to nursing student attrition (i.e. dropping out, stopping out, or failing out of the
program).
1) Some students may not have a realistic understanding of the intensity of the nursing program
2) Some students may not get connected with other students or resources in order to build support
and share beneficial resources & success strategies
3) Some students may be less academically prepared than they realize for the rigor of nursing courses
Strategies for Success
Although the majority of students progress in the nursing program, there are specific strategies all nursing
students can use to assure even greater success.
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Get connected with other students to find out about resources and support one another
Become very knowledgeable about the nursing program (requirements, policies, expectations, etc)
Talk to your advisor… Early and Often
Get involved in activities and committees in the School of Nursing (ex. Student Nurse Association)
Communicate with your course faculty frequently (before you realize you don’t quite “get” the content)
Utilize University Academic Services, The Writing Center, and other learning opportunities offered
Check with individual departments to see if they offer supplemental study sessions or tutoring
Get a student mentor in an upper level nursing course (we can help with that).
Some Study Tips
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Complete assigned reading in advance (before class). Use reading & comprehension techniques
when possible.
Take notes: or make note cards, and put the information into your own words.
Join a study group- so you can discuss concepts, clarify information, and help one another
study.
Review information/class notes within 24 hours of lecture to increase your retention of
information.
“Will you succeed? Yes you will indeed, 98 ¾ % guaranteed ”
~Dr Suess (Oh the Places You Will Go.)
We believe in you! Welcome to UDM and the McAuley School of Nursing!
Sincerely, Your Freshman Coordinators:
Professor Stokes, Professor Kwasky, & Professor Corrigan
If you have additional needs, please come to our Support Center in the College of Health Professions. See Yvonne King confidentially.
This center offers help- an ear, advice, and counseling if you feel lonely or need someone to talk to confidentially.