Life Happens

    "Life happens when you're busy making other plans" - John Lennon

    Metropolitan State University is a place where life and learning meet, but sometime life can interfere with your learning. A major change in life circumstances may make it difficult to maintain good academic standing. Has this happened to you?

    Examples

    • Your job is suddenly terminated and your economic situation drastically changes.
    • You have a family emergency that requires a lot of your time and energy to resolve.
    • You take on additional roles at work or home that were unexpected.
    • Your personal or health issues make it difficult to concentrate, focus, or motivate yourself regarding your academic work.

    These changes and events are part of life, and they can happen at any time. While changes and challenges in your life may slow you down or even seem insurmountable – you can reach your academic and professional goals. We have resources to support and encourage you.

    Dealing with Life Effectively

    The following questions can help you think of ways to effectively deal with life events and circumstances you may be experiencing (or may have experienced in the past). Connect your answers with some resources available to you on campus.

    1. What are some of the current work, family, and life experiences that impact your academics (both positively and negatively)?

      How significantly are these experiences impacting you? (For example, is it overwhelming your life so you cannot think about anything else? All the time, or just some of the time? Is the stress of the crisis affecting your health, eating or sleeping habits?)
    2. If the situation is affecting your academic goals, is there someone with whom you can work to stay on track?

      With the help of your advisor, counseling services, multicultural success coordinators, and other supportive persons in your life you can still plan to reach your goals. If you need to take time off or reduce your course load, make sure you know about all the processes and procedures you need to protect your academic record. Your advisor is one expert whom you may ask for assistance. For support regarding personal issues that have impacted your academics, Counseling Services may also be a helpful connection. Regardless of where you seek support, we hope you maintain your commitment to reach your academic goals.
    3. How are you treating yourself?

      Take care of yourself by doing things that help you relax, or that you enjoy. Balance is important!
    4. What do you know about resources on and off campus that could be helpful to you?

      Find resources, programs and agencies that are available to assist you with the situation. Your advisor is your primary resource on campus for academic planning, including your options for moving forward with your degree plan. Another student resource is Counseling Services , where students may meet with trained professionals who provide a safe and confidential place to talk about what is happening. In addition to providing support and a caring connection, counselors can identify potential on and off-campus resources for assistance. Multicultural Success Coordinators are also valuable resources, catering to the individual needs of all students.