Past Events

2019 Sep 20

Insights: Next level skills for problem solving, STEM classes and writing

Location

202/203 Clemons

3 sessions to choose from! See flyer for details.
Sign-up here: bit.ly/InsightsFall19

2019 Sep 19

Gearing Up - Work With Your Brain

Location

240 Clemons Library (2nd floor)

Open to all students. Sign up now: bit.ly/GearingUp19
Flyer attached for details.

2019 Sep 16

Researching Beyond Google at UVA

Location

407 Clemons Library (4th floor)

Sign up now: bit.ly/Fall19Workshops
Flyer attached for details.
Preference given to students who have transferred to UVA.
Part of Crash Course UVA for newly arrived transfer students.

2019 Sep 13

Gearing Up - Semester Rhythms

Location

240 Clemons Library (2nd floor)

Open to all students. Sign up now: bit.ly/GearingUp19
Flyer attached for details.

2019 Sep 12

Up Close: Tips to Connect with Faculty

Location

202/203 Clemons Library (2nd floor)

Sign up now: bit.ly/Fall19Workshops
Flyer attached for details.
Preference given to students who have transferred to UVA.
Part of Crash Course UVA for newly arrived transfer students.

2019 Sep 05

Getting Started in Undergraduate Research

Location

204 Clemons Library (2nd floor)

Sign up now: bit.ly/Fall19Workshops
Flyer attached for details.
Preference given to students who have transferred to UVA.
Part of Crash Course UVA for newly arrived students.

FAQs

What can I expect from a meeting?
You can expect your first meeting with me to last about an hour. I set aside that time so that we can get to know each other and I can hear your story. From that conversation, we will have an idea of topics you might want to delve further into and perhaps even some new ideas for strategies to try. I will help you create your own action steps toward change. Follow-up appointments are up to you, and unique to each student, but usually students appreciate the opportunity to check-in again.

What topics can I discuss?
I am here to support you in your personal, academic, and professional goals. Examples of topics we could talk about include: time management, study strategies, test-taking strategies, goal setting, major exploration, resources, motivation, social skills, project management, career and life after graduation. Because I'm not an expert in everything, I will also make referrals to other helpful resources on grounds.

How often will we meet?
Each student is unique and brings a unique set of strengths and difficulties. Together, we will agree on a plan that will help you progress toward your goals and offer you the support that you need.

Will what I share in a meeting be reported to someone else, like my instructor or Association Dean?
Usually, what you share with me will stay with me. There are some exceptions to this:
- If I am concerned about your safety or well-being, I will likely refer you to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) for support and you may receive follow up from ODOS and/or your Association Dean. This is to ensure that you are supported in the best ways possible here at UVA.
- After each meeting with a student, I post a brief note in the system that Association Deans use. For ex. "Student met with Christy Rotman on 6/20/19 to discuss time management" These notes are intended as a simple record of contact.
- If you share something that might be related to sexual and gender-based harrassment and/or interpersonal violence, I am required to report it to the Title IX Office here at UVA because I am considered a Responsible Employee. Find more information here.
- I am also required by Virginia law to report suspected instances of child abuse and neglect. Find more information here.
Resources
Organization, Time Management, Procrastination:
- Spring 2025 Semester Calendar - A calendar to hold all the assignments for one semester, formatted to 8.5x11.
- Weekly Template - a snapshot of your time in a week to record standing commitments (ex. classes, club meetings, work, worship services etc...)
- Time Management for College Students: a recorded mini-workshop full of tips for managing your time.
- Weekly To-Do List - a template to help you prioritize items by day and to be realistic about what has to get done vs. what is a wish list item.
- New Ways to Think About Procrastination - Part 1 of a blog series on procrastination. (link includes a link to Part 2)
- How to Get Started on That Project You Are Avoiding - a blog post with tips and a template for managing projects
- Multi-Class Assignment Tracker - a list to help you keep track of multiple assignments for multiple classes in one place
Strategies to study more effectively:
- Study Strategies - a short recorded workshop on strategic ways to study
- How to prepare for quizzes and exams - a mini-workshop full of proven strategies to get ready!
- Peer Coaches from P2L tips for some STEM Courses
- Tips to Manage the Workload of World Language Courses at UVA - a great blog post full of tips for language courses.
- Study Session Framework - try this way of structuring your study time to increase your focus and productivity.
- How and Why to Form a Study Group - why study groups can be helpful and how to put one together. Chances are that you are not the only one in your class looking for a group! From Laura Devlin, Academic Support Program Coordinator
- Keys to Successful Study Groups - how to get the most out of a study group! From Laura Devlin, Academic Support Program Coordinator
Office Hours:
- Office Hours – What are they for and why go? - Part 1 of a two-part blog post exploring what office hours are and why to utilize them
- Office Hours - Helpful tips to get the conversation started - Part 2 of a two-part blog post exploring common barriers that keep students from utilizing office hours and strategies to make them more approachable
Focus and Motivation:
- Help! I struggle with focus! - a short video workshop debunking myths and offering practical action steps and additional resources. Or read it in blog form here!
- Tips to Improve Focus - a handout of tips, apps, and resources to help with focus.
- Check out this resource for strategies to influence your motivation!
Majors:
- How to Choose a Major You'll Love - tips to help you consider your interests, strengths, career goals, and more as you choose your major
- How to Get to Know a Major - tips to discover, explore, and seek advising for a possible major
Informational Interviews:
- An informal conversation, usually lasting approximately 15-20 minutes, with a person working in a career field that interests you. It is not a job interview, and the purpose is not to find job openings. Rather, it’s a way to explore a given field. It can also give you an opportunity to get an “inside look” into a field or organization where you may want to work in the future. Check out this resource for more details on how to plan an informational interview, who to contact, and what to say!
HOME

As College Life Skills Coach, I am here to support you in anything related to your academics and making the most of your time here at UVA. You'll likely hear about workshops that I offer on topics like time management, study strategies etc... I also work with students one-on-one, where I have time to hear their story, goals, dreams, challenges, and frustrations. Examples of topics we could discuss include time management, procrastination, study strategies, habits, transitioning to UVA, goal setting, assertiveness, social support, making connections on grounds, exploring majors or careers, motivation and more. Together, we brainstorm creative strategies for you to try, as well as additional resources for support. I hope that you will find a meeting with me or a workshop you attend to be encouraging, practical and helpful.

If you would like to know more, have questions or would like to set up a time to chat, please email me!
Workshops

Fall 2019 Workshops

Semester Kick-off Series: All Students Welcome
Thrive at UVA: Priority given to students who recently transferred to UVA

"How We Learn: Work with Your Brain"
Fri 9/13, 11am
2nd fl Clemons Library, room 240
RSVP here soon.

"Semester Rhythms: Manage Your Time"
Thurs 9/19, 3pm
2nd fl Clemons Library, room 240
RSVP here soon.

"Imposters Among Us: Calming the Gremlin Voices in Our Minds"
Fri 9/27, 11am
2nd fl Clemons Library, room 202

I was admitted to UVA by some lucky mistake. Everyone else is smarter than I am. I don’t deserve to be here. Everything is so easy for everyone else. I am the only one struggling. If I ask for help, they’ll realize I’m a fraud.

Gremlin voices try to convince us that our achievements have nothing to do with our ability and everything to do with luck and fooling people. Come hear more about this “imposter phenomenon”, how to recognize it in yourself, and how to calm those voices so you can make the most of your time at UVA.

RSVP here soon.

Thrive at UVA Series
**Preference given to students who have recently transferred to UVA

“Up Close: Tips to Connect with Faculty”
Thurs, 9/12, 12noon
2^nd fl Clemons, room 202/203
Lunch provided!

Come grab lunch and consider how best to engage with faculty here at UVA. Gain insight from the faculty perspective and learn practical ways to take your conversation beyond simply talking about your exam or your grade. Spots are limited to 20 attendees.
Lunch will be provided. RSVP now!
Priority given to students have recently transferred to UVA.

“Boot Camp”
Fri 9/20, 10-2pm
Monroe 110
Lunch provided!
RSVP here. Priority given to students who have recently transferred to UVA

“Imposters Among Us: Calming the Gremlin Voices in Our Minds”
Thurs 9/26, 3pm
2^nd fl Clemons, room 204

I was admitted to UVA by some lucky mistake. Everyone else is smarter than I am. I don’t deserve to be here. Everything is so easy for everyone else. I am the only one struggling. If I ask for help, they’ll realize I’m a fraud.

Gremlin voices try to convince us that our achievements have nothing to do with our ability and everything to do with luck and fooling people. Come hear more about this “imposter phenomenon”, how to recognize it in yourself, and how to calm those voices so you can make the most of your time at UVA.

More Events

Christy Rotman

College Life Skills Coach - College of Arts & Sciences

Past Events

Organization, Time Management, Procrastination:

Strategies to study more effectively:

Office Hours:

Focus and Motivation:

Majors:

Informational Interviews:

Fall 2019 Workshops

Semester Kick-off Series: All Students WelcomeThrive at UVA: Priority given to students who recently transferred to UVA

Thrive at UVA Series **Preference given to students who have recently transferred to UVA

Semester Kick-off Series: All Students Welcome
Thrive at UVA: Priority given to students who recently transferred to UVA

Thrive at UVA Series
**Preference given to students who have recently transferred to UVA