College resources to help you reach your educational and career goals are plentiful on most campuses. Here are several (but not a complete list of) campus resources to know about and find early in your college tenure. You may not need them right away; some you may not need at all. But you will at least find several to be vital. Be familiar with your options. Know where to find the services. Have contact information. Be prepared to visit for help. Check your college’s campus resources for all they have to offer. Most services are free!
Most colleges and universities assign an academic adviser to each student. The adviser may be associated with your major. There may also be an office or department that provides advising. Call upon your adviser or the advising office if you have an issue with your adviser or you need other help.
Tutoring centers are established for all students, and seeking help is expected and to your advantage. Such services are covered by your tuition dollars, and they can richly enhance performance in any area of your studies. Know where to find these centers and how to schedule appointments.
Academic or college libraries, provide access to credible publications and materials that support the information needs of students, teaching faculty, administrators, and others affiliated with the college. Librarians at college libraries are professionals who have master's degrees in library and information science and they are charged with selecting, purchasing, and providing sources both online and in person. Their primary responsibility lies in helping teach students how to search for sources (books, articles, websites, etc.), evaluate their quality and appropriateness, and properly cite them when used in projects and assignments. Not only does the library provide research services, the building itself is a service in that it provides individual and group study space, access to technology (computers, internet, printers, scanners, etc.), and library staff who are committed to helping you along the way. One of the best connections you can make on campus is to get to know your library, the staff, and the services it provides.
Counseling is an essential service that colleges and universities invariably provide. Services can range from life-saving care to assistance with minor concerns. Life stressors, such as deaths and divorces in the family, issues with friends, substance abuse, and suicide are just a few of the many issues that college students may experience or witness others struggling with. Don’t take matters into your own hands. Get help! The counseling center can help you and support you in gaining solid footing during difficult times. Don’t hesitate to take full advantage of the services and help they offer.
One of the most important purposes of college is to prepare students for a career. All colleges and universities have a career office that can assist you with many critical aspects of finding a suitable career. It may also help you find a campus job or review options for your major, help you get an internship, draft your résumé, and practice interview skills. Visiting the career office is a must for every student, and it’s worth doing early and often (rather than waiting until you’re about to graduate).
Your college may also offer academic support in various other forms: for example, computer labs with trained assistants, tutors, mentors, peer advisers, and more. You can research what kinds of special support are available and be ready to take advantage of them.
This content has been adapted from:
Chapter 42 (Dillon) is a derivative of: