Building relationships and establishing a healthy personal and professional support network is vital to success as a college student. Achieving a college degree can be difficult, especially for adult learners who must balance other commitments such as work and family time. Here are a few ways to build your support network and get the help you need to advance your career.  

• Identify areas in your life that get in the way of your academic success. This could be things like caring for the needs of a parent or elderly relative, childcare, housework, feeling guilty for neglecting friends, or lack of reliable transportation. Rank those areas of high importance and prioritize the areas that need the greatest support.  
• Determine if the support you need can come from a personal resource such as a friend, family member, or mentor, or if the support is needed from a professional resource such as an employer, community leader, faculty member, or mental health professional.  
• Clarify your primary and secondary goals. Is your primary goal to graduate, and the secondary goal to secure reliable transportation to get to class on time? Whatever your goals are, write them down and clarify what support is necessary to reduce your barriers to success.  
• As you begin to interact with individuals within your personal circle, build rapport and have conversations about your goals and your need for support. Begin taking note of individuals or organizations that could support you. Consider offering your support and guidance on a topic you know well.  

Rasmussen University has several academic resources to help navigate your academic career and support your journey of achieving a college degree. Accessing your educational resources early and often may reduce stress and lead to greater efficiencies and success in learning. 

Adult learners may be reluctant to ask for help until it's too late. Thoughts of embarrassment, fear, incompetence, and being a bother often plague our consciousness and prevent students from asking for support. Here are some tips to overcome those thoughts and ask for the support you need.  

When asking for support:  

• Clarify the person or organization's ability to assist.  

• State your needs and be specific  

• State your goals and why the support is important 

• Be aware of tone.

• Be open  

• Be respectful and gracious   

• Avoid offering incentives for others to help you.  

Example:  

“When studying for the exam, I seem to be struggling with these equations. It is important that I understand how to find solutions and solve the values stated by the equation. I need a high score on the final exam.  It is important that I maintain a high GPA to continue qualifying for my scholarship. Would you mind walking me through the correct steps for solving equations like these?” Your knowledge and patience are appreciated and could help me become stronger in this area.