Staff Writer- Evangelyn Hill
Every step of the college journey comes with its own special kind of stress. Adjusting to more difficult classes, trying to make new friends, struggling through writing assignments, and more. But Gusties, fear not: our school has a support network ready to help, from counseling to academic support to help with career planning.
A good place to start is the Counseling Center, which cares for the mental health of Gustavus students. Director of the Counseling Center Hannah Repp calls it comprehensive care. “I think what [that] means is we want to be able to meet the mental health-related concerns of students on campus,” Repp said.
Appointments can be scheduled on the Counseling Center homepage on the Gustavus website. Or, stop by Let’s Talk to have a shorter conversation with a therapist. Let’s Talk is available weekdays 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., in JSU 105 (next to the CIE).
The Counseling Center does individual therapy, psychoeducational workshops, support groups, and a drop-in therapy service. They also run a host of resources, including a sensory space and a library with light therapy lamps available to borrow.
This service is designed for all students, whatever their diagnosis or concern may be. 20-30% of Gustavus students use the Counseling Center, according to its director. All its services are free, they have no session limit, and there’s typically no waitlist. Repp encourages students to “come and try it.”
If instead you need support in your classes, look no further than the Academic Support Center. The Academic Support Center coordinates student tutors for virtually every subject and department. If you need help in a specific class, ask your professor about their department’s tutors. Tutoring slots can be reserved, or you can simply show up to tutoring hours. Tutors can help you with homework, studying, or simply help you practice (which is particularly helpful when it comes to language classes).
The ASC also has Peer Academic Coaches, who advise both new students and upperclassmen (particularly in areas like choosing a major). Check the Academic Support Center webpage to schedule an appointment.
Their homepage on the Gustavus website also has information on how to declare or add a major, create a four-year plan, and get academic accommodations.
An exceptional resource for all students is the Writing Center. The Writing Center has student tutors trained to help with any writing assignment, from a short story to a biology essay to a history class presentation.
Director of the Writing Center Eric Vrooman stresses that it’s a resource the entire student body can benefit from. “The Writing Center is not for ‘bad writers, ‘ but for all writers,” Vrooman said.
Writing Center tutors are available by appointment (on their webpage on the Gustavus website) or by walk-in. They also offer asynchronous options, where tutors provide written feedback instead of in-person help. Finally, the Writing Center website offers a list of writing resources and frequently asked questions.
A Writing Center appointment can help you with any step of the writing process: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revision. Even if you are an experienced writer, you can benefit from an extra set of eyes on your project. A second opinion often unearths problems or questions you didn’t think of yourself.
The Writing Center isn’t all critique, though – the writing tutors hope to encourage students in their writing as well. “Sometimes what writers need most is praise and affirmation, and that’s what we hope to provide,” Vrooman said.
If, instead, you’re concerned about your path after college, the Career Center is there to help. The Center for Career Development is prepared to help all students, whether they’re exploring options for majors, planning a future career, looking for internships, or thinking about their adjustment to life after college. The Center for Career Development’s three missions are to help students explore, experience, and transition.
Students can schedule an appointment on their website, or drop in between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays to their office (located below Alumni). Like Jill VanOsdol, who heads up the CCD’s team, said, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s probably someone here with the same question, and probably someone who knows the answer… [the Center for Career Development] is built around supporting students.”
The career center is prepared to help students through a variety of concerns – and according to VanOsdol, you don’t need to “have everything figured out,” or even know what questions you want to ask. “We hope all students will come early and often to visit us,” she said.
The Center for Career Development’s website has a variety of resources: video interviews, alumni connections, news, advice, internship options, and other career resources, organized by major or career interest. They also have assessment tools to explore your strengths and weaknesses, tips for creating resumes and navigating interviews, options for graduate school, and much more (it’s also highly recommended that you check out their staff pets page).
The CCD also hosts events. Upcoming are their Guess that Resume event (which provides tips for creating a resume), and the opportunity to get professional headshots taken.
Finally, where should you turn if you have no idea who to ask for help? Gustavus is beginning a new service called Ask for Help. Head to the Counseling Center website and click the yellow button (or scan the QR code on this month’s Once Upon a Potty posters). The link will redirect you to a form where you can explain your question or concern.
Your information and questions will be redirected to the appropriate resource, be it a department or support center, who will then contact you with answers.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from any of these resources; they’re excited to get to support the Gustavus community. Have an amazing start to your year, Gusties!