Click here to read 10 tips for success at U-M
POSSE Leaders and Best Program is designed to help you achieve academically, professionally and personally.
The POSSE Leaders and Best program was created to help incoming first and second year students at University of Michigan make a successful transition from high school to college. Our mission is to provide informative and interactive programming and support systems to foster the holistic development of our students. We work with students throughout the entire academic year to implement educational and social programming that fosters an environment that is welcoming to all members of the U-M community.
What is POSSE Leaders and Best?
- A program designed to enhance your experiences and academic success at U-M
- A compass to help you connect to campus and community resources that fit your divers needs and interest.
- A community of students and staff interested in enhancing your academic, social, and cultural environment
What does POSSE Leaders and Best offer?
- Mentorship from successful students
Each protégé is matched with an Academic Success Partner (ASP). ASPs are advanced students (junior or senior) who are academically successful, active on campus activities and have shown top-notch leadership skills.
- POSSE Protégé Network
Each protégé will also be part of a community of students and staff interested in enhancing their academic, social and cultural environment. We sponsor fun social activities and opportunities for students to meet and network with students and staff. - Leaders and Best (LAB) Academy
Workshops, guest speakers, and social events designed to help first year students navigate the campus and become an active member of the University community.
- Phase II
A program component targeted towards second year students including, career and professional development workshops and mentorship designed for students after they have successfully completed their first year.
APPLY NOW for the program as a first or second year student.
POSSE LAB Forms Administration
For further information, please contact
the program coordinator:
Rochelle L. Woods, Ph.D.
3009 Student Activities Bldg.
515 E. Jefferson
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316
Phone: (734) 936-1055
Fax: (734) 764-3595
E-mail: um.posse@umich.edu
Praise from past participants
"My ASP just showed me a lot of different things, introduced me to a lot of organizations and I like having [my ASP] there to kind of guide me in my extracurricular life."
—George, first year student
"It's nice to know that you can talk to your ASP if you're having trouble in a class...we just meet and talk about everything."
—Michelle, first year student
"Whenever I had something going on, whether personal or academic, I always felt I could come to my ASP, because she's a really open person and I felt I could share anything with her."
—Marlene, second year student
"The workshops were very well put together and highly motivating. I truly enjoyed learning about the topics."
—Roberto, second year student
10 BIG tips for success for POSSE
Leaders and Best ProtÉgÉs
- Prepare for Class, Go to Class and Participate in Class
- Ask For Help: Make use of all the university resources
- Get to Know Your Professors and GSIs
- Be an Early Bird: Don't do papers and assignments at the last minute
- Plan Ahead to Get Ahead: It's never too early to start investigating career and graduate education possibilities.
- Study Hard, Study Smart!: You should be engaged in academic work—studying, writing papers, doing homework, etc. 2–4 hours for every hour of class per week. 14 credit hours = 28–56 hours per week of class work
- Get a handle on your finances: Say no to overspending and credit card debt
- Aim High!: A GPA of 3.0 or above will increase your opportunities during and after college.
- Don't Party Hard: Socializing and extracurricular activities should take a backseat to academics.
- Use Your Time Wisely: Study at least 5 days per week
Publications
POSSE: Pathways to Student Success and Excellence
(File size: 0.58 MB.)
Look inside for information on: Academic Success Partners; POSSE Protege Network; POSSE Academy; POSSE Summer Transitions.
Published March 2005.
Requires Adobe Reader.
College Writing Tips
(File size: 0.14 MB.)
Look inside for information on: What kinds of essays will I write in college?, What is an argument?, Guidelines for Composing Arguments, Analytical Reading and more.
Published August 2006.
Requires Adobe Reader.
Money Management Budgeting
(File size: 0.17 MB.)
Look inside for information on: Budgeting, Unexpected Cost, Need vs Want, Budget Items, How to construct a budget, Income, Credit and more.
Published August 2006.
Requires Adobe Reader.
Guide To Achieving Academic Success at the University of Michigan
(File size: 0.03 MB.)
Look inside for information on: Tips for Studying Effectively, Managing your Time, Note Taking, Getting Help, Becoming the Best Writer Possible and more.
Published August 2006.
Requires Adobe Reader.
