Student Success Day (SSD) is an opportunity to connect with friends, faculty, and staff while attending sessions designed to help you succeed at RCTC and beyond! This year’s SSD will be held at the Heintz Center on Wednesday, October 1st.
Schedule at a Glance
Flight 1: Skills
The Academic Skill Building track offers practical sessions designed to enhance students’ organizational and writing skills, as well as address common challenges like procrastination.
9am Session: Scrabble, Topple, and the Academic Juggle: Winning the Game of Work-Life Balance
Jen Steinberg, Rachel Goldsmith, and Katie Ristau | H1100
By the end of this session, participants will be able to laugh, learn, and leave with at least three practical strategies to keep their schedules from toppling like a poorly-placed piece, all while staying productive and focused.
10am Session: How to Write Essays Fast
Mike Mutschelknaus, RCTC faculty | H1100
Students will achieve the tools necessary to achieve academic success at RCTC. For example, it is ok to use Wikipedia. It is fine to look up free college essays online. There’s a cookie cutter thesis statement that always works. Use a colon in your essay title so your professor will be impressed and not really read the rest of your essay very closely. MLA and APA style aren’t hard if you know the internet sites that do all the work for you. Write one essay and then use it over and over in different classes without cheating. These secrets and many others will be revealed in this engaging session.
11am Session: A Procrastinator’s Guide to Success.
Katie Swegarden and Sam Butterfass | H1100
Did you know that 80-95% of college students report procrastinating on their assignments at some point? We’ll look at why this happens, what impact it can have on college students’ success, and explore strategies to overcome procrastination.
Flight 2: Resources
This track offers a series of sessions designed to enhance students’ well-being, academic planning, and relationship skills.
9am Session: Minding Your Mental Health
Katie Swegarden and Sam Butterfass | H1403
College life can be exciting but also overwhelming. This session offers practical strategies to help students recognize stress, build resilience, and maintain mental well-being. Participants will learn simple techniques for managing stress to support both personal and academic success.
10am Session: Master your Academic Roadmap: Tools for Success
Paula Carlsen | H1411 (Computer Lab)
Unlock the power of your academic journey with interactive tools like AdvisorVue, Degree Audit, and Grad Plan! In this hands-on session, you’ll discover how to master these platforms to map out your path, stay on track, and reach your academic goals. Get ready to take control of your future with smart planning and insider tips to maximize your academic success! Intended Audience: New Fall 2025 students
11am Session: Healthy Relationships
Sidney Frye | H1403
This session is intended to foster a culture of respect and responsibility within our campus community by delving into the critical topics of consent and sexual misconduct, providing participants with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate these issues and engage in healthy relationships
Flight 3: Professional Development
The Professional Development track offers essential sessions to enhance students’ career readiness. Participants will learn key interviewing skills, craft compelling resumes, and explore career paths using the Focus 2 Career tool. These sessions provide practical tips and strategies to help students excel in their job search and make informed career decisions.
9am Session: Interviewing 101
Jennifer Teske, Erin Reed, Anna Houston, and Lori Halverson-Wente | H1418
Learn the essential skills and strategies for successful interviews. Topics will include preparing for common interview questions, showcasing strengths, and making a positive impression. Participants will gain confidence and practical tips to excel in their job search.
10am Session: Resume Writing
RCTC Writing Center Staff | H1418
Learn how to craft a compelling resume that highlights their skills, experiences, and achievements. Participants will receive practical tips on formatting, tailoring their resumes for specific job applications, and avoiding common pitfalls. By the end of the session, students will have the tools to create a standout resume that captures the attention of potential employers.
11am Session: Using Focus 2 Career
Deb Vang | H1411 (Computer Lab)
Join our school career counselor for an interactive session on using Focus 2 Career, a comprehensive career exploration tool. Students will learn how to navigate the platform to assess their interests, skills, and values, and discover potential career paths. This session will provide practical guidance on leveraging Focus 2 Career to make informed decisions about their future.
Find Your Future Fair
Come explore your next steps with employers, transfer schools, and RCTC program leaders all in one place from 9:45am to 12pm. It’s a great chance to ask questions, make connections, and discover new opportunities for your future!