Improving Study Skills & Strategies at Mountain State University & Beyond

Posted 11.09.05

Story by– Professor Kathy Lewis-Payne

Champions of Character Representative

Mountain State University

In continued support of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative’s five core character values, the Mountain State University (W. Va.) Champions of Character program developed a booklet designed to improve study skills and strategies for student athletes. Realizing that improving study skills, classroom and test performance of student athletes can contribute to an increase in retention and graduation rates, Mountain State’s Champions of Character Program, in support of the core character value of responsibility, developed a commitment to set out objectives that can help accomplish the above goals.

One objective was to create a booklet for student athletes outlining ways to help them improve their skills and make them aware of available resources on campus to assist them in the success of their academic endeavors. Mountain State’s Champions of Character Representative and Professor Kathy Lewis-Payne met with university coaches of all sports teams and gave them copies for each of their student athletes.  

The booklet was developed with sections on strategies to increase study skills and sections listing on-campus sources and services available at MSU to help all students achieve their academic goals. The first four sections of the booklet include tips, techniques and strategies on methods to improve classroom performance, improving skills related to reading college textbooks and published materials, test taking strategies and time management skills. The methods listed in the booklet are part of the Study Skills program available to students of all levels through the Study Skills Resource Site, How-To-Study.com, and are made available to educators through the World Wide Web and Study Skills Programs both on-line and on CD-Rom.

The final section of the booklet contains information on campus academic services provided by MSU that include location, service offerings, schedules and contact information to assist all students in making use of the excellent services designed to assist in achieving their academic success. Information on Mountain State’s Tutoring Center, Library, Practicum Center and Advising Center was included in the booklet so that student’s would be able to have it as a quick reference guide to get help and keep the booklet to refer back to for future use.

Realizing that such a booklet would be beneficial to any student and not just the student athlete, the MSU Champions of Character program has made the booklet available to any student who wishes to have a copy. Some professors have passed the booklets out in class and copies were sent to each of the academic divisions at all Mountain State campuses.

While the booklet was originally designed for use on campus and by university level students, its’ popularity has spread to the community as well. Parents have requested copies for their children in high school college prep programs. In addition, family members of employees of MSU have also requested copies for their children to use, citing that not only is it a good source for skills to help them in their high school level courses and prepare for college entrance exams, but also that the services listed can be beneficial and provide contact information for students planning on attending Mountain State University.

The MSU Champions of Character Program is pleased to see that the use of this booklet has spread out into the community and will continue to make sure copies are available through Professor Lewis-Payne.   

The booklet, designed to help increase retention and graduation rates of student athletes, has gained such popularity throughout the campus and community that the Mountain State University Champions of Character program plans to update the skills sections and develop it each semester. The booklet has become an outreach service and ensures the university’s commitment to the success of all MSU students and members of the community.   

To learn more about Mountain State University visit www.mountainstate.edu.