Staying in School

Q&A with Rick Yaconis, Chief Operating Officer

The following conversation covers a number of issues related to student academics including the importance of staying in school and completing your degree program:

What is the biggest issue which your team is focused on right now?

If I were a student who was thinking about taking a break from my studies, what would you tell me?

Is that compelling for students?

That makes it easier to pay off student loans, too. Correct?

What resources are available to help students who are considering taking a break from their studies?

How can students get in touch with the Success Team^SM?

What is the biggest issue which your team is focused on right now?

Rick: Our #1 priority is helping students achieve their dream of completing their degree. Students who stay in school – even if only part-time – are able to maintain forward momentum towards their degree and are more likely to graduate and begin their exciting new career. That’s our goal – to help them get to that new career.

back to all Q&A topics l top

If I were a student who was thinking about taking a break from my studies, what would you tell me?

Rick: I would probably start by helping you understand how much easier it is to achieve your goal if you keep moving towards it. It’s really hard to get started again if you stop. I would also remind you of some things that you may not realize, like the fact that your student loans could come due if you’re out of school for a while. I would also point out that your classmates – with whom you have great relationships – will continue on without you, and you’ll have to get to know a whole new group of peers when you return.

I'd also suggest you revisit your dreams. You enrolled in college originally for  very good reasons. We’d spend some time talking about what those reasons are so you could recommit to achieving your goal of graduating from college.

back to all Q&A topics l top

Is that compelling for students?

Rick: Absolutely. Every Westwood student has invested time, energy and money in their education to help them have a better life, and the impact of a degree is significant. Not only is their earning potential higher, but studies have also shown that college graduates experience fewer layoffs when times are tough. Those reasons are very compelling for any of us!

back to all Q&A topics l top

That makes it easier to pay off student loans, too. Correct?

Rick: That’s something that a lot of students don’t realize. Education is an investment that you need to complete in order to reap the benefits. Students who stop before they finish are in the unfortunate position of having to repay the loans they took out without the benefit of getting the education they were aiming for.

back to all Q&A topics l top

What resources are available to help students who are considering taking a break from their studies?

Rick: The biggest resource we provide students is our Success Team^SM. It’s a group of advisors who assist students at every stage in their academic career. The SuccessTeam helps students with the enrollment process, with financial aid, with course selection and a lot more, but one of their key roles is assisting students when they start to lose momentum or encounter a specific challenge.

I want to encourage all students to take advantage of the help that the Success Team offers, not just at the very beginning and very end of their degree program but in the middle when momentum is so important and when the temptation to take a break is strongest. They can help in a number of ways, ranging from scheduling free tutoring services to finding specific resources to assist with everything from daycare to transportation and housing.

back to all Q&A topics l top

How can students get in touch with the Success Team?

Rick: It’s easy. Go to the Student Services area on your campus. Your student advisor will listen to your needs and make sure you are connected to the right resource to help you resolve your challenges. The most important thing to know is that no challenge is too big or too small – come talk to Student Services and we’ll help you. And don’t worry about being embarrassed either, chances are, whatever your challenge is, other students have encountered the same thing. We can help you find the resources to keep you moving towards your dream of graduating.

back to all Q&A topics l top