ROADS to Success

Person cycling by a river with the sun setting on the other side of them.

ROADS to Success Presentation Series

There are steps we can take to improve how we learn, work, interact, and genuinely live. Each step we take can make the difference in how well we are able to create a balance that allows us to reach our goals, become empowered, and strengthen our successes. The ROADS to Success presentation series is designed to help students improve their academic performance, strengthen their goals, and become better learners. These sessions are interactive, informative, and impactful.

All presentations are 25 minutes in length unless otherwise requested. Use the links included within the description of each topic below to request one or more presentations. Please note that we will only present on one topic per event/class session, in order to promote student engagement in the material. Allow us two weeks of lead time to customize the presentation for your class. We respond to requests within 1 - 2 business days.

Have another topic in mind? We are here to help with that as well. Email us at mycoach@pdx.edu with your ideas!

The whole presentation was really helpful, especially because the speaker gave many examples of how we can implement what was being spoken about into our own lives/routines!

Picture of student sitting on grass in a ray of sunlight

Hello, Motivation...Where are You?: Do you ever wonder why you are so motivated in the beginning of the term and then your motivation begins to wane? This presentation will tackle motivation and offer some strategies to keep you motivated throughout the entire term.

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Hand holding a pen and resting on an open notebook.

Taking Control of the Clock: Strategies for Self-Management: You can't control time, but you can control how you manage the time you have. This presentation explores steps you can take to organize your schedule, create a master calendar, and decrease the feeling of being overwhelmed.

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Portland's Tillikum bridge with many cyclists on it.

SQ4R - An Active Reading Technique: Ever wonder how you can spend an hour reading something for class and nothing sticks? SQ4R is a reading methodology that actively engages the learner. This presentation will guide students through the process. Combine with an assigned reading to maximize the benefits.

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The backs of students' heads as they sit facing a standing teacher. One student has a hand raised.

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Effective Study Techniques: Each of us studies a little differently, however it is important to always be actively engaged in our learning. This presentation will introduce self-regulation theory, as well as multiple active studying techniques.

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Prepping for Midterms & Finals: Channel exam stress into productivity with this workshop on effective strategies for preparing for midterms and finals. This presentation will present a multitude of active study strategies, in addition to presenting students with tools for creating a study plan.

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Students sitting together at a table in Millar Library all with laptops open.

Dear Professor: Effective Communication with Professors: The stigma around asking for help can be a huge barrier for students in higher education. This presentation will break down that stigma and detail exactly why building a working relationship with your professor can be the key to academic success.

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Student comments about our ROADS presentations:

“Very helpful presentation. Jessie did a great job sharing information and doing so in a clear and helpful way.”

“Great presentation, really helped me as a new transfer student.”

“Good engaging talk in which the content was extremely relevant.”

“Very good information and loved that she provided links to self-management tools (excel sheet, goal setting, etc.).”

“I thought that the presentation was very well put together. This kind of introduction into what Academic Coaching has to offer I think is much more beneficial than going to a one on one meeting right off the bat.”

“I enjoyed the presentation. It was much needed in this time. I will definitely schedule a [coaching appointment]!”

“Jessie is always super friendly and knowledgeable. I always feel comfortable to engage and follow through her presentations.”

“She was great. I could really see that she knew what she was talking about, she kept me very engaged the entire time and I found what she was saying to be very helpful.”

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