Holistic Student Success Platform
Help Seeking
Help Seeking is a critical skill for college students aiming for academic success and persistence. Developing a positive attitude, a willingness to seek help, and the ability to use appropriate resources can make a significant difference in overcoming challenges and reaching your goals. This guide provides strategies to improve Help Seeking and lists external resources to support you on your journey.
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something and to learn something new.
Barack Obama
General Tips and Strategies to Improve Help Seeking
Normalize Help Seeking
-
Understand that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
-
Remember that everyone needs assistance at some point, and it’s a normal part of the learning process.
Identify Your Needs
-
Clearly define the areas where you need support. Is it understanding course content, managing your time, or navigating campus life?
-
Break down large problems into smaller, more manageable questions.
Know Your Resources
-
Familiarize yourself with available campus resources, such as tutoring centers, academic advisors, or counseling services.
-
Keep a list of contacts for professors, teaching assistants (TAs), and peer mentors.
Be Proactive
-
Don’t wait until the last minute to seek help. Reach out as soon as you notice difficulties.
-
Attend office hours regularly, even if you don’t have pressing questions.
Cultivate a Supportive Network
-
Build relationships with peers, professors, and advisors who can provide guidance.
-
Join study groups or campus organizations to expand your support system.
Use Effective Communication
-
Be clear and specific about the help you need.
-
Actively listen to feedback and ask follow-up questions if necessary.
Help Seeking Resources at QCC
Faculty
If you’re confused, stuck, or falling behind, your instructors are one of your best first steps. Reaching out early—by email, after class, or during office hours—can help you get clarity, build confidence, and stay on track before small problems become big ones.
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. The Tutoring Center offers free academic support to help you understand class material, improve assignments, and feel more prepared for exams.
HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center
If you need food support or help with basic needs, HomePlate is here for you. It’s a safe place to access resources that can reduce stress and help you stay focused on school.
Student Accessibility Services
If you need accommodations or support in your courses, Student Accessibility Services can help you build a plan that works for you. Getting support early can make a big difference in how confident and successful you feel in class.
If stress, anxiety, or personal challenges are making school feel harder, counseling can help. QCC offers free, confidential support so you can talk things through, build coping strategies, and keep moving forward.