Interim Chancellor Charles Robinson recently spoke to a group of incoming first-year students and gave them five tips to help them succeed at the U of A. 

"You are going to have good days, and days that are not so good. If you develop the ability to pace yourself and handle the good and the not-so-good, you'll find that you can stay here and be successful until the end," Robinson told the group of students gathered in the classroom of the Multicultural Center. "Each and every single one of you can graduate, and each and every one of you should graduate!"

The students are part of the Academic Enrichment Program (AEP), which is a student success program designed to enhance the college experience of first-generation, low-income and other underrepresented students through advising, mentorship, student development opportunities, academic coaching and multiple learning experiences.

"It is important that Dr. Robinson took the time to speak with these students and make a genuine connection with them. He gave them practical tips for college success while also making sure they know they belong at the U of A," said C.J. Mathis, director of retention programs in the Multicultural Center. "These are the transformational moments that help students, particularly new students, understand they have a place and space at the U of A." 

Here is a synopsis of Robinson's five tips for student success:

1. Attend class and sit towards the front of the classroom.
2. Seek out help. Look for support from faculty and staff. Don't be ashamed and do it early.
3. Visit faculty in their offices. This shows them that you are a serious student.
4. Network. Don't be satisfied with going to class and then home. Join an organization or start one.
5. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay balanced and pace yourself.

This short talk with the students was recorded, and a video with the five tips is now available for the campus community to view and share.

"Dr. Robinson has some very good tips for students that will help them reach graduation," said Scott Flanagin, executive director of communications for Student Affairs, whose student group created the video. "We would love for everyone to share this video with their students and help set them on the path to success."