Page 266 - Keys to College Success

counseling sessions will end when you achieve the goals
you and your counselor have defined. Even if your col-
lege has a policy that it typically provides counseling
for one term, if you need additional time your coun-
selor will probably make an exception for you, espe-
cially if cost is an issue.
Most colleges have a counseling center with several
counselors and support staff. Contact the center over the
phone or through email to set up an initial appointment.
As with faculty office hours and academic advising, col-
lege counseling services are underused by students.
A recent survey indicated that only 8% of college fresh-
men had considered seeking counseling. If you have a
problem, get help from a counselor who can make a dif-
ference for you. If you feel unwilling to risk opening up to
someone, weigh the potential reward against the potential
negative result of keeping your feelings to yourself.

Peer Leaders and Mentors Counseling can benefit anyone, not just students who are in a crisis
or who have a diagnosed mental health issue. Take advantage of a
counselor’s training and wisdom for any stumbling block you
Recognizing the value of connecting new students to older encounter as a college student.
students, many schools have instituted peer leadership
programs. Peer leaders go through training and then con-
nect with new students in various ways—including orientation programs, first-year expe-
rience courses, and advising services—depending on how the school structures its
MENTOR
program. Peer leaders often become mentors to new students and build friendships that A trusted counselor or
extend beyond their official duties. guide who takes a special
Some colleges have formal mentoring programs that connect students—usually interest in helping you
new students—with an on-campus mentor who can guide them as they integrate into reach your goals.
the college community. This type of structured mentoring program may have an aca-
demic focus, a student life focus, or both, and may involve instructors as well as other
campus employees. Mentors can also come into your life informally. If you develop a
strong bond with an instructor or administrator, for example, you may find that he or
she has become a mentor to you.

Financial Aid Office

The importance of this resource has grown as the challenge of paying for college has
intensified. Your school’s financial aid office handles all sources of monetary aid,
including loans and grants (federal and private) and scholarships. The staff can help
you determine your eligibility, search for aid sources, apply for aid, and manage your
college costs by putting together aid “packages” that may include a mix of grants,
loans, and on-campus jobs or work–study programs.
The details and forms involved can be overwhelming, and the array of scholarships,
grants, and loans available is far too large for any one student to navigate alone. The
financial aid staff members know what’s out there and understand the specific eligibility
requirements. With their expertise, they can help you narrow the field of possibilities, as
well as identify opportunities that you may not have uncovered. Call on them, especially
if you are worried you will not be able to continue financing your education.

Safety Resources People, Resources, and Opportunities

Every college has its particular issues—problematic areas of the campus, celebrations
that get out of control, and students propping open security doors, among other safety
issues. Here are ways that many schools keep students safe and build awareness.

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