Wraparound Support: The Secret to Success for Dominican University’s Students
The transition from high school to college is a thrilling milestone that brings new responsibilities. Dominican University is committed to helping students manage the complexities of college life. Here, students’ mental, physical, spiritual and academic health comes first.
These are some ways we help our students thrive throughout their academic journey.
We listen to students
Our First Year Seminar (FYS) course helps freshman find their fit. The curriculum covers vital subject matter: time management, college learning strategies, financial literacy and more.
Each freshman is surveyed regularly, and a dedicated team assesses their responses to flag any potential challenges, providing targeted follow-up. Questions focus on mental and physical health, social fit on campus, and how well students’ needs are being met. Additionally, Faculty Stoplight Surveys, conducted mid-semester for new students, cue faculty members to share information that stands to aid students’ success. This way, no new student gets left behind.
We tailor care to each student’s needs
Only when students are physically and mentally healthy can they do their best work. The Student Care Network provides the resources that students need.
Using each freshman’s survey feedback, our student care team tailors services to meet students’ needs. The network provides a range of supports and services including: help with basic needs (food, housing, and social service), technological assistance, financial advice, academic support, mental health assistance, physical health support and other services.
Students can also request assistance at any time by submitting a student request form. A team member from the Student Care Network directly connects the student with resources. The Care Network can also coordinate with a student’s faculty advisor and professors to coordinate a support plan.
Our students care for each other
Dominican students do more than succeed; they aid one another’s success. This brings our mission to life.
Peer advisors, called Peer LEADers, help their fellow students to internalize key lessons from the FYS curriculum. Peer LEADers, paid positions for sophomores and upper classmen, work both online and in-person to enhance student access to academic resources and answer questions about majors, minors, and career opportunities. They also mentor students. Peer LEADers are trained to be a support, resource and sounding board for their peers.
We offer flexible academic support
The Academic Success Center (ASC) offers peer and professional tutoring in a range of subjects, including the sciences, math and writing. Students can also develop their skills as educators by becoming a paid peer tutor.
The center has flexible hours and is well-staffed to support student success, often in collaboration with faculty to bring supports into the classroom. All services are free for all Dominican students.
We offer targeted support where students need it
Dominican’s TRIO Student Support Services team offers enhanced support for students with disabilities, Pell-eligible students and first-generation college students. The goal is to improve retention rates, academic standings and graduation rates by addressing the unique needs of qualifying students.
Students who qualify for TRIO are offered targeted, robust support that may include academic advising, career coaching, financial wellness advice, and stress management support. The assistance can take many forms from guidance on filing the FAFSA to career exploration and more.
Another of Dominican’s targeted program supports STEM scholars through a variety of offerings. The Summer Science Institute prepares incoming freshman for college-level science work. Peer-led team learning, embedding student tutors into demanding STEM classes and a STEM mentoring program all bolster student success.
There’s even a STEM Living and Learning Community, bringing STEM majors together to live in community with mentor resident assistants. This way, there’s always a STEM study buddy and a designated space to do this important work.
We expand access to technology
Technology isn’t a luxury for students, it’s a necessity. That’s why we make tech available for students to buy or borrow.
The Equipment Loan Program helps student secure the tech equipment they need on a short-term basis. Dominican also offers students more long-term solutions through the Stars Align Program, which offers new laptops to students for purchase, inviting students to add that cost to their tuition account with an optional payment plan.
We prioritize student wellness
Our Wellness Center is staffed by a full-time nurse practitioner and a physician’s assistant who provide everything from sick care to annual checkups and lab services in collaboration with Rush Oak Park Hospital. All services are confidential, free of charge and available to all students. Some service available at the Wellness Center include: physicals, immunizations, diagnosis and treatment of coughs, sore throats, colds and flu, injuries, sexually transmitted infections, etc.
Mental health care services such as stress management, screening and therapy for anxiety, depression, substance abuse and other issues are offered at the Wellness Center along with support groups and workshops.
Ready to learn more?
At Dominican, our wraparound support services ensure our students have the resources, guidance and community they need to thrive. Learn more.