The Academic Skills and Assessment Program (ASAP) is designed to help students improve their academic performance by addressing a number of concerns that can interfere with effective learning. ASAP targets a wide range of issues including:
- Time management
- Learning and Memory
- Test anxiety
- Reading effectiveness
- Effective exam preparation
- General study skills
The staff at UChicago Student Wellness have developed and compiled a number of self-help resources relevant for academic success in a university setting. Please note that the links provided are intended as an educational aid to further your understanding of topics that can impact academic performance but should not be viewed as a substitute for assistance from a qualified mental health professional.
Time Management
- Hints for Becoming a Successful Student
- Overcoming Procrastination
- Quarter Review
- Task Priority List
- Hitting the Ground Running
- 25 Tips for Time Management
- Weekly Overview
Memory and Concentration
Reading
Study Skills
Exam Preparation
Improving Academic Performance
- Interactive Online Workshops on Academic Skills- University of Minnesota
- Test anxiety (video, 37 mins) – Utah State University
- Math anxiety (video, 50 mins) – Utah State University
- Perfectionism (video, 53 mins) – Utah State University
- Practical tips for increasing productivity (video) – AsapSCIENCE
- Smart goal setting (video) - UNCCH Learning Center
- Procrastination (video) – UNCCH Learning Center
- Tips to improve memory (video) – UNCCH Learning Center
Dealing with Stress
- How to make stress your friend (video) – Kelly McGonigal, PhD
- How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress – Helpguide.org
- Stress and anxiety – from Learn Psychology
- The Power of Self-Compassion (video) – Selfcompassion.org
Mindfulness and Relaxation
- Free mindfulness meditations – UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
- ACT exercises for Mindfulness & Acceptance – Portland Psychotherapy Clinic
- Relaxation exercises – MindBody Lab at the University of Texas at Austin
- Self-compassion exercises (audio) – Selfcompassion.org
The following workshops were offered during Spring Quarter. Please check back for future offerings.
Overcoming Procrastination
Procrastination is a normal challenge faced by all students that can have significant consequences. Discover the psychological reasons behind procrastination and learn behavioral techniques to help you more consciously choose behaviors that align with your personal academic goals. This is an experiential workshop and participants will be encouraged to actively explore their habits and practice techniques during the session.
The Fundamentals of Academic Success
Are you seeking academic success without sacrificing your mental health? Do you want to learn how to incorporate self-care and downtime into your daily routine? This workshop will combine evidence-based practices that support optimal learning with practical tips that students can use to improve their retention of learned material more efficiently. We will also discuss ways to create balance that promote academic success and good mental health.
Building Patterns of Productivity with Time Management
Are you feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stressed out? Do you feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to complete your to-do list? You are not alone! The focus of this workshop is to assess how you currently use your time and explore time management strategies that can aid in structuring your schedule. This workshop will also cover important aspects of self-care that can affect academic performance including habit building, stress management, and sleep hygiene.
Some students may benefit from brief one-on-one appointments. This provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns more fully with an ASAP counselor and determine personalized strategies to achieve your academic goals. ASAP appointments are 45 minutes in length.
To get started, make an ASAP appointment by calling 773.834.WELL, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Appointments take place at UChicago Student Wellness, 5555 S. Woodlawn Ave. For more information, contact Tab Shamsi, PsyD, at tshamsi@bsd.uchicago.edu.
We can also provide presentations and workshops related to academic performance on topics such as: procrastination, stress management, effective study strategies, and time management. While we will make every effort to meet requests for programming, please note that our resources may be limited during certain periods during the academic year. To ensure that we are able to accommodate your request, please allow at least three to four weeks’ notice so that we can adequately make arrangements for your event.
To request a workshop or presentation, please review the workshop menu to see what we have offered previously and fill out the request form below. A UChicago Student Wellness staff member will review the details and be in contact with the interested party to discuss further.