Carroll College is committed to helping first-year students build the confidence, skills, and community connections that set the foundation for long-term success. As part of this commitment, Cynthia McCarvel Thornquist, Director of Academic Support and Retention, is hosting the annual Rebounding and Resiliency ’26 Workshop over Christmas Break, offering a practical and engaging series designed to help students return to campus refreshed, focused, and prepared for the spring semester.
The workshop will take place January 5 through January 9 via Zoom, with a final in-person session on Tuesday, January 13. Each session focuses on a different dimension of academic and personal resiliency and is led by dedicated Carroll faculty and staff who work closely with students throughout the year.
Workshop sessions include:
- Expectations with Annette Walstad
- Lessons from Failing with Kasey Nixon
- Living, Learning, and Adulting with Zack Eckerdt
- Asking for Help with Jeff Morris, Alan Hansen, Kelly Zimmerman, and Jennifer Oates
- Learning with Your Brain with Diana Devine
The workshop concludes with an in-person reflection session led by Cynthia on January 13. Students will work in small groups to identify key takeaways from each session and articulate their personal goals for the spring semester.
As an added incentive, students who attend and participate in all six sessions will receive a $100 credit toward their tuition. All first-year students and their parents will receive an invitation and participation link.
Thank you to the many campus partners who make this program possible and our hope is that many students will take advantage of this opportunity to reset, refocus, and return to campus ready to thrive. For questions, contact Cynthia Thornquist at cthornqu@carroll.edu, 406-447-4504.