College life comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities — many of which are difficult to navigate on your own. Because of this, many colleges offer student support services to help students have the resources they need to succeed in college and beyond.
Recent research emphasizes just how crucial student support services are. A 2022 study published by Heliyon found students who utilized campus support services showed higher academic success and persistence in their studies.
However, a 2023 study by Tyton Partners showed that 60% of college students were unaware of the full scope of on-campus support services available to them. Awareness levels trended particularly low for essential resources like student health clinics and academic support services
At Point Loma Nazarene University, we're committed to ensuring our students know about and can easily access the campus resource centers designed to support success — academically, personally, and spiritually.
Whether you're a current student looking to maximize your college experience or a prospective student exploring what PLNU has to offer, let’s explore five essential campus resources every PLNU student should know about.
Academic Support
PLNU provides strong academic support through our Tutorial Center and Educational Access Center (EAC). These resources include:
- Free individual and small group tutoring sessions with faculty-recommended peer tutors
- Review sessions held by selected departments
- Academic coaching to increase study skills and learn time management tools
- Support through the Writer's Studio for one-on-one writing consultation
- Accommodations and resources for students with documented disabilities through the EAC
- Online tutoring through Tutor Match and online Live Help
The mission for our EAC is this: “To promote access for all members of the PLNU community by facilitating self-advocacy, removing barriers, providing resources for learning, and creating a culture that honors each person's unique, God-given gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-28).”
The Tutorial Center, located on the first floor of Ryan Library, is open Monday through Friday with both in-person and online tutoring options available.
Please see our Tutorial Services page to request an appointment with a PLNU tutor (or become a tutor), and our Educational Access Center (EAC) page for more information on services available at our five campus locations.
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Who are you called to be?
Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
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Health and Wellness Support
The PLNU Wellness Center offers healthcare services to support your physical well-being. Our on-campus health center services include:
- Confidential medical care
- Basic medications and diagnostic testing
- Health education resources
- Nutritional consultation
Our healthcare professionals are committed to providing high-quality, student-focused care that supports your academic success and personal well-being. Learn more about PLNU’s Wellness Center.
Career Support
PLNU’s Career Services is dedicated to helping students discover and pursue their professional calling. Our comprehensive career support services include:
- One-on-one career coaching to help you explore career paths and develop individual strategies
- In-person and virtual small-group career advising sessions
- Resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile support
- Personality and career assessments like StrengthsFinder to understand your unique talents
- Networking opportunities and relationship building with professionals in your field of interest
- Access to Handshake, our job and internship search platform with over 300,000 employers
- Personal branding sessions to help you develop and communicate your professional identity
Located in the Bond Academic Center, PLNU Career Services offers both in-person and virtual appointments to accommodate your schedule. Learn more about PLNU Career Services and Career Support.
Mental Health and Counseling Support
PLNU's Counseling Center is "specifically designed to be a resource for PLNU traditional undergraduate students who aim to grow and thrive emotionally through their university years. Counseling services are customized to the specific needs and strengths of each student through the use of a Stepped Care Model.”
Our Counseling Center services may cover the following topics of concern:
- Mild to moderate anxiety and depression
- Adjustment and developmental
- Interpersonal (friends, family, roommates, romantic partnerships)
- Self-esteem
- Transition to and out of college
- Identity (developmental, sexual, racial/ethnic, religious, gender, etc.)
- Academic performance and motivation
- Sexual Assault or other Title IX-related issues
- Issues common to student-athletes and nursing majors (performance expectations, perfectionism, life balance, etc.)
- Demographics
Located in Taylor Hall, our on-campus counseling center is staffed by professional counselors who understand the unique needs of college students.
Learn more about our counseling center, including how to complete a Counseling Center Services request, counseling referral resources, and meet the Counseling Services team.
Spiritual Support
As a Christian university, PLNU offers various Spiritual Support opportunities for spiritual growth and community. These include:
- Alpha Groups for freshmen and Discipleship Groups (D-groups) for upperclassmen (did you know more than 75 percent of incoming freshmen join an Alpha Group?!)
- Spiritual mentoring programs pairing students with mentors (PLNU professors, staff members, or friends of the university)
- Opportunities to serve as spiritual mentors to other students
- Regular off-campus spiritual retreats for personal reflection and community building
- Connections to local churches and ministry opportunities
- Support from the Office of Student Life and Formation (such as identifying a service activity that fits your passions and skills)
Take the next steps toward success
There are a variety of resources available to help you thrive during your time at PLNU. We encourage you to:
- Bookmark these resources for future reference
- Visit each center to learn more about their services
- Proactively schedule appointments early in the semester
- Explore and take advantage of in-person and virtual support options
Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our dedicated PLNU staff is here to help you succeed in every aspect of your college journey.
Take the next steps at Point Loma Nazarene University and check out what makes PLNU, PLNU.