When the Center for Student Success officially opened its doors last September, students had one place to go for help with any issues that might derail heir progress.
Food insecurity, housing, academic issues, and other personal situations are potential roadblocks to graduation. However, the Center for Student Success is designed to be a comprehensive resource to help students navigate these issues that might hinder or even halt their learning.
“It’s working really well,” said Charles Snyder, PhD, vice chancellor of Student Success for UT Health Science Center.
Formerly two offices – Student Affairs and Student Academic Support Services and Inclusion – the Office of Student Success and its Center for Student Success assist with academic support, accessibility, short-term counseling, student life connections, the CARE Team for crisis management, and other issues.
“One of the things we did is we restructured so it just is more intuitive to students coming onto our campus,” Dr. Snyder said. “The other thing we did is we resituated services so they can partner more closely on a number of projects, and that’s both from a best practices perspective and also from a regulatory perspective.”
Dr. Snyder said the new structure resembles that of similar services on undergraduate campuses. “It’s easier for students to navigate their new campus if there are similarities to where you find resources from one campus to the next,” he said.
“Anytime a student experiences a barrier or is seeking resources to maximize their success, the center provides comprehensive support,” he said. “Everything points to our students, and there are no wrong doors when seeking service in the Center for Student Success.”
Located at 910 Madison Ave, Suite 105, the Center for Student Success is structured in specific units to meet student needs.
- Accessibility and Accommodations aids students needing disability accommodations. It is organized under the Teaching and Learning Center.
- Student Counseling Services offers free short-term, counseling to students.
- The CARE Team is an interprofessional team that provides comprehensive crisis management on everything from emergency housing to food issues, to financial counseling.
- Academic Success offers academic coaching, academic success workshops, and connections to tutoring.
- The Leadership and Service unit, formerly Health Disparities Education and Community Engagement, connects students with the community through service and civic engagement. The unit also oversees the activities of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP): Community Engaged Care, as well as volunteer opportunities through GivePulse.
- Student Life organizes orientation, student events, and graduation, as well as student leadership.
- In partnership with the Office of Enrollment Management, representatives from the Office of Admissions, Registrar, and Financial Aid can also be found in the center.
Additionally, Campus Rec has been brought under the Student Success umbrella.
“Anytime a student experiences a barrier or is seeking resources to maximize their success, the center provides comprehensive support.”
Charles Snyder, PhD
So far, the reorganized Center for Student Success has been successful, Dr. Snyder said.
“We’re hearing feedback that colleges and programs have a better understanding of what’s happening with their students,” he said. “Our student supports have become even more robust. Our offerings have expanded. I think it still takes a while to get those cases that really define what you can do, but everything points to our students getting outstanding service and support that will help them excel at UT Health Science Center.”