First-year Campus Resources
An important part of student development is learning to advocate on one’s own behalf. Every first-year student is assigned a team of professionals who will provide support, resources and encouragement to help students settle in to their first year. The Circle of Success is comprised of a Faculty Advisor, General Advisor, Financial Aid Advisor, Golden Knights Guide and Peer Resource.
Faculty Advisors advise students on academic matters and opportunities for research, internships and other scholarly pursuits within the major. Faculty advisors can talk to students about graduate school or career options in their field of choice.
Academic Advisors are general advisors who work in the Academic Advising office. They are responsible for assisting with course registration and preparing students for meeting with their Faculty Advisor. They also serve as great resources to refer students to various offices and support services.
Financial Aid Advisors are assigned to each first-year student. They are valuable resources who help students understand the financial aid process and work closely with students to overcome financial obstacles and challenges.
The Circle of Success also includes employees – Golden Knights Guides – who serve as resources and mentors to first-year students. Their goal is to help students navigate the transition to the campus community.
For students living on campus, the Peer Resource is a Resident Assistant (RA). RAs develop a positive living environment, supporting residents to grow as members of our campus community while learning from each other. RAs are available to answer questions, brainstorm solutions to challenges, and celebrate accomplishments.
For students living off-campus, the Peer Resource is called a Commuter Assistant (CA). CAs provide support, advice, and camaraderie throughout the semester. CAs will reach out by email on a weekly basis to share information about campus events and activities. Students are encouraged to email, phone, text or meet their CA in person throughout their first semester.
Everyone in the Circle of Success plays a key role in acclimating new students to the campus community, providing them with opportunities to develop meaningful connections to individuals who can help them succeed through their first year.
