Supporting Your Transition to SBU
As a first-year or transfer undergraduate student at SBU, it’s important to get your college career off to the right start. One of the many benefits you receive as a Bearcat is one-on-one guidance through our University Success Center (USC), which is available to all of our student family. Our individualized sessions cater to you and your academic goals, so let us help you find the right programs and services that will set you up for success!
Academic Advising Charts Your Course
Regardless of your major, you’ll receive one-on-one academic advisement through the
University Success Center during your first year at SBU. Unsure of how your interests
will take shape into a productive, fulfilling career? Your USC academic advisor can
help you pursue your options and discover your calling.
As a new student at SBU, you’ll be assigned to one Success Center faculty member who
will guide you throughout your first year at SBU by helping you:
- Establish your first-year class schedules for the fall and spring semesters
- Answer any questions you may have about life at SBU
- Explore which SBU majors are best for your skills, values, and interests
- Develop skills and strategies for academic success
Get in Touch with Success Center Faculty
Dr. Scotti Moats
Success Coach and Assistant Provost for General Education and Transition
(417) 328-1425
smoats@SBUniv.edu
Dr. Jordan Edwards
Success Coach and Assistant Professor
Director of Gordon and Judy Dutile Honors Program
(417) 328-1766
jhedwards@SBUniv.edu
Eric Smith
Success Coach and Director of Tutoring and Disability Services
(417) 328-2094
eric.smith@SBUniv.edu
University Success Center Services
As a freshman, you will be assigned a Success Coach. This person is your go-to guide for all things academic. They will help you plan your courses, understand your requirements, and stay on track for success.
To schedule an appointment with a Success Coach, email your Success Coach directly or successcenter@SBUniv.edu.
Whether you are excelling in your classes or need a little extra help, tutoring services are here to support you in a wide range of subjects.
Tutoring Hours: (starting Tuesday, September 3, 2024) Monday-Thursday, 7-10 PM, University Success Center
Interested in working as a tutor? Apply or email eric.smith@SBUniv.edu for more information.
SBU is a welcoming, safe environment where all students are able to thrive, regardless of any physical or learning disabilities. If you are a student with a disability and would like to request academic accommodations, you will need to submit a Disclosure of Disability form.
For more information, visit the Disability Services page or email disabilityservices@SBUniv.edu.
Career Services is dedicated to helping you explore potential vocations, prepare for your future, and successfully transition into the professional world.
Resume Review: Request a free review of your resume as you prepare to apply for jobs or internships by submitting the Resume Review Request form.
Handshake App: Find internships and careers on the free Handshake app through SBU.
Employers and Recruiters: Connect with SBU alumni and current students! Post jobs and internships, schedule on-campus interviews, register for career events, host information sessions, and more through the Handshake app.
For more information about Career Services, email successcenter@SBUniv.edu.
The Honors program offers you an enriching academic and social environment where intellectuals, self-learners, and motivated thinkers can thrive. Become part of a community of academically driven peers and take part in an experience that will challenge you to grow personally and professionally.
For more information, visit the Honors Program page or email jhedwards@SBUniv.edu.
College life can be overwhelming and we are dedicated to offering the resources and personalized support you need to thrive.
For more information, email kmarcum@SBUniv.edu.
Participate in Success Center Courses
As part of SBU's general education curriculum, you will take two required University Studies courses in your first two semesters. These courses are designed to help you adjust to university academics as well as develop a personal value system, critical thinking, and other skills necessary for success during and after college.
- University Seminar: Learn how to acclimate to college coursework by discovering processes that lead to success, such as time management and research-based study strategies. Examining these processes will provide you with an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses related to studying and learning. You will transition to life at SBU while considering the relationship between your values and goals and your academic performance and future direction.
- Introduction to Critical Thinking: Learn how to think critically about the world around you, consider others' opinions, and formulate where you stand on different issues. This course will support you by helping you understand and develop your personal value system, cultivate critical-thinking skills, and consider issues in today's society.
Find Out Which Courses Transfer
Eager to know which of your courses transfer to SBU? The University Success Center administers Credit by Examination and certain tests. Go to the Course Transfer Equivalencies page for more information about Credit by Examination.