Weber State’s new Student Success Center provides comprehensive support for all Wildcats
OGDEN, Utah — Since the Student Success Center opened its doors in July, hundreds of Wildcats have visited the space to receive personalized help reaching their academic, personal and professional goals.
The center, located in Student Services Center Room 150, offers comprehensive support for all students — advising, academic coaching, social activities and mentoring.
Employees there have expert knowledge of campus and community resources to help answer students’ questions about college — and it all starts in one place, making it easier to find services across the university.
“We’re here to address barriers that get in the way of retention, persistence and, ultimately, completion,” said Brandon Flores, Student Success Center executive director. “But also, success means doing well beyond graduation. It’s about helping students develop the skills that are needed to carry them forward.”
Navigational academic advisors help students explore majors, make goals or register for classes. They’re available to assist everyone, including students who are transferring, returning, aren’t yet admitted or those who don’t know where to start.
Student engagement program managers offer one-on-one mentoring and coaching. They also organize educational and social events throughout the year to help students connect and learn about campus resources.
“When students come in here, they get individualized attention,” Flores said. “Whatever they need, we can get them linked up with the people they should be talking to. It eliminates a lot of the shuffle.”
Flores said the center carefully collects and relies on data to ensure they’re offering services that contribute to student success. Each Student Success Center event is designed with learning outcomes and ends with a survey, inviting attendees to share feedback. The center also tracks the number of visitors that stop by and their purpose for coming.
“We’re hearing from students that they appreciate the environment we’re establishing,” Flores said. “They feel welcome and know we’re here to support their growth.”
Rohit Tiwari, a first-year student from Nepal studying computer science, said the center is a place to gain more confidence. He used to feel nervous about his ability to have conversations in English — his fourth language.
Since joining the Student Success Center’s Thrive Team, a group of student workers who promote the center and its services, he’s become more comfortable. He even took the lead in organizing and hosting a student celebration for Diwali, a Hindu holiday.
Angela Barradas Enriques, a sophomore pursuing a degree in graphic design, said asking for help can feel intimidating, especially for students who are more reserved, which is how she used to describe herself.
“I was very closed off,” she said. “But coming here has really helped me open up. And, because of that, I feel like it has also reflected in my academic life.”
The center has been open less than six months, launching after identity-based centers at WSU closed this summer. Because it’s so new, employees at the Student Success Center are dedicating time to educate campus on the support, engagement opportunities and resources available.
For Tiwari, Enriques and the roughly 900 students who’ve visited the Student Success Center this fall, it’s quickly becoming a place to find support.
“We invite everybody to come to the Student Success Center, get to know our team, get involved in our programs,” Flores said. “They can see for themselves how we’re able to elevate one another so students can reach their full potential.”
Rachel Badali, news coordinator
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, news coordinator
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu