College is a time of monumental growth, where students experience a myriad of emotions and challenges, as well as self-discovery. For many students, this journey is exciting yet filled with uncertainty.

Strong support systems, like those found in the student success team at the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence (The CORD), are crucial to helping students navigate these times of change. At The CORD, they can find faculty, staff – and even other students – who are passionate about supporting them and walking alongside them to achieve their dreams. 

Trevor Francis, associate vice provost and director of student success, says, “Our mission is something we live every day – ensuring that every student understands the value and process of learning. We aim to equip students with a sense of academic purpose and to express to them the value of being fully engaged in the classroom and with our campus community.”

Diana Marrero, a history major, and Jaxon Edwards, a sociology and criminology major, have both utilized the services offered through The CORD, which run the gamut from academic coaching and tutoring to the 360 Program and Career Studio. Marrero and Edwards also work at the welcome desk in the facility to assist fellow students and visitors. 

Marrero says, “It’s very student-centered and not intimidating. It’s definitely a great place to hang out with friends to chat or even study and just be relaxed and get the help I need. It’s all in one place, so I don’t have to go all over campus for it.”

Edwards agrees and says he’s found that the space fosters collaboration with fellow students. 

In the latest Short Takes episode, “The Heart of Student Success,” Marrero and Edwards share their student perspectives alongside Julia Smith, a student advocate and 360 course instructor. 

Members of the campus community who are interested in hearing additional information about this strategic priority are encouraged to take part in the “Advancing Student Success” Town Hall this Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the School of Law's E.J. Ball Courtroom. The Town Hall can also be viewed online on the U of A’s YouTube channel, and suggestions for topics and/or questions can be submitted by email to feedback@uark.edu.

For additional Short Takes videos, visit shorttakes.uark.edu. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.