Success After Failure

Success After Failure
Moving forward to achieve greater accomplishments

Now is the time of year, at the start of the new term and right after an exam period that you learn whether you have met the goals that you set for the previous term, and in some situations where you have to deal with having failed a course. It is a reality that many students fail courses from time to time or don’t do as well as they expected, but instead of dwelling on what happened in the past and on things you can’t change, we encourage you look to the present and focus on achieving greater success in your Term 2 courses.


Marten Dee / UBC Brand & Marketing

What do you need to know about when you have failed a course?

Meet with an Advisor
Our first, and most important piece of advice, is to consider reaching out to book an appointment with an advisor to plan your next steps. Depending on what you have failed, you may need to work with your advisor to restructure your Term 2 course schedule. Remember the deadline to drop a course without a W standing is Jan 22, 2021. Bookmark the dates and deadline page so you will never miss the deadline.

The advisors at ESS can also provide guidance and information on the implications of a failed course, progression requirements, and impacts on 2nd year placement (if any). During the appointment, you can expect to identify challenges you faced in term 1. An advisor can help you brainstorm ideas on how to mitigate some of the challenges you faced during the term. We may provide referrals to other UBC services if necessary. To prepare for an advising appointment, we often encourage students to reflect on the challenges they faced, research for information in regards to progression and pre-req requirements, and come prepared with questions. This will allow for a more meaningful and fruitful conversation. You are not in this alone! We are here for you.


Paul H. Joseph / UBC Brand & Marketing

Academic risk
The Engineering Academic Services office sends out communication at the beginning of Term 2 to inform students when their current average may potentially put them at academic risk. Students at academic risk will be required to book an appointment with an advisor to complete an academic plan. Don’t be alarmed if you receive this message. In fact, we hope you will view this as an opportunity to reflect and re-focus your goals so that you can achieve better results in Term 2, and avoid being placed on academic probation or failed year next September. See: Academic Regulations

Moving Forward after Failure

When we fail at something we often jump to non-tangible solutions. I am sure you have said this to yourself at some point when you have not achieved the result you hoped for: I will work harder, I will stay motivated, I will try my best. Those are all great motivational statements but they are unmeasurable and too broad of a goal to attain. In order to lay the foundation for success, you should consider setting attainable goals that are meaningful to you. This will allow you to build resiliency even during challenging times. For more information on how to set S.M.A.R.T goals please read the following article: Celebrate, Recharge, and Reflect.

Another thing to think about when considering how to move forward after a failure, is to identify other resources/strategies that you could utilize or implement as part of your study habits or goal setting, that will increase your likelihood of success. There are many programs, services, and study techniques available to you that can support your goals such as the EUS tutoring sessions, AMS tutor sessions, Beat your course, office hours, starting a study group, doing more practice questions, or managing your time better. Whatever strategy it is, as long as you continue to set concrete goals for yourself and know that things don’t improve over night you will find success again.


Marten Dee / UBC Brand & Marketing

In case you get stuck, here are a few concrete strategies many students have used to bounce back after a disappointing Term 1:

  • Remember your long-term goals. Re-commit yourself to achieving them. Set short term goals to assist you in reaching your long-term goals.

What does success look like for you? Try to picture it as clearly as you can. What made you apply to UBC Engineering in the first place? Imagine yourself living inside your ideal future. Now reflect to see what steps you would need to take in order to achieve your ideal future. Recommit to achieving that vision through your daily actions.

  • Take inventory of the study strategies that worked for you in high school

You know you have achieved academic success in the past. Think about the study habits that got you good results in the past. How can you re-purpose or build on those strategies to meet the new challenges ahead.

  • Lean in to areas where you need improvement

Your lowest grades have given you some information about where to focus your efforts next Term. You can gain the most benefit from this information by devoting more time and energy to the areas that need the most improvement. As satisfying as it is to do the things you are good at, if you push yourself to lean in to your weaknesses, you may surprise yourself with the improvements you see.


Marten Dee / UBC Brand & Marketing

  • Discover new resources that support academic success

Are you aware of the wide range of academic and learning resources available at UBC? How many of these resources have you tried? Consider trying one new resource per month next Term. UBC’s high quality services are included in your tuition fees, what do you have to lose?

  • Stay positive, stay on track, and be flexible

It sounds simple but remember there will be times where things don’t go exactly as planned. Remind yourself that this is just a phase. Things will get better, but be prepared to work for it and stay motivated. If you are not satisfied with the results be flexible with changing your work habits. Be receptive to receiving feedback.

It may take some effort to adjust, adapt, and re-invent your learning habits and strategies but with effort, grit, resiliency, and patience you can achieve the success that you are planning for. You might experience setbacks from time to time so it is important to be patient and kind to yourself. I end this with one of my favorite quotes of the moment “Be stronger than your excuses”. You can do it!

Tina Chan
Academic Advisor, Vantage

 

Posted on: January 19, 2021