LU Moment: Beyond the Podcast with STAR Services

In this edition of Beyond the Podcast, we introduce you to Hilda Billups, director of Lamar University’s Student Tutoring And Retention (STAR) Services. STAR Services plays a vital role in enhancing student experiences and driving success through a range of support programs. Hilda has been at the helm of these efforts, leading a team dedicated to improving the lives of students every day.

Feel free to explore more about STAR Services on their website, give them a call at (409) 880-7201, or stop by their office in the Communication Building, Suite 109, to meet the team in person.

Missed this week’s episode? You can listen to it at [link here]. 

What advice would you give to students who are hesitant to seek help through STAR Services?

Everyone needs help at times in their lives, or they need extra attention to do something difficult or something they haven't ever done before, or something that's new. Students should not be afraid to seek help. We are here to help. We want them to ask the questions. There's no question that's too big or too small. There's no question that's the wrong type of question. We like questions. So, students should go ahead and schedule those first appointments. Come on in and see us, and they'll find that there are lots of other students like them, and their situation is not so unique that we haven't seen it before.

How does Academic Coaching at LU differ from traditional tutoring?

Academic coaching is a great way for students to focus on their student skills. In tutoring, you might come to tutoring for math because you're having difficulty with an equation or with a formula. Academic coaching, on the other hand, might help you be organized to be a better math student. How are you taking notes in class? How are you reviewing your notes? How are you reading the textbook? How are you approaching your homework? What types of organizational skills do you need to develop? Coaching is more about what are those student skills you need to be a better student, and those can be translated into any class versus tutoring is very much about the content of a particular course.

Can you tell us more about REDtalks and how they engage the student body?

REDtalks are designed to be an opportunity for students, faculty and staff who are experts in the subject, to present that in a very informal, casual, approachable way to the community, so it's a way for us to learn about what others are learning about, and maybe take away a gem that we can apply into our own lives.