Students discover available support services at FSU PC annual Passport to Success event

For new students on their way to succeed, the journey each fall semester begins with FSU PC’s Passport to Success event.

“It was a great way to learn about everything on campus,” said Skylar Marquis, a junior in Civil Engineering.

Participating students receive a passport booklet and may “travel” from table to table to collect stickers for their passports while learning about some of FSU’s academic success services. 

Tawni Hayden, a student success coach at FSU PC, describes Passport to Success as a “resource fair” on campus. FSU has a variety of programs available to students both in-person and online, including notable resources dedicated to studying abroad.

“I really want students to see that there are so many different resources available to them,” said Hayden. For more information on FSU PC’s success services, visit pc.fsu.edu/students/new-nole/student-resources. 

Among the featured services at the event was the Office of National Fellowships. Located in the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House in Tallahassee, the Office of National Fellowships assists students in applying for nationally competitive awards that include but are not limited to funding for studying overseas or graduate school.

“We ask students what their interests are, and then we talk about opportunities that might align,” said Bonnie Garcia-Gloeckner, an assistant director for the office. 

Students could also learn about FSU’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement program, which helps students get involved in research opportunities. Research in the office spans a broad range of topics anywhere from fine arts to STEM. FSU PC students who are interested can get connected with the center via Zoom meetings. The Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement is also located in the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House. To learn more about the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House and its services, visit hsf.fsu.edu/.

FSU PC has its own Student Government Council, which acts as a funding board for activities, initiatives and partnerships.

“SGC serves to speak for the students,” said Krieg Conrad, SGC president. Alongside collecting funds for activities, SGC hosts on-campus events such as rock painting and NOLE Fest. Visit pc.fsu.edu/sgc for more information.

Academic Advising is for students who have questions about their academic trajectory. Advisors schedule one-on-one meetings with students to discuss topics like course requirements and help out with students’ schedules.

“We discuss the major as well as university requirements, and we help plan their schedules for each semester, ensuring that students are on track to graduate in a timely manner,” said Lauren Stewart, an academic advisor. Advising services are open to all majors. To learn more, visit pc.fsu.edu/advising. 

The Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement, based in Tallahassee, focuses primarily on first generation students, low-income students and students from traditionally underrepresented groups.

“We have different programs and services that are geared towards not only getting students to college but making sure we support them through their four to six years while they’re in undergraduate studies and then getting them to the finish line of graduation,” said Diamond Boston, an assistant director for the Summer Bridge Program.

Services offered by CARE include, but are not limited to, academic advising, student engagement, financial planning and workshops. CARE also helps students with internships and studying abroad. One of the noted programs is Quest, which helps students who may or may not be either first generation or low-income but need extra support. For more information, visit care.fsu.edu/.

Students who want to get more involved can check out the events run by the Engage team. As part of Student Affairs, the Engage team is a group of students who orchestrate many of the activities on campus. Events hosted by Engage include the block party carnival with inflatables and live music, open mic nights, and football watch parties. Free food and drinks are often provided at events.

“The Engage team helps students connect with each other,” said Cassie Willis, a senior in Psychology who is part of the team. Willis said the purpose of Engage is to encourage participation on campus. The Engage team is a paid position. Students who are interested in joining the team can find out more about Student Affairs at pc.fsu.edu/students.

Student Success focuses on freshmen and transferring students to help them with their classes and feel more comfortable at FSU PC. Student Success offers tutoring services led by experienced students, as well as peer mentoring services. Peer mentors help guide new students to make sure they’re meeting their goals. To find out more, visit pc.fsu.edu/advising.