Student Services at SUSS: Empowering Students for Academic Success

Introduction

Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is committed to providing comprehensive student services that support the academic, personal, and professional development of its students. These services are designed to enhance the student experience and ensure that every student has the resources they need to succeed in their studies and beyond.

Academic Support Services

1. Academic Advising

Academic advising plays a vital role in guiding students throughout their academic journey. SUSS provides personalized academic advising to all undergraduate and graduate students. Academic advisors assist students with:

• Course selection and scheduling
• Degree planning and progress monitoring
• Academic policy and procedure clarification
• Referral to other support services

2. Learning Support Center

The Learning Support Center (LSC) offers a range of academic support services, including:

• Supplemental Instruction (SI): Peer-led study sessions facilitated by top-performing students.
• Group Study Rooms: Dedicated spaces for students to collaborate and study together.
• Computer Labs: Access to computers, software, and printing facilities.
• Library: A comprehensive collection of books, journals, and electronic resources.

3. Writing Center

The Writing Center provides individual and group support for students at all levels of writing. Services include:

• Writing workshops and consultations
• Feedback on written assignments
• Assistance with grammar, punctuation, and style

Personal and Professional Development Services

4. Career Services

SUSS's Career Services department offers a wide range of services to help students prepare for their careers. These services include:

• Resume writing and interview coaching
• Job search assistance
• Internship and career fair opportunities
• Career exploration and counseling

5. Counseling Services

The Counseling Center provides confidential counseling and support services to students facing personal or academic challenges. Services include:

• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• Crisis intervention

6. Health Services

SUSS has a dedicated Health Center that provides a range of health and wellness services, including:

• Primary care and vaccinations
• Mental health screening and counseling
• Emergency medical response

Financial Assistance and Scholarships

SUSS offers various financial assistance programs to support students in need. These programs include:

• Tuition grants
• Scholarships
• Bursaries
• Student loans

Technology and IT Support

7. IT Helpdesk

The IT Helpdesk is a central point of contact for all IT-related inquiries and support. Services include:

• Troubleshooting hardware and software issues
• Accessing online resources
• Setting up student accounts

8. E-Learning Services

SUSS uses a state-of-the-art e-learning platform that provides students with access to online resources, interactive lessons, and virtual classroom experiences.

Effectiveness of Student Services

According to the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), SUSS students consistently rate the university's student services highly. In the 2021 NSSE survey, SUSS students reported that they:

• Feel supported by academic advisors (92%)
• Receive prompt and helpful feedback from faculty (89%)
• Have access to quality health and wellness services (91%)
• Are satisfied with the career services provided (88%)

How to Access Student Services

Students can access student services through:

• mySUSS portal: A personalized online platform that provides access to all student services and resources.
• SUSSConnect app: A mobile application that allows students to stay connected with the university and access services on the go.
• In-person visits: Students can visit the Student Services Center at the university campus for assistance.

Effective Strategies for Utilizing Student Services

To maximize the benefits of student services, students are encouraged to:

• Be proactive: Seek out student services early on and make use of available resources.
• Communicate effectively: Clearly articulate your needs and expectations to service providers.
• Follow up: Stay in touch with service providers to track progress and seek additional support if needed.
• Provide feedback: Share your experiences with student services to help improve their effectiveness.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Attend Orientation: Familiarize yourself with the university's student services and resources.
• Meet Your Academic Advisor: Establish a relationship with your advisor and discuss your academic goals.
• Visit the Learning Support Center: Take advantage of supplemental instruction, group study rooms, and other academic support resources.
• Explore Career Services: Attend career fairs, workshops, and counseling sessions to prepare for your career.
• Utilize Health Services: Stay physically and mentally healthy by accessing the university's health and wellness services.

Step-by-Step Approach to Accessing Student Services

1. Identify your needs: Determine the type of support you require (e.g., academic, personal, financial).
2. Explore available services: Visit the mySUSS portal or SUSSConnect app to learn about the various student services offered.
3. Contact the relevant service provider: Reach out to the designated office or staff member responsible for the service you need.
4. Provide necessary information: Clearly state your request and provide any relevant documentation or information.
5. Follow up: Stay in touch with the service provider to track progress and seek additional support if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What student services are available at SUSS?

SUSS provides a comprehensive range of student services, including academic advising, learning support, career services, counseling, health services, financial assistance, IT support, and e-learning services.

2. How can I access student services?

Students can access student services through the mySUSS portal, SUSSConnect app, or in-person visits to the Student Services Center.

3. How do I know which student services are right for me?

Contact the Student Services Center or an academic advisor to discuss your specific needs and determine which services can best support you.

4. Are student services free of charge?

Most student services are free of charge. However, certain services, such as counseling and health consultations, may incur additional fees.

5. How do I provide feedback on student services?

Students are encouraged to provide feedback on student services to help improve their effectiveness. Feedback can be submitted through the mySUSS portal, SUSSConnect app, or in-person to service providers.

6. Can international students access student services?

Yes, international students have full access to all student services at SUSS.

Conclusion

Student services at SUSS play a crucial role in creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment. By harnessing the university's comprehensive range of services, students can enhance their academic performance, develop their personal and professional skills, and achieve their full potential.

Tables

Table 1: Academic Support Services at SUSS

Table 2: Personal and Professional Development Services at SUSS

Table 3: Financial Assistance and Scholarships at SUSS