3 things students should know about reaching out for help

February 19, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer

Even though we’ve all had to ask for help at some point, it’s never exactly an easy thing to do. Especially for students, it can be intimidating to approach faculty or reach out for resources when grades start to slip. 

For students feeling lost, however, there is hope. Supportive resources are available at MSU around almost every corner - especially at the College of Social Science. Director of Student Success Shannon Halbedel and Director of Assessment Jason Almerigi talk about the importance of getting help - even when it seems, frankly, scary.

#1 - Seek support before you need it.

A big mistake many students make is seeking support after a major grade event. “The idea of seeking support early is not necessarily because you're struggling, it's so that you don't struggle. If you wait until the last minute, it's harder to dig yourself out of a hole than it is to build yourself a mound that you can climb up,” explained Halbedel.

“I can't overstate enough the importance of being proactive in seeking help,” agreed Almerigi. “Another advantage to seeking help early is to start building relationships with people. Whether it's with the professor, your teaching assistant or your peer-assisted learner, those relationships can serve many different purposes. You may feel more comfortable asking for help, and you may be able to leverage the relationship beyond the classroom, whether it's seeking letters of recommendation, research opportunities, or asking for advice on how to find resources on campus.”

#2 - Getting help pays off. Really. 

Recognizing the importance of supporting student learning, the Office of Student Success manages a Peer Assisted Learner (PAL) program that places undergraduate peers within large ISS and introductory courses. These students work with their peers both within the class and during external “study sessions,” which all students in the course are welcome to attend.  

A lot of students may be hesitant to reach out for help or attend such sessions, due to the high demand but perceived uncertain payoff. However, both Almerigi and Halbedel can attest to the positive impact programs like these can have on students’ experiences.

“We have a report from last year that states that students who utilize PAL resources on average have a 0.5 higher grade than students who didn't. That could be the difference between an A and a B, or even passing and failing,” said Halbedel. “The PAL model is designed to build upon concepts. We don't just talk about content, students are taught different strategies on how to study, and how to synthesize content in ways that support learning rather than rote memorization. Once a student solidifies those skills, the sky's the limit - it can translate to any other course they take.” 

Almerigi added that seeking support can have an even more significant impact on first-generation students, or Pell grant-eligible students.

Students who wait until later in the semester to ask for help generally have a 6% lower semester GPA than students who seek help early on.  For first-generation college students or Pell Grant-eligible students specifically, that difference is substantially more pronounced - a 20% lower GPA!”

Why are programs like the PAL program so effective for students?

“There's a lot of national data suggesting that collaborative learning is more beneficial than any other intervention strategy for undergraduate students, because when students work with peers and make connections, they're more engaged in the culture of the campus. When they're engaged, they're more likely to persist and graduate,” said Halbedel. “Especially in a large, 3-400 person class where students feel like just a number. It can be very intimidating to talk to the professor or ask questions in class, so having these smaller groups where they can come in for one on one assistance or study with their peers definitely helps.”

#3. There’s nothing to be embarrassed or afraid of. 

“We have to decrease the stigma surrounding what it means to ask for help. Everyone, at some point, needs help - not even just students,” noted Halbedel. “It's not a sign of weakness, it's actually a sign of strength. It means that you can recognize you have a deficiency, seek out resources to address it and ultimately grow.”

“There's absolutely nothing wrong with utilizing resources. They are there to benefit you,” she emphasized. 

Almerigi echoed this point, adding, “Past students have noted that when they’ve actually gone and sought the help, it wasn’t nearly as painful or as intimidating as they had expected.”

Halbedel also explained the importance of reaching out while staying in your comfort zone: “Students, reach out to whoever you feel most comfortable with. If you're more comfortable reaching out to your TA, then reach out to your TA. If you're more comfortable reaching out to your PAL, reach out to your PAL. Building those relationships is key to success in college.”

Learn more about resources available at the College of Social Science here.