By Mariana Poshyvailo //
As final exams season approaches, Hood College’s Student Success Center is ready to provide extensive support to help students succeed academically and manage stress.
Dean of Student Success Camelia Rubalcada and Student Achievement and Learning Advocate Enrique Guzman recently outlined the resources available, including study groups, targeted tutoring and a supportive environment for stress management.
From organizing study plans and note-taking to connecting students with Blazer academic coaches, the Student Success Center offers comprehensive aid for students preparing for exams. Rubalcada emphasized the tailored support available to students with study groups organized by subject.
“We’re offering study groups and additional resources not just for tutoring, but also to help students who might need someone to talk to about the stress of finals,” she explained.
The center has created resource packets with essential information, including test-taking strategies and a detailed calendar from Thanksgiving break through finals. “This calendar focuses on key dates and campus resources like the registrar, counseling, access services and the research library, so students can plan effectively,” Guzman said.
Students can pick up these packets at the Student Success Center in the Beneficial-Hodson Library Building, first floor, room 1027.
For students seeking extra academic support, targeted review sessions and workshops are available. “Using our lead tutor, we’re organizing workshops with department chairs and professors for specific classes,” Guzman said, noting that study sessions will cover subjects like math, calculus, physics, organic chemistry, and biology. Students can access tutoring by navigating to “Academic Tutoring” under each course on Blackboard, where they will find both in-person and online options available from 8 a.m. to late evening.
Rubalcada mentioned similar workshops are planned for the spring semester, with a semester-long schedule of events available at the Student Success Center. “We want students to have a clear roadmap of the resources available from start to finish each semester,” she said.
Besides in-person support, students can also access a range of resources online. Students can find information online by searching for “Resources for Students at Hood College.” Rubalcada noted, “We’re currently updating our website to make it more user-friendly, with plans to upload all resources by the end of the spring semester.” Until then, students can visit the Student Success Center directly for guidance and information on available resources.
Beyond academic help, the center also provides a supportive space to address stress and time management. “We’ve created a safe space for students to come in and discuss their stress,” Rubalcada shared. “We’re connected with students here and across campus to let them know that our office can be their first stop for support.”
To manage the pressures of finals, Rubalcada advises students to set clear, manageable goals and practice self-care. “Be proactive and don’t wait until the last minute. Use the support resources available to help you get through challenges,” she recommended.
Guzman also encouraged students to seek help from professors. “Professors always want to help,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to go to them and say, ‘I don’t understand.’ They’ll work with you in ways that can really make a difference.”
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