Academic Coaching: Program Details

Study Hall Rules

1. Students should always check in and out with the study hall monitor every time they enter or leave the room.  You can do this by telling the monitor your first and last name (don't expect them to always remember) or hand them your student ID. 
2. The RC Success Study Hall utilizes the Pomodoro Technique where students are asked to fill out the Pomodoro Planner with a list of goals/priorities for using their time in study hall.  A Pomodoro is a measurement of time and in our study hall, each Pomodoro is worth 25 minutes of focused study and a 5-minute break where you are allowed to stretch your legs, get a snack, check your phone, etc., without penalty.  Each Pomodoro starts on the hour and the half-hour mark throughout the day. All Pomodoro Planners are collected at check-out and will be given to your Academic Peer Mentor. 
3. Sleeping is prohibited--students caught sleeping will be asked to leave the study hall immediately.  
4. Phones must be turned off and collected by the study hall monitor; students who do not abide will be asked to leave the study hall. 
5. Students may use headphones for music and can stream from their computer; however, students cannot listen to music on their phones. 
6. Students are prohibited from using their computers inappropriately including texting, chat features, social media, streaming programs, or non-school-related browsing. Students who use their computers inappropriately will be required to use the Cold Turkey app while in study hall. 
7. Students who are required to watch movies or use YouTube for a class must notify the monitor and show them the assignment; otherwise, the assignment will have to be completed later. 
8. Tobacco products, vaping and juuling are prohibited. 
9. Students who are suspected of being under the influence of any substance will be asked to leave immediately.
10. Snacks and beverages are allowed in the study hall; however, meals should be eaten before entering the facility. 
11. Group study and students from outside the program are not allowed in the study hall. 
12. Students in the study hall are not allowed to collaborate with fellow study hall participants. 
13. The study hall monitor has the right to ask you to leave the study hall at any time. 

Pandemic Rules:

1. If you feel sick or you have been isolated, please communicate with your Academic Peer Mentor and the Director of the Program.  
2. You must wear your mask at all times while in study hall and your mask should cover your nose and mouth. 
3. No Zooming for class in study hall.  The study hall is quiet and attending class is not studying!

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How do I get off Academic warning? You must earn the required cumulative grade point average by the end of the term to return to good standing (FR 1.7, SO 1.85, JR & SR 2.0). Students who do not reach the required cumulative GPA by the end of the term, will be academically suspended for at least one term. Any student who earns all failing grades in one semester will be suspended for two terms. If a student improves and earns a 2.0 semester GPA, but does not reach the required cumulative GPA, the student can return for one additional term on academic warning. 
2. Why do I have to complete half my hours by Tuesday at 9 pm?  Study hall is a lesson in time management and prioritizing studying (not just completing homework) into your daily life.  By Tuesday, you will have had Sunday, Monday and all of Tuesday to complete 3 hours.  
3. Why can't I do more than 3 hours in study hall each day?  Again, study hall is a lesson in time management and best study practices.  Research shows that short study sessions with breaks are more effective, which is why we utilize the Pomodoro Technique in our study hall. Students who spend more than 6 hours in the study hall each week are exempt from the rule. 
4. Why do I have to have study hall goals?  We want students to use their time in study hall wisely; therefore, you need to have a list of goals or tasks to complete while you are in study hall. Students will be asked to complete the Pomodoro Planner at the beginning of study hall to prioritize assignments.  Students who appear aimless will be asked to leave. 
5. How do I check my study hall hours?  Go to www.roanoke.edu/rcsuccess to check your hours. 
6. What if I get sick and can't complete my study hall hours?  Students who are sick or quarantined should contact the Director of the RC Success Program.
7. What if I miss my study hall hours or my meeting with my Academic Peer Mentor?  Students who are found non-compliant can be removed from the program, lose their right to opt-out of the program at midterm, or can be asked to leave the college if they are participating as an exception to suspension. 
8. Do I have to use the Pomodoro Technique? No, but it is in your best interest especially if you struggle with concentration or procrastination.  If you choose not to follow the Pomodoro, you will be clocked out for all breaks.  Those who use the Pomodoro Technique are not clocked out for taking the 5-minute study break. All students must complete the Pomodoro Planner. 

RC Success Contract Requirements

1. Complete a minimum of 6 hours of study hall each week
   • Hours are completed Sunday - Friday, so all 6 hours must be completed by Friday at 4 pm. 
   • The study hall is closed on Saturday.
   • The week starts on Sunday.
   • You must complete half of your hours (3) by Tuesday at 9 PM.
   • You may not spend more than three hours in study hall each day if you are only reaching the minimum study hall requirement.
      
2. You must attend the RC Success Orientation on Thursday, Sept. 1 from 12- 1 pm in Colket, Pickle Lounge. 
    
3. Study Skills Development: You will participate in a 4-week Study Skills class with the Director of the RC Success Program that will be added to your schedule in a free block.  The 4-week Study Skills class corresponds with your Academic Peer Mentor meetings so that you're able to learn crucial study skills during the first month of the program. Your weekly Academic Peer Mentor meeting will count towards your weekly study hall requirement. 
   
4. Regular class attendance and completion of assignments are monitored and the Director of RC Success will communicate with your professors. 
    
5. Students who are compliant with the RC Success requirements and have earned a midterm GPA of 2.5 or higher can opt-out of the program or renegotiate their RC Success contract. Students who are required to attend the program as an exception to suspension cannot opt-out of the program at midterm. 

Students who participate in RC Success as an Exception to Suspension must remain in good standing with the program and agreed to the following terms at the beginning of the semester:

1.  Fully participate in the RC Success Program
   • Complete a minimum of 6 hours per week in study hall.
   • Attend weekly Academic Peer Mentor meetings.
   • Attend a 4-week Study Skills Program with the Director of the RC Success Program. 
   • Meet with the Director as needed and when requested.
   • Attend Subject Tutoring & The Writing Center when requested.
   • Respond to emails and texts from the Director and Academic Peer Mentor. 
   • Complete all weekly requirements of the RC Success Program through the spring term.
2. Return to Good Academic Standing
   • You must earn the required cumulative grade point average by the end of the spring term to return to good standing (FR 1.7, SO 1.85, JR & SR 2.0).
   • To ensure that you reach the required GPA, your schedule must be reviewed, revised as appropriate, and approved by the RC Success Program Director, Ms. Shannon McNeal.
   • You must earn a 2.0 or higher mid-term grade point average.
   • Class attendance and campus conduct will be monitored.
3. Attend the RC Success Orientation on Thursday, Sept. 1 from 12 - 1 pm in Colket, Pickle Lounge. 
4. Comply with all requirements listed above. If you are non-compliant at any point in time during the spring semester, you will be required to withdraw from the College.