Page 164 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Support Systems and Services

You’ve worked with the issue of how you’re going to use college to prepare yourself for a career, but
what about the college itself? What does it offer besides classes and degrees? Your Student Handbook
is your best resource for answering questions about YOUR school, but we’ve listed some fairly general
information on the next several pages.

Colleges and universities offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of their students. These support
services help students in all facets of college life including academic issues, financial and career planning,
emotional well-being, social aspects, personal safety, and more. Unfortunately, many students do not take
full advantage of these services even though there are usually no costs associated with them. You are
encouraged to become familiar with what is available to you so that you can make use of these valuable
services when the need arises.

The services common to most schools are mentioned below. The specific services offered by your college
will vary depending on several factors including the type of school you attend and the students it serves.
Again, become familiar with your Student Handbook; the information below is very general in nature and
may differ from what is available at your school.

Academic services help you perform better in your classes. Academic Skills Center or Learning Resources
Center are the common terms used for identifying the place on campus where you can find:

• diagnostic testing services to determine your current level of ability
• tutoring services in different areas
• a math lab
• a writing lab
• a reading lab

Academic Advising services provide you with guidance and assistance as you plan and complete your
academic program. There are two kinds of undergraduate advisors at a university, the professional academic
advisor and the faculty advisor.

Career and Placement services assist you with deciding upon a career and finding a job upon graduation.
The placement center may also help with:

• part-time employment while still a student
• putting together a resume
• information about internships and cooperative work
• getting into graduate school
• preparing for an interview

Counseling services help with your emotional and mental well-being. Counselors and psychologists
can offer professional help with personal crises, depression, difficult relationships, adjusting to college,
substance abuse, and addictions, to name a few. Services offered can be in the form of one-on-one sessions
as well as workshops and programs.

158 Foundations of Learning