This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 10: Wait, What is Pre-Registration Part II! 🎙️

We’re diving deeper into the pre-registration process with everything you need to know as advising season hits full swing. From booking your faculty advising appointment to attending Academic Success Center workshops, this episode breaks down how to finalize your spring schedule like a pro. You’ll learn how to find and fix holds or restrictions, what to do if your advisor’s calendar is full, and how to handle schedule conflicts without the stress.

In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay chats with Julie Carmel, Director of Student Accounts, to talk spring billing, payment plans, and how to make the financial side of college a little less intimidating. 

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Production by Brendon Bailey.

This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay dive into “Episode 9: Wait, What is Pre-Registration?” 🎙️

We break down everything you need to know to prepare for pre-registration and advising, what it is, why it matters, and how to get ready to build your spring schedule with confidence. You’ll learn how to use Self-Service to plan your courses, what “getting cleared” by your faculty advisor means, and why bringing your laptop to an Academic Success Center workshop is a must. Plus, we share how to check your account for holds or restrictions before they hold you back, and the importance of having backup plans for your classes.

In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay sits down with Dannie Lacks, Director of the Career Development Center, to explore all the ways the CDC helps students prepare for life after graduation, from resume reviews and mock interviews to career conversations and employer networking through Handshake🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?

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Production by Brendon Bailey.

This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay unpack “Episode 8: Your Guide to MajorPlus: Two Paths, One Purpose.” We break down Worcester State’s MajorPlus model, how to combine a major and minor or double major in no extra time and no extra cost, and share exactly how to plan it with your Academic Success Center advisor. You’ll learn when to declare (aim before 45 credits), how to use LASC/Gen Ed courses to explore your “plus,” and what to do if you’re undeclared or torn between two interests.

In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay sits down with Kristen Nelson, Director of Residence Life & Student Engagement, to explore living on campus, from Woo Wednesdays and Late Night Lancers to choosing among Dowden, Sheehan, Wasylean, and Chandler Village, plus how to connect with @wsureslife and where to find the Res Life office in Sheehan Hall (Room 101).

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Production by Brendon Bailey.

This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay dive into mid-semester realities with “Midterm Checkpoint: Grades, Goals, and Getting Back on Track.” From midterms and mounting assignments to social pressures and financial worries, we explore how stress shows up and how to keep it from taking over. Through personal stories and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to move from overwhelmed to organized, check your standing with faculty, understand Early Support failure warnings, and decide when to push through, withdraw, or go pass/fail. We also highlight how to use resources like the Academic Success Center, tutoring, and the writing and math centers to stay on track.

In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay sits down with Linzy Martinez, Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Commuter Services. Linzy shares how commuter students can get involved through programs like Sweet Treat Tuesdays, Make & Takes, and Commuter Appreciation Week to build community and feel connected to campus life.

Plus, we answer your Question of the Week: What do you wish you had done differently during midterms, and how do you stay positive when classmates seem to be doing better? We share tips for studying smarter, staying organized, and leaning on campus supports to keep your momentum strong.

🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?

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Production by Brendon Bailey.

This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay dive into mid-semester realities with “Stressed to Steady: Finding Your Calm in College.” From midterms and mounting assignments to social pressures and financial worries, we explore how stress shows up—and how to keep it from taking over. Through personal stories and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to move from overwhelmed to organized and rediscover your balance when college life gets hectic.

We also feature Counseling Services in this week’s Campus Connection, as TKay sits down with Kevin Fenlon, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs & Director of Counseling Services. Kevin breaks down what’s available to Worcester State students—from free and confidential short-term counseling to walk-in triage hours, after-hours support through ResilientU, and MK, the campus’s much-loved therapeutic assistance dog 🐾—all designed to help you stay well and grounded.

Plus, we answer your Question of the Week: How do I balance studying for midterms with everything else going on? We share concrete tips for studying smarter, not harder, and for using campus resources like the Academic Success Center to get organized.

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Production by Brendon Bailey.

This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay break down the myth that professors only exist in the classroom with “Wait… Professors Don’t Live on Campus?” We sit down with four Worcester State faculty members, Dr. Lisa Wark (Business & Econ), Dr. Jeremy Andreatta (Chemistry), Dr. Charlotte Haller (History & Political Science), and Dr. Christina Santana (English), to uncover their hobbies, hidden talents, comfort foods, and advice for first-year students. From wine collecting to quilt-making, knitting to blackjack dealing, you’ll hear how our faculty are real people who care about your success.

We also feature the library, along with Executive Director Matt Bejune, in this week’s Campus Connection, highlighting how research support, study spaces, and digital resources can help you thrive.

Plus, we answer your “Question of the Week” on how to connect with faculty if you’re shy, and we wrap with not one but two Fearless Tips—don’t wait for a problem to connect, and be curious, not perfect.

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Production by Brendon Bailey

This week on First Year to Fearless Tammy & TKay dig into what it means to start Working at Woo. From landing your first on-campus job to understanding the difference between student positions and work-study, we share tips on where to apply, how to follow up, and how to balance work with your classes and life. Plus, we answer your “Question of the Week” about faculty office hours, highlight tutoring and academic support resources, and spotlight Student Involvement with Sarah Potrikus, covering clubs, leadership programs, and how to build your Lancer community.

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Production by Brendon Bailey

This week on First Year to Fearless Tammy & TKay dive into what week three of the semester really feels like: homesickness, new routines, and finding your spot on campus. From library nooks to the Wellness Center, we share favorite spaces to recharge, tips for staying connected to home, and how to get involved in Lancer Life. Plus, we answer listener questions, spotlight Student Accessibility Services with Dr. Rachel Graddy, and remind you of key deadlines.

🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?

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🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?

👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation.

🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?

👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation.