Identifying Resources and Advocating Your Needs Throughout Your College Career

By Stephanie Secaira, Assistant College Counselor

Settling into college comes with a lot of adapting. You have to get used to the rhythm of classes, balancing work and social life, and just knowing where everything is. During my college orientation, I had plenty of flyers and emails detailing the many resources on campus. But honestly, who has time to sort through all of it? The idea of walking into a financial aid office scared me on its own.

However, the grass is greener on the other side! I can now maneuver campus with ease and know precisely which office or faculty member to turn to for some guidance when I need it. Here are some beneficial ways you can problem-solve effectively, advocate for yourself, and become familiar with all that your college campus has to offer. 

Important College Resources:

With all the clubs, offices, numbers, and emails, try to prioritize the offices you will undoubtedly need throughout your college career. 

Academic 

1. Academic Advisor

2. Registrar Office

3. Career Center

4. Tutor

5. Writing Center

6. Professor

Personal

1. Counseling Center

2. Residential Advisor

3. Multicultural Affairs

Financial

1. Financial Aid Office

2. Bursar's Office

3. Study Abroad Office 

How to Effectively Utilize your Resources:

Once you have located the offices and resources, make a note of their purpose on campus, how to communicate with them, and get to know the staff!: 

• Learn the location, number, and staff members in each office

• Gain a deep understanding of what each office does

• Build a relationship with the staff members in the various offices

• Advocate for yourself to these resources, as needed 

Steps to Meaningful and Impactful Advocacy:

After understanding the purpose and noting the contact information, be sure to follow these tips on effectively advocating for yourself: 

1. Understand the Issue: Ask, "What do I want to come from this?"

2. Plan: Craft your message, use evidence and facts, and tailor the message to the audience

3. Communicate Your Needs: Make eye contact, explain what you need clearly, listen to who you're talking to and take notes

4. Evaluate and Measure Expectations: Process the results of communication needs and use information gathered to determine the next steps

5. Follow Up/Through: Follow up shortly after communicating needs to ensure you're on the same page. Follow through on any agreed-upon actions

Challenges to Advocacy and Ways to Overcome Them:

Advocating for yourself can be scary. I remember being anxious to ask my professor a question. It is normal to be scared and worried, but you can become a pro at advocating for yourself with practice and familiarity. 

Here are some tips to help with your nerves:

• Nervous? Some words of encouragement can go a long way. Talk to a counselor at your school or with a love-one about what you are feeling. 

• Not sure who to advocate? Do some research to figure out who you need to talk to about your needs. The best way to learn more about the campus is through other students! Don't be afraid to ask other students how they approached an office or advocated for themselves. 

• Don't know what to say? Prepare an outline of your needs and what accommodations/resources you request. Something I found helpful was practicing my "pitch" with a friend. 

• Don't think it will work? Be persistent! If, at first, you don't succeed, try again. 

Your college campus has a lot of resources that you will have access to during your college journey. They are a great place to start when you need to advocate for yourself! Nerves and anxiousness are entirely normal, but with practice and some self-motivation, you will advocate for yourself with ease.