Sense of Belonging
At the Calvin E. Bright Success Center (BSC), we cultivate a sense of belonging through the cultural presence and helpfulness of BSC programs and services. We operate under the lens of holistic student success, which means that in order for students to succeed academically, they must also thrive professionally, socially, and personally. In order to create a sense of belonging for students, the BSC upholds two pillars: connection and consideration. You will find that connection is at the core of our approach to sense of belonging, and so consideration is a requirement for us to be able to successfully connect students to each other, to services and resources, to staff, and faculty.
Connection
The services, programming, and events offered by the staff within the Bright Success Center seek to increase the individuals’ sense of social connectedness by seeing and hearing the identities, beliefs, and lived experiences of students. The Bright Success Center also provides the opportunity for students to find representation among campus community members who share their lived experiences, while also engaging in culturally enriching programs and services that expand their knowledge of diverse worldviews. For example...
Fiat Lux
Currently serves 287 scholars
Currently serves 91 first-year scholars
Collaborates with Housing & Residence Education, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, and the Bobcat Advising Center as well as advising partners in SoE, SNS, and SSHA. For programming, we often work with the Student Career Center, the Community Engagement Center, Basic Needs, Health Promotion, Financial Wellness, Study Abroad, among others
New Student Orientation
Partners with 21 departments and campus partners who present at the New Student Orientation Experience
Over 60 participants in the information fair, including campus resources and student clubs/organizations
Servies for Undocumented Students
Offers 8 distinct sessions at our UndocuScholars Leadership Academy where students can learn various skills, ranging from building a resume to understanding independent contracting
3 guest speakers from Graduate Division, Talent Acquisition, and Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center
Consideration
Anytime an individual enters the BSC or its offshoot centers, they will be intentionally acknowledged through collaborative support to identify the assistance that is needed, and whether or not it can be accomplished independently or by connecting them to another campus partner. Each of these interactions emphasizes a genuine recognition of the individual’s qualities, differences, ideas or actions even if they differ from one’s own. For example...
Services for Undocumented Students
We maintain a roster of 575 students
On average, approximately 30 students visit the Monarch Center each day
The most common services that students utilize include: legal services, walk-in appointments with our career specialist and UROC Equity advisor, as well as meetings with the Coordinator for Services for Undocumented Students to address specific issues related to housing, financial aid, student success funds, mentorship, and mental health.
New Student Orientation
Summer 2023 orientation welcomed 2,411 students and 2,153 partners in success
Fall 2023 Planner Parties served a total of 446 students
Parent and Family Engagement
We saw a total of 446 participants, including students and their visiting families
