Student Success Day

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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!In celebration of SSD, RCTC is hosting the Yellowjacket Success Conference on Tuesday, October 6, in the Heintz Center. Explore helpful sessions, make connections, and discover resources to support your success. Don’t miss out! Pre-register on D2L today!

Schedule at Glance

  • 9:00AM
    • Check-in, coffee, and snacks
  • 9:30AM
    • Session 1
  • 10:30AM
    • Session 2
  • 11:00AM
    • Find Your Future Fair
  • 11:30AM
    • Session 3
  • 1:00PM
    • Closing remarks and prize drawings

Session Selections

Browse the sessions available at the 2026 Yellowjacket Success Conference!

Session 1 Options:

Master Your Academic Roadmap: Tools for Success with Paula Carlsen

  • 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
    • Room H1411

A Procrastinator’s Guide to Success with Megan Griebenow from Zumbro Valley Health

  • 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.
    • Room H1100

Frauds & Scams: Major Red Flag Energy with Theresa Zirbel from Associated Bank

  • From fake job offers and phishing texts to social media scams and identity theft, fraudsters are targeting college students more than ever. Learn how to spot red flags, protect your money, and stay one step ahead of today’s most common scams.
    • Room H1418

Resources for Your Search with Workforce Development

  • Learn about the resources available through the Workforce Development Inc office located at Heintz Center and explore the soft skills that come into play during the interview process.
    • Room H1403

Session 2 Options:

Mind your Mental Health: Practical Strategies for Managing College Stress with Megan Griebenow from Zumbro Valley Health

  • 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.
    • Room H1100

TRIO Success Panel: Yellowjacket Ready: Making the most of your RCTC experience with TRIO Staff, Alumni, and Current TRIO Students

  • RCTC TRIO Student Support Services will host an informational forum where students can learn about TRIO and the various support services available across campus. TRIO serves students who are first generation in college, come from a low income background, or have a documented disability, and this session is designed to speak directly to their experiences while welcoming all students who wish to attend. The forum will feature a panel of current TRIO students, as well as faculty and staff who share similar backgrounds. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, hear about lived experiences, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging on campus.
    • H1106

Achievement Unlocked: Budgeting with Theresa Zirbel from Associated Bank

  • College life can be expensive, but managing your money does not have to be stressful. Learn simple budgeting strategies to stretch your dollars, avoid common financial pitfalls, and make room for both necessities and fun.
    • Room H1418

Interviewing 101: Communicate with Confidence with Anna Houston

  • Learn how to ace interviews! Practice answering common questions, showcase your skills, and use body language and tone to make a lasting impression. Perfect for first-time interviewees or anyone looking to polish their professional presence.
    • Room H1403

Session 3 Options:

Your Voice, Your Work, Writing in the age of AI with Mike Mutschelknaus and Cassie Dennison

  • AI can help you brainstorm, revise, and learn, but how do you make sure your writing still sounds like you? In this interactive session, Cassie and Mike will share practical strategies for keeping your own voice at the center of your writing while using AI responsibly. We’ll look at what professors expect, how citation and source-use techniques can protect your credibility, and what to do when you’re unsure whether an AI use crosses the line. We’ll also tackle a real-world case study about talking with a professor about AI and leave plenty of time for your questions.
    • Room H1106

Career and Major Exploration with Focus 2 Career with Deb Vang

  • 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.
    • Room H1411

Credit Chronicles: Build Your Score, Unlock Your Future with Theresa Zirbel from Associated Bank

  • Your credit score can impact everything from renting an apartment to buying a car after graduation. Learn how credit works, how scores are calculated, and the smart habits that help you build strong credit from the start.
    • Room H1418

Talk Saves Lives with Ray Stenglein

  • Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is AFSP’s flagship suicide prevention education program that covers the scope of this leading cause of death, what the research has found to be the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, and the strategies that prevent it.
    • Room H1100

Employment Strategies: Building Your Cover Letter and Resume with Jenna Amy

  • Your resume and cover letter are often the first impression you make on a potential employer, so it’s important to make them stand out! But knowing what to include and where to start can feel overwhelming. In this session, you’ll learn practical tips for creating a professional resume and compelling cover letter that highlight your skills, experience, and strengths and help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.
    • Room H1403

Find Your Future Fair

Join us in the Heintz Center Commons from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for the Find Your Future Fair! Whether you’re exploring career opportunities, academic success, transfer options, or personal development, you’ll find resources and connections to help you plan your next steps. Connect directly with employers, colleges and universities, academic programs, and RCTC campus resources as you explore what’s next after RCTC. Stop by, make connections, and find your future!