This post is from Grown and Flown
by Christine Washburn | Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
As one of my daughter’s first college assignments at school, she had to write a blog post about the different resources college campuses are now offering. Boy, did it open her eyes (and mine) about some of the impressive programs available. Colleges have come a long way since the “sink or swim” approach they took more than 20 years ago in welcoming new students. More than ever before, colleges offer services that can help your student learn good life skills — from writing and studying skills, to career networking as well as programs that address improving mental and physical health.
Here are five campus resources that you may not be aware of that can provide your college students with a solid foundation on campus and beyond:
Writing Centers
Regardless of major, much of your college student’s success depends on strong writing skills. All of that texting and Snapchatting throughout high school probably didn’t do much for your student’s writing acumen. Not surprisingly, a lot of students arrive at college and struggle to write the more formal essays and research papers required.
Writing Centers can help. They are typically campus-run and located in a private office or library where students can get help with any type of assignment. The service is available on an ongoing basis, and designed to help students learn good writing and thinking habits that can be carried into the workforce. Your student won’t get a paper written for them or a guaranteed “A” but the centers do work with your student on voice, organization and content. Ultimately, the goal is to help your student stress less about tackling papers and become more self-sufficient in the process.
Math Tutoring Centers
I hated math in college and tried to scrape by with the minimum number of credits. While not all college students have to take math throughout their four years at school, math fundamentals are the bedrock of a number of courses. Similar to the writing centers, many colleges staff “math labs” with peer tutors selected by professors to provide everything from extra-help for more advanced classes to one-on-one tutoring to help students become independent learners. I would have spent all my waking hours at such a place if it was available when I was in school.
But, be aware – much like the writing centers don’t write papers for students, these centers are not a replacement for skipping classes or trying to get the homework problems at the last minute. With that said, many math labs encourage students to work on their homework with other classmates while visiting the lab. Tutors also will work with students one problem at a time to promote increased understanding of the concepts and independent problem-solving skills. Similar to the writing centers, visits to the Math lab are also included in tuition on most campuses. A dedicated tutor may come at additional cost.
Career/Resume Services
Back when I was in college, I only visited the Career Services office as a senior. In contrast, one of the selling points of my daughter’s school is their “backpacks to briefcase” program that starts with career planning as freshmen. Today’s career center not only helps students find jobs but can help students select appropriate majors, secure internships and even practice interview skills. Prior to taking her first “video interview,” my daughter visited the career center to prep for the questions as well as how to manage the more impersonal bot interview format that is becoming increasingly commonplace with employers.
Many colleges require career center classes that help students formulate resumes as well as create online LinkedIn profiles and take a professional photo for your student in the bargain. Connecting with the Career office early in your student’s tenure at school can help them get a jump on internships and ultimately job offers.
Recreation Centers
One of the best-kept secrets at many campuses is the state-of-the art fitness centers. Yes, most colleges have some sort of gym but they are becoming increasingly luxurious and more like mini-spas and wellness centers than the traditional gym of years past. Competition for students is forcing colleges to provide the more casual student athletes with extensive sports fitness centers that include everything from the latest exercise equipment to sports courts, meditation rooms, nutrition counseling and exercise classes staffed with student trainers.
Most schools allow current students to use these facilities for no extra cost with their student identification cards. These centers are a great way for your student to stay healthy while taking advantage of a gym and intramural sports leagues that may not be available at home.
Mental Health/Wellness Counseling
As many of us know all too well, stress is at an all-time high with college students – even before they get to college. And while counseling centers used to be underutilized because of the perceived stigma associated with mental health issues, that scenario is very different now. Resident Advisors or RAs, who may live with students in campus housing, can provide a first point of peer contact and are often key to steering at-risk students to additional resources. Most colleges are aware that students get overwhelmed at times and offer counseling sessions at no extra cost.
Many campuses also have confidential hotlines for more extreme situations from sexual assault to suicidal ideation. A good support system goes a long way, especially for first-year students. Knowing where to find help and how to access it – even if it’s just a professional listener at a critical point – is key in difficult times.
While you aren’t actually on campus to see that your student takes advantage of these college resources, you can certainly find out what’s available and steer your student to these resources as appropriate. Be aware that these opportunities don’t always exist post-college and when they do, these services often come with a price tag. After graduation, your students are unlikely to find so many valuable resources together in one place. By helping them take advantage of them NOW, they can put their tuition dollars to good use – while assisting your student in succeeding academically and emotionally
