As part of the Center’s ongoing commitment to the enhancement of student life and functioning, a series of informative, interactive, and insightful workshops has been developed. Whether you are a first semester student, a transfer student, a commuter, a returning student, or a non-traditional student these work-shops have been designed for you and your individual needs.

The primary focus is upon identifying and honing the skills necessary to function successfully at the college level. This goal is achieved by providing comprehensive information in a supportive, non-challenging, and interactional setting.

Academic Success Program

• Time Management

  Having trouble managing the demands of school and college life? Do you procrastinate? Bring balance back into your life. This presentation will help you learn how to make the best use of your time, get your work done, and still have time to relax and have fun.

• Test Anxiety

  Do you draw a blank during an exam? Do you become highly anxious before or during an exam? Does this anxiety interfere with your ability to achieve your academic goals? This workshop focuses on the proven techniques that can help you overcome your test anxiety.

• Stress Management

  If you’re like the rest of us, you experience stress everyday. At the least it can make us feel tense, anxious, and nervous. However, not all stress is bad, positive stress (eustress) is a motivator, challenging you to react in creative and resourceful ways. When changes and demands overwhelm you, negative stress (distress) sets in. This workshop will help identify the sources of stress, examine your typical reaction patterns and help you develop new coping strategies.

• Writing Blocks

  Do you have difficulty getting started on your papers or spend hours thinking about the topic but find it impossible to begin writing? Studies show that writing is not just about skill but also involves self-esteem and confidence. This workshop will identify blocks which impede your ability to express yourself on paper. Specific techniques which facilitate a student’s ability to complete writing assignments will be discussed.

• Psychological Hardiness

  Certain attitudes and behaviors seem to increase a student’s ability to withstand stress and focus on academics. These issues will be presented in a discussion format.

Other Commonly Requested Topics:

• The Big Wide New Paltz – Dealing with the Blues

  Adjusting to college and making the transition from home to college. Suggested for earlier in the semester.

• Sexuality – Who am I Again?

  Covers a variety of areas from sexual orientation to adult sexual behavior.

• Dining Hall Blues and Body Image

  Covers the pressures and realities of eating, exercise and the pursuit of the “perfect body.”

• My Lasting Love – Will Love Ever Last?

  Managing romantic relationships and friendships at school and at home.

• To Party or Not to Party

  Alcohol and drugs: Social pressures and the facts.

• Seven Habits of Socially Successful People at New Paltz

  How to make and maintain new friendships. Suggested for earlier in the semester.

• Who am I, Where Did I Come From, and Where am I Going?

  Understanding how our background explains who we are and who we are becoming.

• Am I Ready for the Real World?

  Preparing for life after college.

• Returning Home: Living with Your Parents as an Adult

  Whether it is for the holidays or after graduation, living at home is different after being away at college.

Have an idea for a different workshop? We can work with you to meet these needs to enhance student life and functioning.

If you are interested in scheduling a workshop, please call the Psychological Counseling Center at (845)257-2920.