The Centre for New Students and The Career Centre @ Western have moved under one roof to take on a new identity – The Student Success Centre.
Located in renovated space on the second floor of the University Community Centre, a grand opening was held last week.
“For me, this is the final phase of bringing student services at Western together,” says John Doerksen, Vice-Provost (Academic Programs and Students) [Registrar], noting the recent move of other areas of his portfolio to the Student Services Building. “It couldn’t be better to be located so centrally amongst the students.”
Both The Centre for New Students and The Career Centre @ Western focus on creating opportunities for students to gain experience and hands-on learning, which helps to promote student success. By merging the two units they can support students from the moment they decide to attend Western and later as alumni.
“As we work together we can identify where are the gaps, where are the places we can do more as we move forward.
The event marked the opening of the Accommodated Exam Suite, which includes 25 rooms with adaptive technology for students with special needs.
Western President Amit Chakma says the combined unit provides staff with much needed space to improve upon the services they provide. “Space is important, but people make the difference,” he says.
“Our university not only offers outstanding academics, beautiful facilities, (and) an amazing students’ council, but most importantly it provides students with tools and outstanding help from amazing professionals to conquer university challenges and to move on to the real world,” says Emily Rowe, President of the University Students’ Council.
The Student Success Centre includes the follow services and resources:
· Alternative Spring Break (in collaboration with Housing & Ancillary Services)
· Backpack to Briefcase
· Career Central (Information Management System, including job and event postings)
· Career Counselling
· Career Fairs and Expos
· Employer Information Sessions
· Experiential Education
· Intent to Register Fair
· Leadership and Mentorship Program
· Leadership in Education Program
· Mock Interviews
· Ready for University
· Resource Library
· Resume and Cover Letter Clinics
· Scholar’s Elective Program
· Society of Mature Students
· Society of Off-Campus Students
· Summer Academic Orientation
· Western’s Internship Program
· Western Serves
· Western’s Initiative for Scholarly Excellence
· Western’s Volunteer Program