Effective time-management skills are essential for any college student to have in order to succeed in their academic careers. Between classes, homework assignments, jobs and extracurricular activities, many students have limited free time. The pressures and demands placed on college students can be overwhelming, and without proper organization and proficient time-management skills, it can be easy to sink into the fast-paced, nonstop environment.

That’s why the Grand Valley State University Student Academic Success Center (SASC) hosted a time-management workshop Thursday, Jan. 19, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center Multipurpose Room. SASC is an on-campus organization dedicated to helping students achieve their educational goals and make the most of their time at GVSU. The time-management workshop was held to provide students with “tips for taking control” of their time and to give them the necessary tools to master their schedules and manage their time efficiently.

Many students came to the workshop with high hopes to sharpen their time-management skills and maybe learn a thing or two about staying on top of their crazy college agendas. GVSU student Alexandra Vernon was one of many students in attendance.

Vernon considers herself to be rather proficient when it comes to organizing her agenda.

“I use my planner every day and write my assignments and due dates in there,” she said. “(Time management is important) to stay on top of assignments and make sure you get everything done.”

Another student, Haley Tolitsky, explained her strategies for staying organized.

“I use a planner for everything: homework, plans, meetings, practice, literally everything,” she said. “I also have a white board hung in my room that I write my to-do lists on.”

Tolitsky also shared her thoughts on why college students should value time management.

“Time management is important because there is always so much going on in college, and as a student, you have to prioritize between school, family, friends, work, relaxing and sleeping,” she said.

The hour-long workshop highlighted several different tactics and approaches for students to stay on track and manage their time wisely. SASC has several more workshops lined up this semester to help students accomplish their academic goals and perform to the best of their ability.

The next time-management workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, Room 1104. In addition, SASC plans to hold an Ace That Test event Monday, Feb. 13, There’s an App for That! workshop Thursday, March 16 and a Final Exam Prep seminar Tuesday, April 11.

For more information about these events, visit www.gvsu.edu/sasc/ or stop by the SASC office to receive academic counseling and guidance.