Center for Student Success

The Center for Student Success (CSS) is the hub of a comprehensive, integrated advising system that provides academic and career counseling for all students at Monmouth University. Services and programs provided by the CSS include regular workshops, outreach services, and publications. The advising program is structured to assist students from their initial orientation through their entire university experience, helping them make vital connections between educational, career, and life choices.

The Monmouth University program was selected as one of seven nationwide to receive an Outstanding Institutional Advising Program Award in a competition jointly sponsored by the American College Testing (ACT) and the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

Students are encouraged to stop by the main office of the CSS on the lower level of the Rebecca Stafford Student Center. Office hours are 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

ADULT STUDENTS

The unique academic, career, and personal needs of adult learners are addressed through the CSS's team of advising and counseling professionals. Full-time and part-time adult students receive the individual assistance they need to make connections with their academic departments, as well as to strengthen their academic success at Monmouth University.

CAREER SERVICES

Monmouth's unique Student Career Planning Guide encourages students to begin career planning from the first day they enter the University. Career counseling, resources, and workshops are provided for all students, especially those selecting and changing majors. Interest inventories and a computerized guidance system are available to help students assess their interests and values.

Career Services provides a host of programs and services to assist students and alumni find professional employment opportunities. Annual programs include fall and spring job fairs, an Educators' Career Day, and the Accounting Honors Employment program. Workshops and seminars are held regularly. Individual appointments are available for resume preparation, interview coaching, and general advice about job search strategies.

CAREER SEARCH (LC300)

Career Search is a one-credit course offered each semester. The course focuses on writing resumes and cover letters, interviewing, researching companies, and other aspects of the job search.

EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION

All undergraduate students need to complete the Experiential Education requirement in order to graduate. Recognizing that students can learn more by combining the theories and ideas taught in the classroom with experiences from the "real world," Monmouth provides opportunities such as internships, cooperative education, service-learning, and experienced education courses to help students achieve these objectives.

EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION WEB SITE

The Experiential Education Web site is a valuable resource for students that provides how-to information, a search engine with over 1,000 potential opportunities, a listing of eligible courses, and student success stories. Special workshops and programs, along with the newsletter Experiential Education News, are offered during the academic year in order to further help students achieve this very important graduation requirement.

PRE-MEDICAL, PRE-HEALTH CAREER ADVISING

Students interested in health careers are provided with extensive support and information from freshman through senior years, including the professional school application process.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Academic advising for all students transferring to Monmouth is personalized in the CSS through the Transfer Advising Program where students meet their department advisors and plan their first semester at Monmouth. The Transfer Student Guide was developed by the Director in order to provide general information to transfer students.

TUTORING AND WRITING SERVICES

Academic assistance is available to help students better understand course material and strengthen their writing and study skills. Students work closely with tutors in one-on-one or small-group sessions, making it a comfortable, nurturing learning environment. Our peer, faculty, and professional tutors are proficient in a variety of subject areas and give students the confidence to improve their assignments and succeed in their courses.

UNDECLARED ADVISING

Students who have not yet selected their majors have the option of remaining "undeclared" until the end of their sophomore year. Advisors are trained to help students explore career options and discuss their interests. The Undeclared Advising office is located near career-resources offices, which facilitates career awareness for these students.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

Students may choose to volunteer with causes that assist the homeless, the elderly, AIDS victims, food banks, animals, school children, and many other groups. Students may become involved on a regular basis or they may participate in singular events. Volunteer programs do not automatically satisfy the Experiential Education requirement.

CSS WORKSHOPS

Each semester the CSS offers workshops focusing on the areas of academic, personal, and career. Some workshops that may be helpful when choosing a major or starting a job search are: Choosing a Major, Resume Writing, E-Skills—Resumes and Job Hunt, and On-Campus Interview Skills.