"Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Bard

Happy New Year! As we kick off the new semester, remember that OSS is dedicated to supporting your success and wellbeing. Let’s make it a great start to the new year!

To schedule a virtual or in-person meeting, contact our office at SMHSstudents@gwu.edu.

In this edition of the newsletter, you can find the following:

Want to stay up-to date with OSS Events in 2025? Click here to add the Office of Student Support (OSS) Events Calendar to your Google Calendar. You can also check out the Events Tab on the OSS website to see event details.

Reflecting on your Approach to Learning, by Terri Edwards

Looking to the new semester, OSS encourages each learner to take time to reflect on their approach to learning. To guide you through the reflection, we ask you to begin by answering the following questions.

The above reflects active, strategic, and reflective learning approaches. Effective learners take intentional steps to prepare, assess the difficulty of tasks, select appropriate strategies, and understand how, when, and why they will execute these strategies.

What are your goals for various learning activities?

This question emphasizes the importance of goal-directed activities to keep learners engaged and motivated by aligning their efforts with clear goals. Here are some examples: apply knowledge in a real-world context, requiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills, find a solution or identify key issues that promote the application of learned concepts, break down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps, master a specific skill or achieve a certain grade, conduct self-assessment to track progress toward a more significant learning goal.

Each of the above activities is structured around a clear objective or end goal, which drives the learner's engagement and provides motivation to complete the task.

After reflecting on your responses to the above questions, the next step is recognizing foundational cognitive skills you may need to implement. These skills encompass:

planning - What methods (study schedule and strategies) and resources best achieve the desired outcomes?

implementing - This includes active learning, time management, and learning tools (flashcards, concept/mind maps, summary sheets)

monitoring - gauge understanding with self-assessment (practice questions, self-quizzing), tracking milestones (completion of chapters, lectures, assignments), use of time, after each study session reflect is material is being retained

adjusting - as needed, revise study plan or schedule, change study methods, seek extra help (faculty office hours, peer tutoring, study group), adjust goals (especially if overly ambitious)

evaluating strategies - review grades and feedback, after completing a major assignment or exam, asses if you met your goals, then adjust future strategies accordingly

In conclusion, all learners are encouraged to actively participate in continuous improvement and adaptation. These are needed to ensure the best learning strategies are practiced. Refining foundational cognitive skills allows learners to steer their learning dynamically, fostering deeper engagement, mastery, and growth.

**If you’d like to discuss any of this in more detail, you are welcome to schedule a meeting with Terri Edwards

Are you interested in learning more about your learning and study strategies to identify areas where academic interventions could be most effective? Then register for the LASSI virtual workshop scheduled for January 28, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The registration deadline is Friday, January 24. All who register will receive via email a copy of the instrument and directions for taking the LASSI. The inventory contains 80 statements to respond to. The results will be emailed to you from OSS; please complete the inventory in a timely manner, allow time for OSS to receive it, and then forward your inventory results before the workshop.

The Learning and Study Skills Inventory (LASSI) was developed from extensive research and testing1, resulting in a statistically valid and reliable tool for diagnosing study skills. The tool assesses a learner’s awareness about and use of learning and study strategies related to the SKILL, WILL, and SELF-REGULATION components of strategic learning.

¹The LASSI was developed at the University of Texas at Austin by Claire Ellen     Weinstein, Ph.D., David R. Palmer, Ph.D., and Taylor W. Acee, Ph.D.

Skill Component of Strategic Learning examines learning strategies, skills, and thought processes.

Will Component of Strategic Learning measure receptivity to learning new information, self-discipline, willingness to exert the effort necessary to complete academic requirements successfully, and the degree of worry about academic performance.

Self-Regulation Component of Strategic Learning measures management, or self-regulation, and control of the whole learning process through using time effectively, focused attention, and maintaining concentration over time

CV Support: We have a dedicated faculty advisor with whom you can schedule appointments to review and revise your CV. To schedule an appointment, email OSS  with your request and attach any resume or CV documents you may have. If you have never created a CV before, we are happy to work with you and share our template.

Learning Support: Our dedicated learning specialist, Terri Edwards, is available to meet with students to discuss active learning strategies, study strategies and scheduling, test taking strategies, and more. To book an appointment with her, please use her Calendly link.

Peer Tutoring: If you would like to work with a peer tutor, email OSS to learn more about peer-led academic support. 

Small Study Groups: Consider adding small group studying into your academic schedule. OSS assigns students to a study group of 2-5 students; the sessions are facilitated by a student who commits to that role. Groups may choose to meet in person or virtually. Contact OSS for more information to be a facilitator or participant.

Writing Coach: Coaching sessions help students build their writing confidence and develop vital writing skills for writing assignments, personal statements, and professional writing. To receive a referral to the writing coach, please email OSS directly.    

Need a study break? Join the Student Wellness Committee for hot cocoa and cookies in the Student Lounge on Thursday, 1/9, from 12-1pm! Come meet the new SWC leadership and enjoy a warm treat.

January seasonal produce includes: citrus fruits, carrots, potatoes, avocados, shallots, broccoli, and more! For this month's seasonal recipe, try out this lemony chickpea rice dish! This recipe is meatless, but feel free to add another protein of your choice. Adding citrus to your winter meals is a great way to add a bit of brightness during cold winter months.

The Ford's Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look - 1/10-11: Enjoy a FREE two-day festival at Ford’s Theatre that showcases exciting new plays in development with members of the Theatre’s cohort of BIPOC playwrights. There are also opportunities to converse about the work, providing even more unique access to these pieces that concern unsung heroes in the battle for equality in American life.

Celebrate MLK Day - Throughout January: Interested in MLK Day events around DC? Visit mlkholidaydc.org for information on MLK Day events around DC. Events include the MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade (1/18), the Let Freedom Ring Celebration (1/19), and much more!

Celebrate Lunar New Year - 1/29-2/12: Locations all over the city ring in the Year of the Snake with colorful celebrations, including performances, educational talks, special tours and hands-on activities. Be sure to check out the festive Downtown Parade (Feb. 2), events at the Smithsonian's free National Museum of Asian Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum (Feb. 1), the National Ballet of China at the Kennedy Center and more.

Student Wellness Committee:

"The Wellness Committee is a group of elected students from all programs within the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences with a passion for promoting wellness in our community. We believe that as students who are training to become healthcare providers, it is critical that we learn to care for ourselves by nurturing our own personal health and wellness, as we strive to care for others. This committee seeks to promote wellness by organizing events and initiatives that enhance student wellbeing and strengthen relationships within our programs. We consider many dimensions of wellness and work with the Office for Student Support (OSS) to ensure accessibility to resources and safe spaces, as well as provide events like movie nights, picnics, cookie decorating, therapy dogs, and other initiatives to promote connectivity and healthy habits." - Student Wellness Committee Leadership

For information on how to join the Student Wellness Committee, or to send suggestions/ideas for wellness events, please send them an email.

SMHS Student - Parent Support Network

The Office of Student Support (OSS) is excited to announce an initiative aimed at connecting student-parents across SMHS. We recognize that balancing academic responsibilities with parenting can be challenging, and we want to offer a supportive network to help navigate these demands. By filling out a short google form, you will have the opportunity to receive contact information for other student-parents who are also interested in joining this network. Click here to fill out the form.

Student Organizations: Interested in joining one of the 80+ student organizations SMHS has to offer? You can find a full list of them here, updated every semester.

Want to start your own organization? The Medical Center Student Council provides guidance on the process on their website, with enrollment periods open twice a year.

We are excited to announce the reintroduction of WeTalk sessions—a collaboration between the Office of Student Support (OSS) and GW Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to provide a monthly drop-in group support space for SMHS students. Whether you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just need a space to unwind, this is a great opportunity to explore strategies for managing various challenges in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Starting 1/15/25, 12-1pm in Ross 133

Our goal is to provide a space for students to explore coping strategies, gain insights from CAPS staff, and connect in a supportive atmosphere. Feel free to stop by anytime during the session.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact CAPS at capsoutreach@gwu.edu or OSS at smhsstudents@gwu.edu.

Looking for a fun and easy way to prioritize your well-being? Try our Self-Care Bingo! Each square offers a small, meaningful activity to help you relax, recharge, and stay grounded. Click the button below to make your own copy so you can keep track of what you have completed.

Once you earn a bingo, email us your filled out bingo card by 1/31/25 for a raffle entry to win a prize!

Some people are cruising into January with a long list of big plans, while others feel uncertain about what 2025 holds, but one thing is certain: Every year brings changes, good, bad, and in between, and we’ll be better able to navigate them if we invest in our mental health. 
 
This New Year Talkspace is encouraging everyone to focus on building mental resilience, which allows us to be more flexible in the face of whatever life throws our way. 

Click here to read more about building mental resilience.

Talkspace: As educators of our future healthcare professionals, we know how important mental health is and are pleased to offer all SMHS students a free subscription to Talkspace. Talkspace offers unlimited text messaging and four 30-minute video sessions a month with a licensed therapist and is a convenient, clinically effective, and confidential service.  You will be matched with a therapist that suits you and your needs via a special algorithm. To register, go to www.talkspace.com/gwu and input your GW email address. [Medical Residents should NOT use their MFA email address] After you are registered and matched with your therapist, you can schedule an optional 10-minute live video introduction session.  Students who experience difficulty registering should contact partners-support@talkspace.com and cc Alex Velto (alex.velto@gwu.edu).

Please note that after a year of using the platform, you will need to revalidate your account.  Go to the 'Check my coverage' feature found in your Talkspace app settings - and follow the prompts provided. If you prefer to remain connected to your current therapist, you will have to reach out to partners-support@talkspace.com to validate instead.

Student Health Center:  The Student Health Center (formally CHC) is open and operating to assist students seeking medical, psychiatric, counseling, and psychological services. Physicians and counselors provide in-person treatment in the office, and virtual appointments are offered during regular business hours. Call 202-994-5300 to schedule an appointment.  

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (ET); extended hours until 7pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Saturday: 12:00 pm-4:00 pm

Sunday: 12:00 pm-4:00 pm on the Mount Vernon Campus

Resiliency and Well-Being Center: OSS frequently collaborates with the GW RW&C on matters related to individual and group well-being. The R&W Center takes an evidence-based, whole-person approach in the health and wellness (well-being) services it provides to the GW medical enterprise—SMHS, GW MFA, and the GW Hospital.  The R&W Center provides individual, departmental, and institutional-level services.  

Additional Resiliency and Well-Being Center workshop information can be found here.

Interested in meeting with our learning specialist, Terri Edwards, or with our associate director, Alex Velto? Use their Calendly links to easily schedule a meeting with them! 

                             Alex's Calendly         Terri's Calendly