Major College Resources and How To Use Them
Resources to help you reach your educational and career goals are available on most college campuses. Here are several campus resources to know about and find early in your college career. You may not need them right away; some you may not need at all. However, you will likely find several to be vital to your success. Become familiar with your options. Know where to find the services. Find the appropriate contact information and be prepared to access these resources for help.
Additional support centers that students may wish to visit include offices for housing, athletics, continuing education, international students, and many others. Refer to your college website or other college directories for information about the many, many services that can be part of your college experience.
Build Your Support Team
Read this excerpt from college counselor Patricia Munsch, as she emphasizes the importance of seeking out advisors, faculty, and others to create your own “team” of support.
As a student I utilized a faculty member in my department for semester course selection, and I also went to the department chairperson to organize two different internships to explore different career paths. In addition, I sought mentorship from club advisors as I questioned my career path and future goals. In my mind I had a team of people providing me support and guidance, and as a result I had a great college experience and an easy transition from school to work.
I recommend to all students that I meet with to create their own team. As a counselor I can certainly be a part of their team, but I should not be the only resource. Connect with faculty in your department or in your favorite subject. Seek out internships as you think about the transition from college to workplace. Find mentors through faculty, club advisors, or college staff. We all want to see you succeed and are happy to be a part of your journey.
As a counselor I am always shocked when students do not understand what courses they need to take, what grade point average they need to maintain, and what requirements they must fulfill in order to reach their goal—graduation! Understand that as a college student it is your responsibility to read your college catalog and meet all of the requirements for graduation from your college. I always suggest that students, starting in their first semester, outline or map out all of the courses they need to take in order to graduate. Of course you may change your mind along the way, but by setting out your plan to graduation you are forcing yourself to learn what is required of you.