Where do I go if I need help at college? A guide to student resources at Waynesburg University

When I first arrived on campus in August of 2023, there were so many people and so many new things to look at. So many new faces and names, activities to do and things to remember created a dizzying feeling of claustrophobia and loneliness. I was a nervous freshman transitioning into a new phase of life without my parents or friends to cushion the chaos of starting college. 

That was three years ago, though. Now, I’m a rising senior English major, honors student, track and field athlete and active student on campus. I write for University Relations, serve as secretary of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society Chapter, studied abroad for an entire semester in Spain and received awards for my academic accomplishments at Waynesburg. 

All of my achievements and academic projects, which will ultimately be collected and presented in my portfolio, are a culmination of all the effort I’ve put into my time at college. But over the last three years, I realized I couldn’t do any of it without the help of family, friends, peers and faculty at Waynesburg. 

What options are available to Waynesburg students?

College can be scary and overwhelming at times. But one of the best parts about Waynesburg is that you are never alone. There is always someone who cares for you and wants to see you succeed. 

There are quite a few free student resources available to students who are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or need some guidance. These include:

• The Counseling Center
• The Pathways Center, which includes...
  • Tutoring, Writing Center, Disabilities Services and Career Services (including a fantastic assortment of professional clothing at the Career Closet!)
• Academic Advisors
• Health Services
• Resident Directors and Resident Mentors
• Student Engagement
• Financial Aid

Reaching out for help can be intimidating, especially since there is a lot of social stigma surrounding it. But at Waynesburg University, you have the opportunity to utilize any of the above resources in whatever way best supports you.

One of the best resources available to all students is the Counseling Center on the third floor of Stover. After requesting an appointment, the Counseling Center team works diligently to meet with you as soon as they can. 

“Our services are free to all Waynesburg students. So, whether you'd like to meet for just one session or want to dive a bit deeper, The Counseling Center is happy to work with your specific needs and desires,” shared Ed Sutter, director of clinical services and the Counseling Center. 

The Counseling Center is an amazing resource for students looking for mental or spiritual assistance. No matter what you are going through, the counselors are ready to do the best they can for your well-being. 

“Our counselors are trained to respect the needs, perspectives, and personal choices of ALL of our clients, and there is no concern too big or too small,” Sutter said. “No matter what we might discuss, our primary concern is your health and wellness!”

Other resources, such as the Pathways Center and Residence Life, are valuable sources that I highly suggest students utilize during their time at Waynesburg. These services aim to give you the best support you need in all aspects of life. For example, the Pathways Center has the Career Closet, where all students can rent or keep professional clothing of their choosing. The Career Closet is an excellent place to find clothes for interviews, workshops, student teaching and presentations. 

Tips for Academic Readiness

If you are struggling with a huge weight of assignments that never seem to end, there are a few tricks that might help make your life a little easier. I have tried and tested many things over the last three years, and these are the ones I have found the most helpful. 

5 habits that can help prevent tasks from piling up and becoming too much:

1. Time management: Set aside specific time to work on assignments ahead of their due date.
2. Stagger your work so that you’re not staring at the same class’s assignments for hours - usually, I start with my highest priority assignment and make my way through all of them one by one. 
3. Don’t work in bed! Find a non-distracting location on campus to avoid losing motivation. 
4. Check your Canvas page at least once a day to ensure you’re not missing assignments. 
5. Dedicate a calendar or a document solely to your assignments - I use Google Sheets, where I compile all assignments for the entire semester, organize them by class, due date and point value and check them off as I complete them

My favorite part about starting new classes is creating my Google Sheets assignment list. Organizing each assignment and class helps me feel more in control of my semester, which is very important to staying on track. I highly suggest utilizing Google Sheets or a similar platform to organize your assignments!

College can feel overwhelming at times, but you don't have to navigate it on your own. Whether you need academic support, career guidance, someone to talk to or simply a better way to stay organized, Waynesburg University offers resources to help you succeed every step of the way. Don't be afraid to ask for help, try new strategies and take advantage of the opportunities around you—you may be surprised by how much they shape your college experience.