As students, we often navigate our university campuses with a focused determination toward classes, assignments, and social engagements. It’s easy to overlook some of the lesser-known resources available on campus, but they are here to help!
Getting involved with on-campus resources offers numerous benefits. University campuses are hubs of diverse individuals, including students, professors, and professionals. Engaging in campus activities allows you to expand your network, which can be valuable for future career opportunities. Skill development and personal growth are also two factors that can benefit you as you involve yourself with the resources available to you.
Involvement in campus life exposes you to new experiences, perspectives, and challenges, fostering personal growth and development. It’s an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, gain confidence, and get help in things that you struggle with.
Below are five on-campus resources that may be a “hidden gem” you never heard about.
1: Suny Cortland Cupboard
The SUNY Cortland Cupboard is a campus food pantry providing free food and personal hygiene items to students in need. Its mission is to address food insecurity and promote well-being, while its vision is to adapt and offer resources, recipes, and nutrition information to support students’ academic success further. Everyone is welcome at the Cupboard, it is located in the basement of the Old Main and it is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
2: Substance abuse prevention and education
The Prevention Education Office aims to help students navigate the transition from college to their future lives by promoting a healthy balance between social, academic, and work priorities. They provide self-referrals, an online course called 3rd Millennium, counseling, educational outreach, and resources for students dealing with substance misuse.
The office also offers counseling at the Counseling Center, conducts training sessions and workshops for residence halls, COR 101 classes, student clubs, and organizations, and offers materials on substance use and misuse. Additionally, the office promotes alcohol-free environments and events.
3: Conley Counseling and Wellness services
Conley Counseling and Wellness Services is a community-based organization that focuses on promoting the well-being and personal growth of students. They offer various services such as therapy, consultation, psychiatric services, substance use assessments, psycho-educational programming, outreach, and workshops. Their vision is to increase students’ resilience and self-efficacy, enabling healthier decision-making, self-care, self-awareness, and satisfying interpersonal relationships. They are committed to creating a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual identity, and religion.
4: The writing center
The writing center is something that every student should be informed about because it could be very useful. The writing consultations, lasting about half an hour, involve a consultation with a graduate student or writing instructor. They will discuss your assignment, ask about your specific needs, and then focus on your existing writing. They provide thoughtful, critical responses to your work, but do not proofread it. Their goal is to help you become a more mature and confident writer.
Located in Brockway Hall room 216 or above hilltop dining. You can easily book an appointment through my red dragon under the writing center page that’s located under academic resources. In conclusion, the writing center is a valuable resource that can help students succeed academically by providing personalized support, feedback, and resources to enhance their writing skills.
5: Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
The Educational Opportunity Program at SUNY Cortland aims to provide access and support to students with strong academic and personal potential who would otherwise be excluded from higher education due to academic under preparation and economic disadvantage.
EOP students are eligible for admission if they are a New York state resident for 12 months prior to enrollment, ineligible for admission under traditional standards but demonstrate potential for completing a college program, and need financial assistance within established income guidelines. Priority is given to applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds who are the first generation to attend college.
Overall, involvement in on-campus resources can enrich your college experience, help you develop valuable skills, and prepare you for success both during and after your academic journey.