UB Chronicle
The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University
May 2026 Volume 5 Issue 9
Embedded Files
Insider Tips: Making the most of your College Experience
Insider Tips: Making the most of your College Experience
Taken from Carson-Newman University
🕒 Tip 1: Master Your Schedule
🕒 Tip 1: Master Your Schedule
In college, you’ll have way more free time than in high school, which is a trap. If you don't manage your time, it will manage you.
The Fix: Use a digital planner or Google Calendar.
The Strategy: Treat school like a 9-to-5 job. If you have a gap between classes, go to the library instead of napping. You’ll thank yourself when your weekends are actually free.
🧠 Tip 2: Study Smarter, Not Harder
🧠 Tip 2: Study Smarter, Not Harder
Pulling all-nighters and re-reading notes is the "old way." It’s exhausting and doesn't work well.
The Fix: Use Spaced Repetition (studying in short bursts over several days) and Active Recall (quizzing yourself instead of just reading).
Pro Tip: If you can’t explain a concept to a friend in simple terms, you don't know it well enough yet.
🤝 Tip 3: Don’t Be a Stranger to Professors
🤝 Tip 3: Don’t Be a Stranger to Professors
Professors aren't scary bosses; they are your biggest resources.
The Fix: Go to Office Hours. Even if you just go once to ask a question about a project, they will remember your face.
The Payoff: When you need a letter of recommendation for a job or a scholarship later, you’ll actually have someone to ask.
🥗 Tip 4: Protect Your Peace (and Health)
🥗 Tip 4: Protect Your Peace (and Health)
The "Freshman 15" and burnout are real. You can't get an A+ if your brain is running on three hours of sleep and an energy drink.
The Fix: Prioritize 7–8 hours of sleep and find a way to move your body.
The Strategy: Think of your brain like a phone battery—if you never plug it in, it’s going to shut down right when you need the GPS most.
🎯 Tip 5: Set "SMART" Goals
🎯 Tip 5: Set "SMART" Goals
Don't just say "I want to do well." That’s too vague.
Specific: "I want a B+ in Biology."
Measurable: "I’ll track my quiz scores."
Attainable: Don't try to learn a whole language in a week.
Relevant: Does this goal actually help your future?
Time-bound: "I’ll finish my rough draft by Thursday."
🙋 Tip 6: Use the Free Help
🙋 Tip 6: Use the Free Help
Your tuition pays for a ton of "free" services. Use them!
The Resources: Most colleges have free tutoring centers, writing labs (they’ll proofread your essays!), and career centers that help you build a resume from scratch.
⚽ Tip 7: Get Involved (But Not Too Much)
⚽ Tip 7: Get Involved (But Not Too Much)
Clubs and intramural sports are where you make your best friends.
The Benefit: It looks great on a resume, but more importantly, it keeps you from getting lonely. Just don’t join 10 clubs—pick two you actually care about.
🌍 Tip 8: Expand Your Bubble
🌍 Tip 8: Expand Your Bubble
College is the best time to meet people who think, live, and look differently than you do.
The Goal: Step outside your comfort zone. Join a cultural club or attend an event for something you know nothing about. It makes you a more well-rounded human.
💼 Tip 9: Start Thinking About "After"
💼 Tip 9: Start Thinking About "After"
You don't need to know your exact career on day one, but start exploring.
The Move: Look for internships or "shadowing" opportunities. It’s better to find out you hate a certain job now than after you’ve graduated!
💰 Tip 10: Learn to Budget
💰 Tip 10: Learn to Budget
Money disappears fast when you’re buying lattes and takeout every day.
The Move: Use a budgeting app. Distinguish between wants (new shoes) and needs (textbooks). Learning how to handle $100 now will help you handle $100,000 later.
💻 Tip 11: Level Up Your Tech Game
💻 Tip 11: Level Up Your Tech Game
Don't just use your laptop for Netflix.
The Strategy: Use apps like Notion or Evernote to keep your life organized. Learn how to use Google Drive properly so you never "lose" an assignment again.
🔄 Tip 12: Check In With Yourself
🔄 Tip 12: Check In With Yourself
It’s okay to fail a quiz or change your major. The most successful students are the ones who can look at a mistake, learn from it, and try a different way.
The Vibe: Growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Be kind to yourself!
Riddle Me This! April Answer
It is important to check your UB email at least 2-3 per week to ensure you don't miss out on any important information, sign-ups, etc. If you need your password reset, please contact your UB Counselor for assistance.
It is important to check your UB email at least 2-3 per week to ensure you don't miss out on any important information, sign-ups, etc. If you need your password reset, please contact your UB Counselor for assistance.
Don't forget about your one hour (60 mins.) of tutoring each semester. You can access tutor.com using the icon above.
Don't forget about your one hour (60 mins.) of tutoring each semester. You can access tutor.com using the icon above.
You also need to complete tutoring if your grade in any class falls below a C average.
You also need to complete tutoring if your grade in any class falls below a C average.
Class of 2026
Class of 2026
Class of 2027
Class of 2027
Class of 2028
Class of 2028
Class of 2029
Class of 2029
The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University are currently accepting new student applications.
9th, 10th, or 11th grade students at the following high schools: Bath, Bracken, Boyd, East Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Harrison, Johnson Central, Lawrence, Lewis, Magoffin, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Paul Blazer, Robertson, Rowan, and West Carter High Schools, are eligible to apply.
Students can submit the Online Application through our recruitment site at join.moreheadub.org or students can obtain a paper application by visiting our website or their high school guidance counselor for assistance.
UB/UBMS Eligibility Requirements
UB/UBMS Eligibility Requirements
Submit the online and/or paper application with required documentation
a. Guidance Recommendation Form
b. Two Teacher Recommendation Forms
c. 2025 Taxable Income Information (IRS 1040)
Have at least a 2.5 GPA
Be first-generation, meet federal income requirements, and/or academic risk
Be College Bound
Students accepted into Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) must show a strong interest in obtaining a STEM related college degree.
Helping Your Student Deal with Homesickness
Helping Your Student Deal with Homesickness
As the Summer Academy approaches many students are eagerly preparing for the exciting adventure of the Upward Bound Summer Academy. While this time promises of new friendships, educational advancement, and unforgettable memories, it can also stir up feelings of homesickness in some students.
As a parent/guardian it’s natural to feel concerned how your student will cope with being away from home. Below are some tips to help both you and your student navigate and hopefully conquer homesickness during their time at the Summer Academy.
Encourage Open Communication:
Before your student heads off to Upward Bound, have an open and honest conversation about their feelings and concerns. Let them know that it's normal to feel homesick and reassure them that it's okay to talk about it. Encourage them to express their emotions and listen attentively without judgment.
Familiarize Them with the Summer Academy Environment:
Help ease your student's anxiety by familiarizing them with the campus environment before they leave. We hold a Pre-Move In Orientation for students the week before move in to help alleviate the anxiety and stress of living on campus. They get their schedule, do campus tours, meet their roommates, We point out key areas such as the dining hall, residence halls, and classroom buildings, so they feel more comfortable and know what to expect.
Pack Comfort Items:
Include comforting items from home in your student's packing list, such as a favorite stuffed animal, a cozy blanket, or family photos. Having familiar objects nearby can provide a sense of security and comfort during moments of homesickness.
Practice Independence
Encourage your student to practice independence in the weeks leading up to camp by spending time away from home, whether it's a sleepover at a friend's house or a weekend trip with relatives. This will help build their confidence in being away from home and foster a sense of self-reliance.
Stay Positive and Supportive:
Remain positive and supportive throughout the Summer Academy experience. Send encouraging letters or care packages filled with love and reminders of home. Avoid discussing how much you miss them, as this can exacerbate feelings of homesickness. Instead, focus on uplifting messages and excitement for their adventures. Homesickness can lead to potential headaches, stomachaches, loss of appetite, crying, feeling lonely. This is normal. Remind them they will come home every Thursday.
Establish a Communication Plan:
Work with your student to establish a communication plan that works for both of you. Whether it's writing letters, scheduling phone calls, or using email, having regular contact can provide reassurance and connection while they're away.
Encourage Engagement and Participation:
Encourage your student to engage fully in Summer Academy activities and make new friends. Immersing themselves in the educational experience can help distract them from feelings of homesickness and foster a sense of belonging.
Seek Support from Upward Bound Staff:
Remind your student that Resident Advisors and Upward Bound staff are there to support them. Encourage them to reach out if they're feeling overwhelmed or homesick. Knowing that there are caring adults available can provide additional comfort and reassurance.
Focus on the Positive:
Remind your student that Resident Advisors and Upward Bound staff are there to support them. Encourage them to reach out if they're feeling overwhelmed or homesick. Knowing that there are caring adults available can provide additional comfort and reassurance.
Focus on the Positive:
Help your student shift their focus from what they're missing at home to the exciting experiences and opportunities that the Summer Academy has to offer. Encourage them to keep a journal or scrapbook to document their adventures and accomplishments.
Be Prepared for Setbacks:
Be Prepared for Setbacks:
Finally, be prepared for setbacks and moments of homesickness. Reassure your student that it's normal to have ups and downs and remind them of the coping strategies they can use to overcome their feelings.
How We Handle Homesickness
How We Handle Homesickness
We educate and train our staff to detect early signs of homesickness by presenting the different ways students miss home. The staff are trained on the skills needed to empathetically guide students with homesickness by routinely going through specific scenarios and role playing. Our staff is here to support your student through their homesickness and help them be happy and thrive during the Summer Academy.
If your student is having a persistent difficulty adjusting (crying frequently, not eating, not able to interact with others, trouble sleeping), we will contact you to share the situation and collaboratively make a plan moving forward to address their adjustment. In most cases, these symptoms of homesickness go away quickly with the distraction of fun activities, friends, and support from staff members. However, if any behavior of concern arises, we will be sure to contact you.
Needing to contact your UB Counselor?
Needing to contact your UB Counselor?
Ashley Cooper (Associate Director UB Central)
Schools Served: Elliott, Morgan, East Carter and Magoffin
Gabby Johnson (Associate Director UBMS South)
Schools Served: Harrison, Robertson, Paul Blazer, and Nicholas
Gabe Markwell (Associate Director UB East)
Schools Served: Bracken, Boyd, Lawrence, and Johnson
Cheyenne Wilson (Academic Coordinator)
Schools Served: Fleming, Rowan, Mason, and West Carter
Nathan Woodward Taylor (Academic Bridge Coordinator)
Schools Served: Montgomery, Lewis, Menifee, and Bath
Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science are 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored by Morehead State University.
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