Thriving at Sinclair: Tips for Student Success

Over 30,000 students attended Sinclair Community College last year. Of those enrolled, 38% were eligible to graduate, 18% transferred to four-year schools, and 24% were in good standing. Meaning that  20% of students withdrew from classes, dropped, or flunked out.  

Sinclair values its students’ success above all else and goes to great lengths to ensure they are where they need to be academically. To avoid being part of that unfortunate 20%, the Clarion has created a list of student tips for success here at Sinclair. 

Time management is key to meeting academic goals. Planning and scheduling important events such as due dates, presentations, and homework in some agendas is essential. This agenda could be physical or on a computer; doing both and cross-referencing is a great way of keeping one’s week organized. 

Along with time management comes organization skills. It is essential to keep an agenda, but it is also necessary for success to keep separate classes in distinct and easily accessible folders. Color coding and blocking can be a great visual tool to hold students accountable to themselves.  

< Tartan Threads: provides students with more than professional attire >

Actively engage in classroom activities and discussions. Discourse and disagreements are essential to rounding out and fully understanding any subject. Being bashful or scared to speak up and ask questions limits learning.  

Seek out Clubs and Organizations. Sinclair proudly offers numerous clubs and organizations that are sure to fit even the most niche interests. Finding common ground with classmates and fellow students can help build confidence, leadership, and business skills.  

Take advantage of Sinclair’s resources. The Library at Sinclair has computers and printers for students to use. It also provides quiet study rooms, study booths, and conference rooms for collaboration. It also has a Starbucks to give that extra-needed boost.  

There is a Writing Lab and a Tutoring and Learning Center for students seeking one-on-one help. The writing center is beneficial for international students in English composition classes but is also an excellent tool for anyone.  

The tutoring center provides personalized assistance for over 200 courses, which students can access in person or via Zoom. Students can schedule one-on-one sessions through the website provided above or in person by visiting the Tutoring front desk in the library L07. 

Students are also encouraged to meet up with one of the people at the tutoring and learning center if they do not see their course is on the course list before concluding that there is no tutoring for the course. 

This academic journey can be long and difficult, but taking advantage of Sinclair’s resources and proper planning and organization can ease the burden on students. Faculty and Staff are eager to help students achieve their potential and earn their degrees. 

Noah Schlarman, Reporter