On January 19, 2023, just as the new semester started, Tower Guard announced a new event for RCPD students called “Syllabuster.” This event was created for RCPD students to help break down the new semester's class syllabi and help set students up for a successful semester. This event was hosted at the MSU main library in the evening and welcomed any students. There were a few Tower Guard members there to help assist in any way. Since this was a new event, there was a small turnout but the students that did come, were able to get the assistance they needed.
This event was created as a way to help break down the chaoticness that can be syllabus week. The goal was to provide support and guidance in any way possible to make this semester organized and not overwhelming. There was a student that came in when I was there, and after the student shared some goals and concerns about their semester, two fellow tower guard members and I split up tasks to try to get the resources and organization the student was looking for. It was fun getting to see how we all worked together, and getting to meet the students and see that by the end of the event, they felt more relieved about the semester. One Tower Guard member looked up the required reading material that the student needed for each of their classes, as one member found audio versions as well that the student preferred, as I started a spreadsheet for the student to put all of his assignments in for the semester. It was a great event to help break down the stress and sense of overwhelmingness that a new semester can bring with syllabus week. I personally use the spreadsheet method to keep track of class assignments and projects, and it was great to use what I learned from doing that to help someone else keep track of everything.
Since this was our first year hosting the event, we had a small turnout, but that was okay because that meant several people could assist one student at a time. However, we now know that having multiple days would be more helpful, as well as announcing this event before the new semester starts so students are aware of this as a resource in the future to look forward to. A new semester can be stressful, so we want to provide any guidance or assistance possible, because no one should feel like they are going through college alone.