WKU’s Toolbox for Success
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan 2012
Learning Objectives:
M.A.S.T.S.E.R. Plan participants who attend this session will:
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Have an understanding of the wellness related services offered on campus and where to find
them.
Learn how to get involved on campus
Learn how to be a successful student
Learn the dimensions of wellness and how they impact student success
Be able to recognize which dimensions they need to improve
Duration of Presentation: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Materials Needed:
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Presenters script
Wellness Wheel handouts
Crayons
Handouts from departments
Introduction
Good morning/afternoon. My name is _________. I am representing ______ department. This
presentation will show you how to take full advantage of the services on campus to become a successful
student.
Information
Slide 1: Title (WKU’s Toolbox for Success)
Slide 2: What Is a Successful Student?
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College is a time where people find out who they are as a person. That can be very difficult and
stressful for first year students as they are learning how to live on their own, keep up with
academics and make new friends all at the same time. Often this has a negative effect on a
student, which causes them to have an unsuccessful college experience.
College should be some of the best years of your life! We want to show you how to make that
happen while being successful at the same time. Often this has a negative effect on a student,
which causes them to have a stressful college experience that can put their potential for success
in jeopardy.
Part of being a successful student is having a balance between what is called The Dimensions of
Wellness. There are 7 dimensions we will discuss today (Intellectual, Environmental, Physical,
Financial, Social, Psychological and Spiritual) .
Throughout this presentation we will go through these different dimensions of wellness and
show how to create a balance between each utilizing the services WKU offers to help with your
success!
Slide 3: National Graduation Rates
WKU’s Toolbox for Success
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan 2012
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How many of you intend to graduate within 4 years? In 6 years?
This graph shows the most recent data on the percentage of students who graduate within 6
years
Only 56% of males and 61% of females nationally end up graduating within 6 years!
Slide 4: Kentucky Graduation Rates
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These are reported graduation rates that reflect the percentage of full-time bachelor seeking
students who were enrolled for the first time in a KY Public University in the fall 2003 and
graduated within 4, 5, or 6 years. Only 18% graduated within 4 years and 51% in 6 years (Blue
Bars)
Ask them their initial thoughts to this percentage and if it surprised them. Why or why not?
These 2 slides aren’t intended to scare you but to give you a wakeup call. We don’t want you all
to add to the percentage that doesn’t end up graduating or takes longer than 6 years to
graduate.
Slide 5: Your Success
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Why do you think such a high percentage of students are unsuccessful in college?
o After their response or if they do not give a response, click to give examples:
Procrastination, Too much socialization/partying, Unrealistic expectations (overload),
Sleep Difficulties, Unable to manage stress
What do you think causes students to succeed in college?
o After their response or if they do not give one, click to give examples: Prioritize,
Utilize resources on campus, Good group of friends, Take care of self, Involved in
campus activities, Time Management, Good Night Sleep ( 8-9 hrs), Able to manage
stress
Slide 6: Academic Impediments
 This slide shows data from The American College Health Association- National College Health
Assessment II (ACHA-NCHA II) and some of the top factors that have a negative impact on
academic success.
 The American College Health Association- National College Health Assessment II (ACHANCHA II) is a national research survey organized by the ACHA to assist college health service
providers, health educators, counselors and administrators in collecting data about their
students’ habits, behaviors and perceptions on the most prevalent health topics. WKU students
participated in this survey in the Spring 2010.
 Notice how STRESS is the most reported negative factor. 80.4% of WKU students reported
having either average or more than average stress in the Spring 2010 Semester
 Ask them if they can relate to any of these factors? If so, which factor(s)?
Slide 7: Stress
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Since stress is the #1 factor in effecting academic success, we wanted to spend a couple slides
going over what it is.
What do you think when you hear the word stress?
WKU’s Toolbox for Success
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan 2012
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Stress is the body’s response to changes that create demands
Stress happens in our relationships, jobs, families, school and other life events. Stress can affect
you both physically and mentally, but not all stress is bad
Eustress, or positive stress, has the following characteristics: Motivates, focuses energy,
Is short-term, Is perceived as within our coping abilities, Feels exciting, Improves performance
o Examples of Eustress (Good Stress): moving away from home, starting college,
graduation, starting a new job, meeting new friends
Distress, or negative stress, has the following characteristics: Causes anxiety or
concern, Can be short- or long-term , Is perceived as outside of our coping abilities, Feels
unpleasant, Decreases performance, Can lead to mental and physical problems
Stress AFFECTS ALL Dimensions of wellness
Slide 8: Symptoms of Distress
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Unresolved stress can wear down your body. When this happens, your body is not able to react
or function at full capacity.
Distress can cause symptoms such as: Headaches, Muscle weakness, Lack in energy, Restless
sleep, frustration, Lack of stamina, etc.
Have any of you experienced these symptoms before?
Slide 9: How to manage Stress
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We can’t prevent stress from happening, but there are ways to reduce and manage it!
What are some ways you manage stress?
Once they give examples or no response, click to give examples
Slide 10: Manage Your Stress on Campus
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Studies have shown that Engagement on campus has a positive impact on 1st year grades and
increases the chances of students returning the 2nd year
There are many opportunities and services on campus that can help manage your stress and
make your college experience enjoyable and successful.
We will describe each of these services throughout the rest of the presentation.
Slide 11: How to get involved at WKU
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Ask students how they think they can get involved at WKU?
Click to give them examples
This can be an opportunity to describe how you are involved on campus
Slide 12: Balancing All Dimensions
WKU’s Toolbox for Success
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan 2012
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The rest of the presentation we describe what each dimension is and how to utilize the services
on campus to keep a good balance between all dimensions.
Activity
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Pass out Blank Dimension Wheel papers and crayons.
o Explanation: As we go through each dimension really think about yourself and how well
you are in each. It is hard to keep a balance between all dimensions, nobody is perfect!
We all have weaknesses that we need to work on. This exercise is designed to show
each of you what you may want to focus on improving during your first year at WKU!
After we explain each dimension, color in that dimension to show how well you think
you are in that dimension. For example, if you feel as though your financial self needs a
lot of improving, you may only color that dimension ¼ of the way. If you feel as though
your social self is excellent and doesn’t need any improving, you may color the whole
dimension.
o You may show and give an example of your own if that helps to explain the activity!
Slide 13: Balancing Intellectual Self
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Having a healthy mind is crucial to student success. The Intellectual dimension encourages the
mind to be creative and critically think as well as motivate oneself to master new skills!
How can you be an intellectual Student??
Slide 14: WKU Services for Intellectual Self
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One service on campus that can help improve your intellectual self is the Academic Advising and
Retention Center
o They offer programs that help with study habits, time management and how to be a
successful learner as well as provide tutoring and skills in test and note taking.
o If you aren’t sure what your career goals are after college, there is a Students Exploring
to Expand Knowledge program that is designed for 1st year students who are interested
in exploring career interests
o Their contact information is shown on the screen if you have any specific questions.
 The picture links to the website if needed
 Have them color in how intellectually well they feel they are
Slide 15: Balancing Emotional Self
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An emotionally well person emphasizes the awareness and acceptance of one's feelings. It is how
well we are able to recognize and express our emotions, feeling positive about life and how well
we cope with stress
Everyone deals with stressful issues which can cause anxiety, homesickness, tension and even
depression at times. Almost everyone goes through these feelings, especially in a new
atmosphere!
WKU’s Toolbox for Success
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan 2012
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How can you be an emotionally well student?
Slide 16: WKU Services for Emotional Self
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The first service on campus that can help improve your emotional self is the Counseling and
Testing Center
o The Counseling and Testing Center deals with topics ranging from feeling homesick to
mental health issues
o They offer individual and group counseling as well as screenings on depression, eating
disorders, personality tests, anxiety and more.
 The picture will link to the website if needed
Slide 17: WKU Services for Emotional Self
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The second service on campus that can help improve your emotional self is Health Services
o WKUHS is committed to serving the WKU campus community by providing counseling,
psychiatric consultation, and prevention services that facilitate students' academic and
life goals and enhance their personal growth and well-being
o Health Services works closely with Counseling and Testing Services to provide both
medical and psychological treatment.
o Some common concerns that they deal with are: stress, relationships, peer pressure,
depression, etc
 The Health Services logo will link to the website if needed
 Have them color in how emotionally well they feel they are
Slide 18: Balancing Physical Self
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Many people think that physical health is just about exercising. Although that plays a role in our
physical health, it is not the only factor. A physically well person is also conscious of their eating
habits as well as taking personal care of their bodies by getting regular check-ups at the doctor,
practicing good hygiene and getting a good night’s rest.
What are some ways you can improve your physical health as a student?
Slide 19: WKU Services for Physical Health
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The Preston Health and Activities Center is a great resource on campus to help incorporate
physical activity into your schedule. They offer
 Intramurals
 Sport Clubs
 Outdoor Recreation Adventure Center (ORAC)
 Challenge Course
 Health and Fitness Lab
 Fitness Center
 Group Fitness Classes
WKU’s Toolbox for Success
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan 2012
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Natatorium (Pool)
o Click on the Intramural Recreational Sports logo for specific information on each area
Slide 20: WKU Services for Physical Health
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Restaurant and Catering has a registered dietician on staff that offers free nutrition services to
all students on campus.
The registered dietician is located out of the Health and Fitness Lab in the Preston Center. You
can call the Health and Fitness Lab to schedule an appointment
o Click on the Restaurant and Catering logo to go to their fresh and healthy website which offers
nutrition tips, wellness tools and healthy lifestyle tips.
Slide 21: WKU Services for Physical Self
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Health Services has many services to help keep your body healthy! They work just like a
doctor’s office. If you do not have insurance you may purchase the student health insurance that
they offer.
A few services they offer are:
o Allergy treatments
o Contraceptive Services (Safe Sex)
o Drug Screenings
o Men’s/Women’s Health Issues
o Immunizations/ Vaccines
o General conditions: fever, stomach pains, skin rashes, sprains, etc
For specific information you can call the number on the power point
o The Health Services logo will link to their website
o Have them color in how physically well they feel they are
Slide 22: Balancing Environmental Self
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Environmental wellness is about appreciating and respecting our external environment.
o Being aware of the limits of earth's natural resources and understands that all human
activity impacts the environment
o Environmental wellness is also surrounding ourselves with positive, comforting and
rejuvenating places and people
How can you become a more environmentally well student?
Slide 23: WKU Services for Environmental Self
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One way to help the environment on campus is to be a recycling volunteer. This is also a great
way to earn service hours and give back to the community.
If you are interested in helping out you can email sara ferguson (email is on PP)
WKU’s Toolbox for Success
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan 2012
Slide 24: WKU Services for Environmental Self
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The Office of Sustainability offers the Big Red Bikes Program
o You can check out a Big Red Bike for FREE up to a week from the Dept. of Facilities
Management in the first floor of parking structure 1. Helmets and locks are also
available.
 Have them color in how environmentally well they feel they are
Slide 25: WKU Services for Environmental Self
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The Outdoor recreation Adventure Center offers skills clinics (kayak roll clinics), equipment
rentals (canoes, kayaks, camping gear, bikes) and adventure trips!
These are a few of the trips offered this upcoming semester ( refer to powerpoint)
For more information about ORAC you can stop by the Preston Center or call 270-745-6545
Slide 26: Balancing Social Self
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Social self includes how we interact with others, creating and maintaining positive relationships
and enjoying being with others, and how we communicate our needs and feelings with others
o This includes:
 having support networks
 participating and contributing to the community
 developing healthy relationships
 being able to communicate effectively
How do you think you can improve your social self?
Slide 27: WKU Services for Social Self
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Student organizations at Western Kentucky University provide an incredible opportunity to
meet new people, build leadership and event planning skills, share ideas, and make connections
across campus. WKU is the home to over 300 student organizations providing
opportunities for students to engage with a wide variety of interests and activities. This
involvement can provide students a foundation for success, a passion for learning and a
commitment to responsible global citizenship, while fostering creativity and service to others.
Organizations can not only provide membership, but a safe home from which students can
pursue their passions.
o The Student Activities & Organizations logo will link to their website
o Have them color in how socially well they feel they are
Slide 28: Balancing Financial Self
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This is having an understanding of your financial situation and being able to control and maintain
a balance between money saved and money spent.
How can you improve your financial self?
WKU’s Toolbox for Success
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan 2012
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Examples: use credit cards only in emergencies, buy used books, choose the right meal plan so
you aren’t spending extra money on food, walk or ride your bike to class, take advantage of
student discounts!
Slide 29: WKU Services for Financial Self
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Find a job on campus. Almost every department on campus offers part time jobs to students
Apply for a scholarship.
For more information and forms for employment and scholarships email or call the financial aid
office or visit their site. (Contact is on the PP)
o Have them color in how financially well they feel they are
Slide 30: Balancing Spiritual Self
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Spiritual wellness may look different for each person, but it involves the meanings that give
purpose to life. For some, this may include a relationship with God or a higher being and
involvement with organized religion. Others may seek more spontaneous experiences of
spirituality, or practices and beliefs drawn from a variety of sources. For all of us, spiritual
wellness involves healthy relationships with those who share similar values.
How can you improve your spiritual wellness?
Examples to improve spiritual wellness:
o Spend time alone to clear your mind
o Be curious and do not be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone
o Be conscious of the choices you make and ask yourself why you made that choice. A lot
of times we Do before we think and later regret that decision.
o Yoga, dance, meditation
Slide 31: WKU Services for Spiritual Self
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Take a mind/body class. The Preston Center offers a variety of yoga classes throughout the
week that are free of charge
Join a campus ministry or cultural group. You can find a list of these on the campus activities &
organizations website
o Have them color in how spiritually well they think they are
Slide 32: WellU
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WellU is a program that can help you balance all dimensions we just went over. It
puts all health and fitness activities that go on around campus into one program that students
can participate in to earn credit towards winning scholarships and prizes. It is FREE and easy for
students to sign up.
Click the WellU logo to go to the WellU site. This will show students where and how to sign up for the
program.
Examples of events:
WKU’s Toolbox for Success
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan 2012
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-Fireside Nutrition Chats offered by Health Services
Getting medical screenings at Health Services
Going to Academic Advantage Series Workshops offered by Academic Advising and
Retention Center
Going on ORAC Trips
Attending Group X classes or participating in intramural events
Meeting with the Registered Dietician
Get a Massage- offered in the Health and Fitness Lab
Conclusion
Thank you all for coming. I hope this presentation gave you a better understanding of the services we
have to offer on campus to help you succeed in your college career. Does anyone have any further
questions?