Pathway to Success

by Jen Wingerter ’13

Coffee Bar

On a sluggish Wednesday morning, students can get a free cup of coffee and a warm, friendly smile from the staff in the Student Success Center (SSC). “We were recovering from two major events, heavy rains that flooded the SSC and then COVID protocols,” said Kristen Liesen, director of experiential learning. “We started Wake Up Wednesday to get to know our students so they would come to us when needing help, build morale with faculty and staff, increase traffic, and we really like fun!” Wake Up Wednesday has provided many rewards for students. SSC Administrative Assistant, Cassie Phillips, says that students come up to the counter on Wednesdays to get their drink and say, “This is the reason I got out of bed this morning” or “We love Wednesdays only for the coffee.” Phillips adds that some students from the softball team came by after their early morning practice, and they shared that when they put their hands in to break from their practice, they yelled, “Wake up Wednesday.” In addition to Wake Up Wednesdays, the staff has hosted events for students in the SSC, including Queso with QUEST, Serve with US (QUEST/Service Learning), Finals Week Study Days, Christmas Movie Days, Thanksmas, Carnival Day, and Iced Coffee Days. The staff has created these special days and events to help students de-stress and help students understand and utilize the array of resources available for student success housed in the SSC.

Student Success Center

Centrally located in the lower level of Quincy University’s Brenner Library, the SSC provides computer labs, individual and group workspaces, academic advising, and career services. The Student Success Center offers free tutoring for most QU courses and writing and study skills workshops. Supplemental Instruction is also available in the classes that students traditionally find challenging, and large group study sessions meet weekly for those designated courses. “The success coaches want to make sure that students know that we are available to help with a variety of challenges,” said Saadia Ali Aschemann, assistant director of student success. “Being a college student is difficult. We are prepared to help QU students navigate the intricacies of everyday life on campus. Students should feel free to visit us at any time!”

Office of Student Development

Students can participate in student events and intramurals or work with the director of student engagement to start a campus club or an organization. Students can connect with the housing director with their questions or concerns about housing. The housing director also oversees the QU House System, designed to make our campus a place where students feel included and welcome. Every new student, including transfer students and commuter students, is assigned to one of the seven houses where they remain a member throughout their time at the university, no matter where they live.

“All of these services are key factors in QUs Success by Design initiative of caring for the whole person, so students have a customized success plan to graduate on time, find their passion and be prepared for life; and faculty are integral in this process through instruction and advising.” Dr.Kimberly Hale, Assistant VPAA/Dean of Academic Advising

Success Coaches

The staff roles in the SSC are designed to meet students' needs academically, personally, and socially. Success coaches connect students who feel overwhelmed in their classes or like they are falling behind to the appropriate tools and assistance for their success. They provide consistent support to students as they work to achieve their goals. “We have a great new team of passionate and enthusiastic success coaches, supported by administrative assistants that are actively working to improve systems and increase opportunities for student involvement and success,” said Emily Cook, success coach.

The SSC is the place where you learn to thrive as a college student and where you can take advantage of so many benefits that this campus has to offer, including tutoring, social-emotional support, and planning for the future. —Emily Cook, Success Coach

The QUEST Center

The QUEST Center supports, coordinates, and implements academic-experiential learning collaborating with faculty, staff, and the community. It houses career services, credit for prior-learning, internships, service learning, study abroad, and undergraduate research. The staff work closely with students on activities like preparing a resume and cover letter or conducting mock interviews to help students prepare for an internship, job placement, or graduate school acceptance.