At Newman, student success isn’t just defined by reaching graduation. It includes ensuring students leave with clarity, confidence and a concrete plan for what comes next.
“We want students to develop academically, professionally and personally, so that when they reach graduation, they are prepared for meaningful careers that help them to transform society,” said Jeannie Ross, director of student success. “The services available in the Student Success Center provide proactive ways to help students be as successful as possible.”
Those services include tutoring, accessibility support, career services such as resume reviews and mock interviews, and mental health counseling.
The Student Success Center also serves as a welcoming space for students between classes, particularly first-generation, transfer and non-traditional students. Study rooms allow groups to collaborate, while other areas support individual study. Students can also gather or grab something to eat at Sacred Grounds.
“We help all students navigate academic expectations that can be unfamiliar,” Ross said. “We also provide all students with mental health support as they navigate college life. We try to answer questions that students have or guide them to the correct resources.”
A space for evolving student needs
The Student Success Center was remodeled within the last two years. The updates created a warm and welcoming environment while allowing the student success team to focus on providing the support students need.
Academic interventions include tutoring and academic coaching, while mental health services offer students up to 12 counseling sessions per academic year, along with online counseling options.
Career services are also part of the center’s work. Through peer career coaches and career assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory, students can explore majors, clarify career goals and prepare for the professional world.
“Collaboration is the foundation of what makes the student success center successful,” Ross said.
Faculty, staff and the student success team work together by sharing information and coordinating resources to keep students on track. Faculty members refer students to tutoring, advising, counseling and career services when additional support is needed and provide early alerts if academic or mental health concerns arise.
The student success team then coordinates interventions to address personal or external barriers students may face. Cross-departmental case management helps ensure a full understanding of student needs and identifies the most effective support options.
“I think it is important to point out that the student success at Newman is rooted in Newman’s mission,” Ross said. “As a Catholic institution, we emphasize community, respect and service. The goal is not only graduation, but formation. We want to develop graduates who are prepared professionally and grounded in values so they can then be part of transforming society.”
Ross notes that services will continue evolving as the university evaluates student needs and outcomes.
“What works today may not work in five years,” she said. “The university remains committed to adapting its support structures to meet the changing needs of its students while preserving its personalized approach.”
Meet the peer tutors
In a continued effort to support academic success, the Student Success Center welcomed 12 student peer tutors for the spring 2026 semester.
Peer tutors meet one-on-one with students across a wide range of subjects, including nursing, pathophysiology, biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, calculus, math, writing, research and rhetoric.
- Alaina Waters, a nursing major graduating this term; tutors nursing, nursing prerequisites, human anatomy and human physiology.
- Alysha Keck, a nursing major graduating this term; tutors nursing, nursing prerequisites, human anatomy, human physiology and pathophysiology.
- Ba Minh Nguyen, an accounting and data analytics double major; tutors math.
- Caleb Papsdorf, a philosophy for theological studies major graduating this term; tutors Latin, philosophy and writing.
- Eliana Gaytan, a philosophy for theological studies major graduating this term; tutors oral communication, research techniques for writing and writing.
- Hayley Stewart, a biochemistry major graduating this term; tutors biology, chemistry, math and physics.
- Keegan Schreiber, a biology major with a pre-dentistry concentration; tutors biology, chemistry and human anatomy.
- Kelly Lotsu-Morgan, a computer science major; tutors computer science, data analytics and math.
- Lydia Andreo, a nursing major; tutors nursing and nursing prerequisites.
- Mackenzie Kinkaid, a nursing major; tutors nursing and nursing prerequisites.
- Monica Redondo, a biochemistry major graduating this term; tutors chemistry, math and physics.
- Shaurya Datta, a biology major with a pre-medicine concentration graduating this term; tutors biology, chemistry, human anatomy and physics.
Students must receive a faculty recommendation before applying to become a tutor. The application requires a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, current schedule and faculty recommendation.
“So, it’s not the quickest application, but I encourage students to think of it as practice for future job,” said Madeline Vardell, student support specialist.
Selected applicants meet with Vardell for an interview before being hired.
Vardell also holds monthly professional development meetings to review teaching strategies, role-play difficult tutoring scenarios and discuss ways to navigate those situations.
In addition to peer tutors, peer career coaches provide additional support for students exploring career paths. Working out of the career services office, they assist with resume reviews, mock interviews, job searches, navigating Handshake — an interactive job platform connecting students and employers — and building LinkedIn profiles.
Appointments are available to current students and recent alumni.
Ultimately, both peer tutors and peer career coaches play an important role in the student success team. These trained student staff members receive ongoing guidance, build relationships with their peers and often help bridge the gap between faculty expectations and student challenges.
Academic intervention opportunity
This semester’s academic intervention coach is sophomore elementary education major Mary Kate McClure. She describes the role as helping students develop key academic skills that may not be emphasized in secondary education, such as effective note-taking, study strategies and time management.
“Unlike the more dependent student-to-teacher relationships in high school, college transitions over to student independence,” McClure noted. “Having such skills are a huge help in this transition and most importantly affect their level of success.”
In a typical session, McClure begins by introducing herself and asking what the student is struggling with.
“I will continue asking questions, helping me to size-up the situation,” she said. “When I have all the information I need, I will then start working with the student to provide them with a solution. This is heavily dependent on what they are struggling with.”
Time management is the most common challenge students bring to McClure. To help, she often works with students to create a weekly schedule using what she calls the “time management organizer,” a visual tool that maps out every hour of the week.
Students begin by marking fixed commitments such as classes, work and practices. From there, they can see how much time remains for studying and other responsibilities.
“They usually have more time than they previously thought,” McClure said. “With this, they are able to make time for the things they need and want to do.”
Additional resources at the Student Success Center
The Student Success Center provides a central location where students can access academic, mental health and career resources.
The space includes the Jets Welcome Center, a soundproof testing center, two conference rooms — one of which can be reserved — and Sacred Grounds Coffee & Cafe. Flexible furniture, movable tables and whiteboards allow the space to be adapted for collaboration and student needs.
The center also makes it easier for students to access services such as makeup exams, academic accommodations, F1 international student support, workshops, peer career coaching and counseling sessions.
View all Student Success Center services
The mission of the Student Success Center is to support all Newman University students on their academic journey.
