Helping students feel at home on a college campus can go a long way toward achieving academic, professional and personal success. Indiana University (IU) Northwest has been steadily building its selection of student resources for years to ensure every student feels comfortable throughout their academic career.
This begins when students take their first steps on campus at New Student Orientation (NSO). When students arrive on campus, they are greeted by the faculty, staff, and students who will help them throughout their academic career as well as introducing them to the tools they’ll use every day.
“During NSO, students are able to get their feet wet,” said Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Dorothy Frink. “That's the day most of our faculty comes back to campus to meet and greet families. Each academic unit also has a session talking about the programs and the things that they offer in their school or division.”
While NSO helps students become more comfortable as they transition into their college careers, it also instills an important key to success at IU Northwest: communication. Students at IU Northwest aren’t just enrolling in a college; they’re joining a community.
“Community is very important. When people move to college, even from a local high school, they don't know anyone,” Frink said. “Building that community is so important for our students to give them encouragement, to stay connected, to stay engaged, to complete college.”
To foster that community, many of IU Northwest’s student resources are devoted to the holistic support of students. Students get access to academic resources such as the Writing Center and a free math assistance program in addition to programs meant to support their personal wellness and professional development.
IU Northwest has tailored resources, such Groups Scholars Program for first-generation students.
“The Groups Scholars Program originated in Bloomington, and we were the first regional campus to adopt it,” Frink said. “We bring selected students on campus for six weeks before the start of class. They earn six college credits as well as a financial stipend to be with us in the summer, so that they won’t have to work as much. It allows them to just focus on their schooling.”
Other programs serving first-generation and limited-income students like the 21st Century Scholars program and Student Support Services are also experiencing growth that will help students succeed on campus and after graduation.
One of IU Northwest’s biggest support for students, however, comes in the form of mental health care. While IU Northwest has provided mental health resources to students for years, increasing mental distress following the COVID-19 pandemic has led Indiana University to partner with TimelyCare, an initiative offering students virtual mental health resources 24/7.
“With us being a Minority Serving Institution and a Hispanic Serving Institution, we recognize that those are the individuals who are less likely to ask for help,” Frink said. “Our campus and our university are normalizing the conversation about mental health. We're saying that something is great about you because you do go to counseling.”
Whether supporting students on an academic level or a personal level, IU Northwest is proud to offer the many initiatives it has for ensuring student success. From guidance counseling to fun, community-building activities, the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management can connect students with any resources they need. Learn more about the resources available on IU Northwest’s campus or get in touch with a representative at the office’s website.
To learn more about Indiana University Northwest, including programs on offer and enrollment opportunities, visit northwest.iu.edu.
