While the campus is buzzing about the new Student Success Center opening its doors this semester, one constant presence made the building’s opening a success: the students working at the center’s reception desk. Students selected to fill these critical positions serve as building and campus experts and receive access to invaluable mentorship, training, and resources to help them excel on campus and beyond.

The Student Success Center welcome desk serves as the hub for all activities in the new building. Whether a student or visitor needs to register for a counseling or tutoring appointment, be referred to building services, or help arrange appointments with professional staff, student success guides managing the front desk serve as the first point of contact for anyone passing through the center’s front doors or who may seek assistance.

With so many resources now available in one space, it’s crucial to have a friendly face that can direct students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the right resources for their needs. Guides can often be seen escorting students to appropriate spaces in the building, eliminating frustration and providing positive interaction with a peer. For students visiting the center and using its services for the first time, this type of peer interaction can also ease anxieties and make them more comfortable asking questions that lead them to seek the help they can. need to excel academically, personally and professionally.

The 42 students currently employed as Student Success Guides come from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. Being employed at the center gives them access to flexible employment opportunities and numerous resources and tools that help them in their personal, professional and academic development. Guides can easily access center services, including academic coaching, while enjoying one-on-one mentoring opportunities and interactions with student leaders and professional staff.

“I really immersed myself in the philosophy of leadership through stewardship and mentorship,” said Quincy Nauert, psychology specialist and student success guide. “This job feels like a good outlet for that philosophy because I feel like I’m actively helping and guiding people forward.”

“Our goal at the Student Success Center is to maximize the potential of every student, including those who work with us,” said Kathryn Lammers, instructor and student success advocate. “Our guides are essential to the success of the building and the work we all do in the building, so our mission is to give them the training, support and resources to help them become confident and capable leaders with a heart for the building. service.”

To learn more about the services offered at the Student Success Center, including employment opportunities for students, visit success.uark.edu.