Getting Fall Semester Off To A Great Start: Q&A With MGA’s Jeannie Ruggerio

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories: Students | School of Aviation | Faculty/Staff | Pressroom | School of Computing | School of Arts and Letters | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences | School of Business

Warner Robins, GA

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Jeannie Ruggerio

Every fall semester brings a fresh start and a chance for students to set goals for success. But where to begin? According to Jeannie Ruggerio, who coordinates the Student Success Center on MGA’s Warner Robins Campus, it all comes down to planning, participation, and persistence. In this Q&A, she shares key advice for navigating the first two weeks, staying motivated, and making the most of MGA’s resources throughout the semester.

What are some of the most important things students can do in the first two weeks of the semester to set themselves up for success?

The first two weeks of the semester are an engaging time. Joining that engagement by actively participating in the Middle Georgia State University (MGA) community assists students as they explore and learn at MGA. The following tips will help students with setting up a semester for success:

  • Develop a routine for checking your MGA email daily. Explore the campuses and class locations along with navigating the D2L Brightspace learning management platform in which you may access courses and online resources. Always seek help when needed.MGA faculty and staff are happy to assist, and D2L tutorials are available at https://www.mga.edu/d2l/.
  • Join "Welcome Back" events and participate in membership opportunities offered by MGA’s clubs, experiences, and organizations. Go to Events | Involve to view a schedule and organizational descriptions. Follow MGA’s social media and stay up to date on all the great MGA events.
  • Attend classes with an engaging, positive mindset and be curious. Communicate with your professors during office hours and get to know fellow students. Learning begins early, and reading the Syllabi is important for understanding course expectations.
  • Schedule early and connect with MGA’s supportive resources, including academic advising, academic success coaching, tutoring, peer mentoring, library services, career advising, and counseling services.

How can students stay organized and avoid falling behind as the semester gets busier?

When the semester begins, it is a busy time. Students can prepare successfully by setting realistic goals and using strategies that assist with organization:

  • Use an academic planner or task-management application that details course assignment due dates, scheduled quizzes, and exams in addition to scheduled University holidays and business calendar due dates, including registration and payment deadlines.
  • Get to know your preferred study environment. Avoid distractions and monitor noise levels. If you listen to music while studying, what types of music help you concentrate? What temperature do you prefer while studying?
  • Develop a routine of studying at the same time each day for scheduled lengths of time while incorporating frequent breaks. If possible, consider studying in an area, or using a desk, that resembles a testing environment to assist with being comfortable and organized on the day of the exam.
  • Consider forming a study group and remind yourself of the purpose of studying, as you build momentum to accomplish your short – and long – term goals.

What campus resources do you recommend students take advantage of before they feel overwhelmed?

MGA has several supportive campus resources, and students are encouraged to schedule appointments early to take advantage of the available services before feeling overwhelmed:

  • The Student Success Center (SSC) offers individual and group assistance both in-person and online. Services include Academic Success Coaching in which students meet with an Academic coach, who will assist in developing an academic success plan and help connect to campus resources. Students can also schedule with an SSC tutor for subject-specific and study skills assistance.
  • The Mathematics Academic Resource Center (MARC) offers free in-person and online tutoring for MATH 1000 – 2000 and MATH 3700. The MARC also offers informative online graphing calculator and mathematics resources.
  • The Writing Center provides free one-on-one, in-person and virtual consultations to assist students with all writing types. Sessions include feedback and offering strategies on writing improvement.
  • Roundtable Peer Mentoring is a great way to connect with fellow students, who provide motivational support, encouragement, and offer study strategies to maintain engagement while accomplishing goals.
  • Academic Advising assists students with course selection, degree planning, and interpretation of university policies. Academic advisors are supportive resources, who help guide students to campus resources and remain on a path to academic success.
  • Counseling and Accessibility Services offers confidential and personal support to students, who may be experiencing anxieties or difficulties during the semester in addition to providing support services for students, who may have “…documented needs related to learning...”
  • The MGA Library offers several resources to assist students in their courses, including research assistance, online tutorials, subject guides, streaming videos, study space, and a Live Chat.

What advice do you have for students to stay motivated and finish the semester strong, especially when they hit mid-semester burnout?

Staying motivated can be challenging, but Middle Georgia State University (MGA) provides support and academic resources that engage students to stay engaged. The following strategies will help students finish the semester strong:

  • Schedule a meeting with an academic success coach to check in on the progression of your success plan. An academic coach provides encouragement and assists in providing strategies to finish the semester successfully. Connect with MGA’s tutoring services to stay motivated throughout the entire semester.
  • Prioritize your health and well-being by getting enough sleep and exercise, eat healthfully, and be mindful of stress. More information and strategies on self-care can be found at BeWell@MGA
  • Get involved with MGA’s community service and volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit Student Life. Participate in MGA Athletics by attending a game. Engaging in the MGA community is a great way to finish the semester strong and avoid a mid-semester burnout.