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Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports, directing DOJ to enforce; Educators voice concern for PA immigrant student protections; WA rent stabilization bills have huge public support; ME benefits from $2.2 billion in federal clean energy investments.

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Nationwide protests erupt against federal policies, Indiana's EV infrastructure expansion stalls due to a funding freeze, and Washington state pushes for rent stabilization to combat rising housing costs.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Well-being 101: U of Maine researchers reveal keys to college success

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Monday, October 14, 2024   

A new study from the University of Maine showed college students' well-being is as important as their grade-point average for overall success.

Researchers said conducting semesterlong projects, taking part in campus clubs and having at least one mentoring professor makes students excited to learn.

Holly White, a doctoral student in ecology and environmental sciences at the University of Maine and the study's lead researcher, said there's growing evidence academics and well-being go hand-in-hand.

"If we support well-being in undergraduate students, they're going to be set up for a healthier and happier life after graduation," White explained.

White pointed out schools often mark success by student retention and graduation rates but the transition to college can be tough. She emphasized ensuring students have a sense of belonging and purpose on campus makes it more likely they will complete their degree.

The study looked at six universities nationwide and their best practices for improving student well-being, including the University of Maine System. Here, first-year students take part in Research Learning Experiences, courses exposing first-year students to both field and lab research they normally would not take part in until their junior or senior year. White noted smaller class sizes help students connect.

"Some of them do feel like they really are just a face in a big crowd and in those lecture halls they might not have opportunities to interact with the peers in their class as much," White observed. "Having that small cohort is really, really important, I think, for that first year."

The courses also include summer excursions for students to meet one another the week before school begins. Other schools, like Bates College, are focusing on what it called "purposeful work" for students or adding civic engagement to the curriculum. White stressed when schools foster well-being, they help students learn.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.


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