Photo by Whit Pruitt
College is a time of monumental growth where students experience myriad emotions and challenges as well as self-discovery. For many students, this path is exciting, but also full of uncertainty.
Strong support systems, such as those found within the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence (The CORD) student success team, are critical to helping students navigate these times of change. At The CORD, they will find faculty, staff – and even other students – who are passionate about supporting them and walking by their side to make their dreams come true.
Trevor Francis, Associate Vice Provost and Director of Student Success, says: “We live our mission every day – to ensure that every student understands the value and process of learning. Our goal is to instill in students a sense of academic purpose and the value of full engagement in the classroom and in our campus community.”
Diana Marrero, a history major, and Jaxon Edwards, a sociology and criminology major, have both utilized the services offered by The CORD, which range from academic coaching and tutoring to the 360 program and Career Studio. Marrero and Edwards also work at the reception desk at the facility to support fellow students and visitors.
Marrero says, “It’s very student-centric and not intimidating. It’s definitely a great place to hang out with friends, chat or even study and just relax and get the help I need. It’s all in one place so I don’t have to go all over campus to do it.”
Edwards agrees, saying he’s found the space encourages collaboration with fellow students.
In the latest Short Takes episode, “The Heart of Student Success,” Marrero and Edwards share their perspectives on students alongside Julia Smith, a student advocate and 360 course leader.
Members of the campus community interested in learning more about this strategic priority are encouraged to attend the Advancing Student Success Town Hall at the School’s EJ this Wednesday, February 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m of Law to attend Ball Courtroom. City Hall can also be viewed online on the U of A YouTube channel, and suggestions for topics and/or questions can be emailed to [email protected]
Visit shorttakes.uark.edu for more Short Takes videos.
About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas’ flagship institution, the U of A offers internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to the Arkansas economy by imparting new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and workplace development, discovery through research and creative pursuits, while providing training in professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation ranks the U of A among the few US colleges and universities with the highest research activity. US News & World Report ranks the U of A among the best public universities in the country. See how the U of A works to create a better world at Arkansas Research News.
