What Not To Do When You're Struggling ​

 

It is easy to feel like running away from our problems when we're struggling. However, running away is never the answer. Often times, running away can make things a hundred times worse.  

Here are some things you DO NOT want to do if you are struggling: 

• Not asking for help. It's never wise not to seek help when you are struggling. When we ask for help, we increase the odds of being successful. Reach out to your instructors. Email them, utilize their office hours, or call them if they have provided their phone number. Additionally, email, call or book an appointment with me and let's talk. Utilize the academic support resources available to you. That's what they are there for. If you are depressed, anxious, or grieving a loved one, connect with the school's Mantra Health Care Hub for free counseling services. Be proactive.​

• Whatever you do, DO NOT stop participating in your course(s)! If you stop participating in graded activities before you've completed the 60% mark of the term, you will be at risk for receiving an Unearned F (UF).  A UF will lead to academic AND financial impacts. It is always best to continue participating in your course throughout the term, even if you are concerned about your grade or believe you may not pass. 

Continuing to participate in your course can help you avoid the academic and financial consequences associated with receiving a UF. To be clear, when you receive a UF, only the time that you participated in your course gets covered by financial aid; and for the weeks that you did not participate in your course, you will have to pay out-of-pocket costs. An earned F will impact you academically by bringing down your cumulative GPA,  but when you retake the course in a future term and pass it, your failed grade will no longer be factored into your cumulative GPA. Please be aware that your failed grade will still show on your transcript, but it will no longer affect your cumulative GPA.