STUDENT SUCCESS SUMMIT
Ignite Motivation – Launch Inspiration
At the beginning of each spring semester, the Student Success and First Year Experience Office hosts the Student Success Summit. Open to all students, the summit is designed to inspire and equip attendees with the tools, strategies, and motivation they need to thrive during the spring semester.
The summit begins with a motivational keynote speaker. We have been privileged to welcome speaker and life coach TiElla Grimes for several consecutive summits. TiElla encourages students to use LIGHT SPEAK to challenge their inner critic and to DO IT SCARED when they are unsure they can succeed. Students consistently appreciate her energy, authenticity, and perspective, and they leave each session feeling inspired and empowered.
As TiElla reminds us, “Each and every one of you has greatness overflowing in you.”
The summit also features six to eight interactive workshops facilitated by our Student Success Coaches. Topics include Goal Setting, Stress Management, Secrets of Successful Students, and more. One of our most popular workshops, Conquering Procrastination, provides students from a variety of academic backgrounds with practical strategies for overcoming procrastination and building stronger habits for success. As the demands of the spring semester increase, these sessions offer valuable reminders of how to prioritize responsibilities and stay on track.
Another highlight of the summit is our faculty panel, where outstanding faculty members share practical advice for succeeding in the classroom. Building relationships with faculty can feel intimidating, and even the most confident students sometimes struggle with this important skill. This session provides an opportunity to learn firsthand that our professors are approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in student success. Students frequently report that the faculty panel is one of their favorite parts of the summit.
The impact of the Student Success Summit is clear: 90% of surveyed attendees agree that the summit provided valuable tips and motivation to help them succeed. We encourage all Salem State students to participate.
To make the summit as accessible as possible, we offer both virtual and in-person options. The virtual summit is typically held the week before spring classes begin in January, while the in-person event takes place during the first week of classes. Check the News & Events section of the Salem State website (www.salemstate.edu) for this year's dates and registration information.
Salem State students can also learn more about the summit through the Canvas page at www.salemstate.edu/successsummit (Salem State login required). The summit schedule is posted each fall, and registration opens in December. Be sure to watch your Salem State email for updates and registration details.
For questions, please contact Student Success and the First Year Experience Office at firstyear@salemstate.edu or 978-542-2618.