## Chapter 4: Mindset and Campus Resources

### Summary

In the first part of this chapter, we discuss mindsets and how critical certain mindsets can be to your success as a college student. Mindsets can be described as either more 'growth' or 'fixed' in orientation. Those with growth mindsets view their skills and talents as things about themselves that can grow and change over time. In contrast, those with a fixed mindset believe that people are born with certain levels of skills and talents that do not change. A growing body of evidence shows that students with growth mindsets are more likely to be successful in college because they are resilient in the face of challenges. We also discuss how other factors, such as purpose, social belonging, and self-efficacy play important roles in your development as a college student. Part of cultivating a growth mindset and navigating challenges, academic and otherwise, involves establishing a support system and asking for help. Campus resources provide programming to serve in these capacities. In the second part of this chapter, we introduce you to all the exciting GGCcampus resources to support you during your time as a Grizzly! GGC staff are here to help and offer an array of services to support your academic, social, physical, and financial wellbeing.

### Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you will be able to:

- • the difference between fixed and growth mindsets and how they impact learning • the difference between fixed and growth mindsets and how they impact learning
- • 'GPS' and self -efficacy and explain how these concepts contribute to student • 'GPS' and self -efficacy and explain how these concepts contribute to student success
- • GGC campus resources that can assist you in your college journey • GGC campus resources that can assist you in your college journey

### Growth Mindset Vs. Fixed Mindset

What is the difference between students with a growth mindset and students with a fixed mindset ? Students with a growth mindset believe that intelligence and skill can be developed. These students focus on learning over just looking smart, see effort as the key to success, and thrive in the face of a challenge. Alternatively, students with a fixed mindset believe that people are born with a certain amount of intelligence, and they can't do much to change that. These students focus on looking smart over learning, see effort as a sign of low ability, and wilt in the face of a challenge. Many people are somewhere between the two mindsets and/or fluctuate between growth and fixed mindsets depending on the situation or subject. This is normal. The goal is to develop more of a growth orientation to build your resilience and flexibility. Carol Dweck, author of the 2006 book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success , defined both fixed and growth mindsets: 'In a fixed mindset , students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents, are just fixed traits. They have a certain amount, and that's that, and then their goal becomes to look smart all the time and never look dumb. In a growth mindset, students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good