By Brooke Chiaramonte
March 20, 2026
“You should not expect to be the perfect student right out of the gate; you have to learn to be a good student,” Online Learning Specialist and host of the weekly podcast “Study With Me,” Loy Gross, said.
The “Study With Me” podcast grew from a Sunday night study session where students would come together to get work done in the company of other students.
Through an annual online survey sent to students who take online classes, many students expressed that they couldn’t make it to a Zoom meeting or meet with someone because they had other commitments. From these concerns grew the idea of a podcast. Now, students can obtain the information they need at a time that is convenient for them.
“Study With Me” goes live every Thursday at 7 p.m., and episodes are posted on the SUNY Genesee Community College Online Learning YouTube channel. Episodes answer frequently asked questions for online students and provide support to help them feel connected with their campus community. The podcast addresses a variety of issues that online students experience, including problems with Brightspace, MindTap, and Booksmart. “If you’re an online student and something like that happens, it can be a moment of sheer panic,” said Gross. “It’s like being locked out of the campus, and you don’t have any keys to get in.”
There are podcast episodes that troubleshoot issues with online learning. Other episodes help students with challenges such as managing test anxiety, study tips, and FAFSA help. Gross said she has no trouble getting guests for the podcast. Topics often come from conversations with faculty members and suggestions from students. “GCC is a really student-focused campus,” she said. Guests on the podcast become a “study buddy.” They receive a flyer with a QR code that can be posted outside their office and links students to their episode.
Upcoming podcast episodes include information about the ACE program at GCC, an interview with the Dean of Students, the possibility of an all-virtual career fair provided by Career Services, and information about the college Disney program.
Gross said the podcast has not experienced many issues. She gained experience creating videos and helping online students during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped her learn how to produce videos and keep topics concise.
With students unable to attend in-person or online meetings, the podcast provides an alternative for students who want support. According to YouTube analytics, students often tune in on Saturdays and on mobile devices. “You are not that perfect student out of the gate,” Gross said. “Don’t expect it. Expect progress, not perfection.”