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The Welcome Pack: Student Success Center (Fall)

The Welcome Pack

Subject line: Success on Your Terms  

Sent: July 17, 2024

At Loyola, we care about your success. That’s why the Pan-American Life Student Success Center is one of the busiest offices on campus. Last fall, we had more than 5,000 visits for our services. Let Zontre City ’21 give you a quick tour of all the resources available to you. 

Support for You

We’ll help you navigate all aspects of your college experience to define success on your terms. Within the Success Center, you’ll find different departments to help you access the resources you need. 

  • Academic Advising and Success Coaching: You’ll meet with your advisor-coach regularly to discuss your transition to life as a college student, ask questions about Loyola policies and academic expectations, and set and make progress towards meaningful goals for your first year as a member of the Wolf Pack. Expect to hear from your advisor-coach no later than the first week of class!
  • Career Development Center: The Career Development Center is here to assist you from day one as you prepare for a successful career after graduation. Many first-year students work with career coaches for major and career exploration. We also help first-year and transfer students begin exploring and planning to pursue future internship opportunities that will help you acquire the skills needed to successfully pursue your chosen profession. We encourage every student to make use of our services, early and often. 
  • Writing and Learning Services: At OWLS, you’ll receive one-on-one tutoring sessions with one of our many trained peer tutors. Whether you need some extra guidance and encouragement in math, someone to practice Spanish with, or another pair of eyes to read over your essay, we’re here for you! 
  • Accessible Education: The Office for Accessible Education (OAE) is here to help with a smooth transition from modifications to accommodations for students who have an IEP or 504 plan in high school. To make sure your accommodations are in place when you arrive at Loyola, register with OAE this summer so that our Accessibility Coordinators can meet with you to determine appropriate accommodations for your academic work and experiences at Loyola. 
  • TRIO-Student Support Services (SSS): TRIO-Student Support Services (SSS) is a program funded through the U.S. Department of Education that serves first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and low-income students. Participants have access to support services to help with coursework, career exploration, financial literacy, and skills development. Watch the video below to learn more about the program and find out if you’re eligible to apply!

First-Year Seminars

First-Year Seminars will introduce you to academic inquiry and teach you to think and learn as a college student. The seminars are interdisciplinary, focusing on a single topic from several academic perspectives. While each seminar is on a different topic, they all explore the larger theme of “thinking critically, acting justly” as an introduction to study at Loyola. First-Year Seminars are required as part of the Loyola Core curriculum and carry three credits. They are a valuable first step on your path to a Loyola education. 

How We’ve Helped

The team of coaches, advisors, instructors, and tutors in Student Success will create a community of support for you as you transition to life at Loyola through graduation. Here are a few words from some of your fellow Wolf Pack members about their experiences in Student Success:

“As a first-generation student, I can’t really go to my parents for advice on navigating my college journey since they’ve never been to college or attended any formal education. So it’s been great to have someone to talk and text with when I need guidance or a sounding board for my ideas. It has really helped me adjust to and thrive in college life.”  – Vinlisa Khoeum

“The tutors at OWLs help me every time I request academic assistance. From simple to complex, the answers to my questions always aid and add value to my studies. I am grateful for the availability of the enriching human resources who are the tutors of OWLs. Their vital services are instrumental to my academic success. I recommend my fellow students take advantage of OWLs.” – Leith Edgar

“The Career Development Center has been instrumental to my success and helpful during all four years of my college experience. From exploring career options to finding and landing several internships to preparing for full-time job interviews, they have been there every step of the way. I would not be where I am today without their support.” – Alfred Jackson

Let’s Meet!

The Student Success Center is located on the first and second floors of Monroe Library. We also are accessible through video conferencing, phone, and text message. 

From your first day of class until the day you graduate, we want to make sure you’re equipped with the tools and skills to find success in college. We can’t wait for you to join the Wolf Pack this fall!

Reminder: Care for the Whole Student Panel Discussion

At Loyola, we want to set you up for success both inside and outside of the classroom. We invite you to join us for a virtual panel to learn about holistic programs and support services available through the Office of Student Affairs and Pan-American Life Student Success Center. We will also discuss common scenarios you may face in your first year on campus and tips to navigate these situations. Register to attend the next session on Thursday, August 1 at 12 p.m. CT.

Connect to Your Faith Community 

At Loyola, we welcome students from all faith backgrounds! If you would like to connect with a community of students who share your faith, please fill out this form. You will be contacted by the leader of the faith community of your choosing (choose however many communities you want!). Thank you for offering the gift of your religious affiliation to the Loyola community! Please reach out to Associate Director of Ministry Ken Weber at kweber@loyno.edu with any questions about getting connected spiritually.

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