Well-being means something different to everyone, but in general, it's the sense of feeling good about you and your place in the world. It goes beyond classroom and career. It's intentional. It brings balance. Rowan Thrive is our community's commitment to help each person cultivate well-being throughout life's journey of highs and lows. Rowan Thrive is a toolkit for developing a mindset, actions and behaviors that will help you build a life of purpose, resilience and engagement. Rowan Thrive is designed to help you live according to your values, maximize your potential and find your best self.

The pace of the academic semester at Rowan University will be much quicker and less structured than in high school. Students are in class less often, and professors have less time to ensure that students are keeping up with their work. As a result, it is essential that students develop effective time management and study skills. Below are resources to support your student in developing effective time management and study skills.

• Rowan offers an array of Student Success Programs that offer study skills workshops, such as; test-taking strategies, reading more effectively, organization and time management, and test anxiety. These workshops provide an opportunity for students to develop and/or refine general skills that are essential to academic success.
• Parents can help by encouraging students to use their academic planner and

Learning to think critically is crucial to success in college and life in general but is not something with which most first-year students have much experience. Virtually every class students take at Rowan University will place a great deal of emphasis on critical thinking. In many situations, students will find that there is not a "right answer." Often professors will want students to focus on understanding the significance of an issue rather than coming up with a "correct answer." Critical thinking is a process that requires students to go beyond factual answers and opinions.

Students need to take ownership of their education. A college education is a tremendous opportunity, and it can prepare students to succeed professionally and personally. Students, however, must take full advantage of this opportunity by assuming ownership of their education. We strongly encourage students to explore areas of academic interest, take classes in subjects they find interesting, and engage in co-curricular learning experiences. Because there is no magic formula for academic or professional success, the main objective of any degree is to help students obtain a well-rounded education that will provide them with the tools they need to succeed. Students need to seize this opportunity and make the most of their education. Parents can help by encouraging students to pursue their own academic interests, while simultaneously acquiring skills (e.g., critical thinking, problem solving, analytic skills, oral and written communication skills, etc.) that will ensure success after graduation. Research has shown that participation in non-academic activities and learning experiences have, in fact, improved and enhanced the overall college experience for students. Students will benefit from attending campus activities and events, participating in Rowan After Hours, getting involved with intramurals, joining a student organization, performing community service, engaging in a service learning project, working out in the Rec Center, and being a member of campus student employment staff.

• Seek out Internship opportunities through the Office of Career Advancement.
• Develop Leadership Skills through Leadership Certificates and participating in student organizations.
• Apply for on-campus jobs through Profs Jobs.
• Attend campus events and activities including those offered by the Chamberlain Student Center & Campus Activities.
• Participate in community service through the Office of Volunteerism.

Many first-year students will experience some homesickness. This is understandable given the tremendous transition that students face at the university. Parents can help by staying in regular contact with their students and keeping the lines of communication open. If your student has questions or concerns, you might encourage them to speak with academic advisors or Residence Hall Assistants. It is important that parents reassure students that homesickness is fairly typical and will usually diminish as the academic semester progresses as they become engaged in all aspects of life as a Rowan University.