The transition to college or university is a major change for most students. In addition to new academic challenges, there are also social pressures, and many young adults are away from home for the first time. This can add to stress levels, and exacerbate existing mental health conditions. The student services department at a university or college typically offers various types of support to help students cope with these issues and thrive in their academic environment.

The term Student Support is broadly used to refer to any instructional method or educational service provided to assist students in overcoming difficulties they may encounter during their studies. However, the scope of student support services varies widely from school to school. Some schools rely on a relationship-based model where teachers provide additional support to students in order to better understand their individual learning needs, while others use a skill-based approach.

Career Advising

A career counselor can work with a student to determine the right major for them and then help them explore career paths. This includes administering aptitude and personality tests, as well as building connections between a student’s interests and potential career options. In addition to career guidance, career counseling also focuses on professional development, which can include skills-building workshops and coaching sessions.

Financial Aid Services

A student’s financial situation can play a big role in their academic success. A student services office can help students manage their money by teaching them about budgeting and how to make the most of scholarships, grants and loans. In addition, financial aid staff can help students adapt their financial aid packages to their changing circumstances.

Disability Services

A variety of different disabilities can interfere with a student’s ability to learn and study effectively. Student services departments often have resources to help a student overcome these barriers, and may provide accommodations such as special testing facilities, note takers or alternative seating arrangements. This kind of support can be particularly beneficial for students with a cognitive, physical or sensory impairment.

Tutoring Services

Many student services offices offer tutoring programs to help students improve their grades or master a subject they struggle with. These can include peer-led study groups, academic skills coaching, subject-matter and foreign language conversation partners. In addition to tutoring, student services can also help students with a variety of study skills, such as time management and test-taking strategies.

The student services department on a college campus can offer a number of other services to help students navigate the challenges they might face while studying, including housing, nutrition, wellness and campus involvement. These services can be invaluable to the students who use them, and they are one of the most important aspects of a college’s curriculum. Ultimately, the goal of student services is to help students reach their full potential in higher education and become contributing members of society. Whether this is achieved depends on the specific services that are available and how they are utilized.