Student Success Center Guides Build Leadership Skills via Flexible Employment Opportunities

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Astrid Rodriquez, a student success guide and junior political science and psychology major, at the welcome desk.

As the campus is abuzz with excitement over the new Student Success Center opening its doors this semester, one constant presence has made the building's opening a success — the students working at the center's welcome desk. The students selected to serve in these critical positions serve as building and campus experts and enjoy access to invaluable mentoring, training and resources to help them excel on campus and beyond.

The Student Success Center's welcome desk serves as the central hub for all the new building's activities. Whether a student or visitor needs to check in for an advising or tutoring appointment, referrals to building services or assistance with making appointments with professional staff, the student success guides managing the welcome desk serve as the first point of contact for everyone who walks through the center's front doors or who may call for assistance.

With so many resources now available in one space, having a friendly face that can direct students, faculty, staff and visitors to the right resources for their needs is crucial. Guides can often be seen walking students to the appropriate spaces in the building, eliminating frustration and offering a 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 alleviate anxieties and make them feel more comfortable asking questions that lead them to get the assistance they may need to excel academically, personally and professionally.

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

"I've really gotten into the philosophy of leadership through stewardship and mentorship," said Quincy Nauert, a senior psychology major 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 aim at the Student Success Center is to maximize every student's potential, including those who work with us," said Kathryn Lammers, student success instructor and advocate. "Our guides are crucial to the building's success and the work all of us in the building do, so our mission is to give them the training, support and resources to help them develop into confident, capable leaders with a heart for service."

To learn more about the services offered at the Student Success Center, including student job opportunities, visit success.uark.edu.