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
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Academic/Study Skills Obstacles: |
Potential Solution: |
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Learning disability |
Sign up with the Access-Ability Services and Disability (AAS) Office https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/access-ability/homepage.html |
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Textbook reading skills/comprehension |
Sign up with the Kingsborough Learning Center (KLC) https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/KLC/Howtosign-upfortutoring.html |
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Undeveloped writing or math skills |
Sign up with the Kingsborough Learning Center (KLC) https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/KLC/Howtosign-upfortutoring.html |
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Poor study habits |
Sign up with the Kingsborough Learning Center (KLC) https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/KLC/Howtosign-upfortutoring.html |
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Inadequate test-taking skills |
Email your professors or speak with your advisor to discuss test-taking strategies |
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Distracting study environment |
Try different settings to identify an appropriate space |
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Procrastination |
Speak with your advisor about time management strategies |
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Lack of Motivation |
Set small achievable goals; Speak with a Personal Counselor https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/counselingservices/distancecounseling.html |
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Other: |
Other: |
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Degree Requirement Obstacles: |
Potential Solution: |
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Required general degree courses are difficult |
Make an appointment via Navigate to speak with your advisor and/or sign up with the Kingsborough Learning Center (KLC) https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/KLC/Howtosign-upfortutoring.html |
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Out of sequence with major requirements |
Make an appointment via Navigate to speak with your advisor or academic degree Program Director |
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Unhappy with major |
Make an appointment via Navigate with your advisor about difficulties or request a change of major |
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Confused about or interested in too many areas |
Make an appointment via Navigate 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 |
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Other: |
Other: |
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Job Related Obstacles: |
Potential Solution: |
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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 |
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Time conflicts with school & work |
Speak with your employer and/or your advisor to create an appropriate course schedule to avoid conflicts |
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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 |
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Other: |
Other: |
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Technology/Time Management Obstacles: |
Potential Solution: |
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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 |
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Cell phone use is an issue |
Turn off or limit phone use when studying to avoid distractions |
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Too much social media or gaming |
Set a timer to limit notifications and game playing time |
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Overextended in other tech activities |
Set goals and follow them; learn to say ‘No’ to avoid conflicts |
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Other: |
Other: |
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Fear Obstacles: |
Potential Solution |
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Failure |
Speak with your advisor; speak with a Personal Counselor https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/sws/distancecounseling.html |
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Math courses |
Sign up with the Kingsborough Learning Center (KLC) https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/KLC/Howtosign-upfortutoring.html |
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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 |
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Making decisions and mistakes are overwhelming |
Speak with your advisor and learn decision making strategies |
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Completing difficult tasks are |
Join a study group; sign up for go to tutoring |
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Other: |
Other: |
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Family/Financial Obstacles: |
Potential Solution |
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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 |
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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 |
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Worried about parental obligations and/or expectations |
Discuss personal goals; Keep parents informed about ongoing progress |
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Worried about home obligations |
Speak with your advisor or a Personal Counselor https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/counselingservices/distancecounseling.html |
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Personal/family health issues |
Speak with your advisor or instructors if health issues may impact academic performance |
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Other: |
Other: |
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COVID -19 Obstacles: |
Potential Solution: |
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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 |
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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 |