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Obstacles and Solutions

We believe in your ability to succeed at Kingsborough and want to provide a path that helps you achieve good academic standing. We also want to connect you with suggested resources that can help you overcome challenges, restore academic standing, avoid dismissal, and succeed in your pursuit of graduation.

Please reflect on your current obstacle(s) to determine which solution(s) may be best for you.

The following are common obstacles which can affect academic success in college. Check all obstacles you feel hindered your academic progress and review the corresponding potential solution. 

Common Obstacles: Academic/Study Skills Obstacles, Degree Requirement Obstacles, Job Related Obstacles, Technology/Time Management Obstacles, Fear Obstacles, Family/Financial Obstacles, COVID-19 Obstacles

Academic Success Plan: Obstacles Self-Assessment Questionnaire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic/Study Skills Obstacles: 

Potential Solution: 

Learning disability 

Sign up with the Access-Ability Services and Disability (AAS) Office https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/access-ability/homepage.html

Textbook reading skills/comprehension 

Sign up with the Kingsborough Learning Center (KLC) https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/KLC/Howtosign-upfortutoring.html

Undeveloped writing or math skills 

Sign up with the Kingsborough Learning Center (KLC) https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/KLC/Howtosign-upfortutoring.html

Poor study habits  

Sign up with the Kingsborough Learning Center (KLC) https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/KLC/Howtosign-upfortutoring.html

Inadequate test-taking skills 

Email your professors or speak with your advisor to discuss test-taking strategies 

Distracting study environment 

Try different settings to identify an appropriate space

Procrastination 

Speak with your advisor about time management strategies

Lack of Motivation 

Set small achievable goals; Speak with a Personal Counselor https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/counselingservices/distancecounseling.html

Other:  

Other:  

 

Degree Requirement Obstacles: 

Potential Solution: 

 

Required general degree courses are difficult 

Make an appointment via Starfish to speak with your advisor 

and/or sign up with the Kingsborough Learning Center (KLC) https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/KLC/Howtosign-upfortutoring.html

 

Out of sequence with major requirements 

Make an appointment via Starfish to speak with your advisor or academic degree Program Director

 

Unhappy with major 

Make an appointment via Starfish with your advisor about difficulties or request a change of major

 

Confused about or interested in too many areas 

Make an appointment via Starfish to speak with your advisor 

and/or speak with a Career Advisor in the Center for Career Development and Experiential Learning https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/career/career/studentservices.html

 

Other: 

Other: 

 

Job Related Obstacles: 

Potential Solution: 

 

Work too many hours/Odd shifts 

Consider a course load reduction and explore other job opportunities with a Career Advisor in the Center for Career Development and Experiential Learning https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/career/career/studentservices.html

 

Time conflicts with school & work 

Speak with your employer and/or your advisor to create an appropriate course schedule to avoid conflicts

 

My commute from work to school is difficult

Speak with your employer and/or a Financial Aid Counselor about work study eligibility at the Virtual Financial Aid Front Desk https://bit.ly/KCCFACOUNTER (computer) Or via

zoom.com: Meeting ID: 81114277969 Password: 002694

 

Other:  

Other:  

 

Technology/Time Management Obstacles: 

Potential Solution:

 

Lack of technology (ie. pc, laptop, cell phone availability); Internet Connection is not stable

Visit https://inside.kingsborough.edu/ for information about laptop lending, talk to your network/service provider for potential internet stability solutions

 

Cell phone use is an issue

Turn off or limit phone use when studying to avoid distractions 

 

Too much social media or gaming 

Set a timer to limit notifications and game playing time  

 

Overextended in other tech activities 

Set goals and follow them; learn to say ‘No’ to avoid conflicts

 

Other: 

Other: 

 

Fear Obstacles: 

Potential Solution 

 

Failure  

Speak with your advisor; speak with a Personal Counselor https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/sws/distancecounseling.html 

 

Math courses

Sign up with the Kingsborough Learning Center (KLC) https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/KLC/Howtosign-upfortutoring.html

 

Losing financial aid or scholarships due to lack of progress (SAP)

Speak with a Financial Aid Counselor at the Virtual Financial Aid Front Desk https://bit.ly/KCCFACOUNTER (computer) Or via

zoom.com: Meeting ID: 81114277969 Password: 002694

 

Making decisions and mistakes are overwhelming

Speak with your advisor and learn decision making strategies

 

Completing difficult tasks are

Join a study group; sign up for go to tutoring 

 

Other: 

Other: 

 

Family/Financial Obstacles: 

Potential Solution 

 

Worried about financial difficulties or lack of eligibility

Speak with a Financial Aid Counselor at the Virtual Financial Aid Front Desk https://bit.ly/KCCFACOUNTER (computer) Or via

zoom.com: Meeting ID: 81114277969 Password: 002694

 

Do not understand financial aid/scholarship requirements

Speak with a Financial Aid Counselor at the Virtual Financial Aid Front Desk https://bit.ly/KCCFACOUNTER (computer) Or via

zoom.com: Meeting ID: 81114277969 Password: 002694

 

Worried about parental obligations and/or expectations

Discuss personal goals; Keep parents informed about ongoing progress

 

Worried about home obligations 

Speak with your advisor or a Personal Counselor https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/counselingservices/distancecounseling.html

 

Personal/family health issues 

Speak with your advisor or instructors if health issues may impact academic performance

 

Other: 

Other: 

 

COVID -19 Obstacles: 

Potential Solution: 

 

Personal/Family related issues are a direct cause due to COVID-19; anxiety issues are high due to fear

Speak with your advisor or submit an academic appeal to academic.affairs@kbcc.cuny.edu

 

Financial concerns are high due to COVID related job loss 

Speak with a Financial Aid Counselor at the Virtual Financial Aid Front Desk https://bit.ly/KCCFACOUNTER (computer) Or via

zoom.com: Meeting ID: 81114277969 Password: 002694