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HIGHER EDUCATION SCAVENGER HUNT
Higher Education Scavenger Hunt Assignment
Tishita K. A. Washington
EDU: 665
School of Education, Liberty University
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HIGHER EDUCATION SCAVENGER HUNT
Higher Education Scavenger Hunt Template
I. Public Flagship: University of South Carolina (UofSC)
a. Institution name: University of South Carolina (UofSC)
b. Co-curricular support services (Student Affairs):
1. Campus Recreation: Promotes health and well-being through sports, fitness, and outdoor
activities.
Website: campusrecreation.sc.edu
2. Career Center: Assists students in career exploration, preparation, and job search.
Website: careercenter.sc.edu
3. Counseling and Psychiatry: Provides mental health support and counseling services.
Website: counselingandpsychiatry.sc.edu
4. Leadership and Service Center: Fosters leadership development and community
engagement opportunities.
Website: leadershipandservicecenter.sc.edu
5. Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA): Supports underrepresented and
marginalized students.
Website: omsa.sc.edu
6. Student Conduct: Upholds community standards and promotes responsible behavior.
Website: studentconduct.sc.edu
7. Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC): Provides accommodations and support for
students with disabilities.
Website: sdrc.sc.edu
8. Student Government: Represents student interests and advocates for their needs.
Website: studentgovernment.sc.edu
9. Student Media: Provides opportunities for students to engage in journalism, broadcasting,
and creative expression.
Website: studentmedia.sc.edu
10. Student Organizations: Offers a wide range of student clubs and organizations for various
interests.
Website: studentorganizations.sc.edu
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c. Provide the title and description of any services specifically and overtly aimed at
retention (i.e., Office of Student Success), if any.
Student Success Center: Provides academic support, tutoring, and success coaching to
help students succeed and stay enrolled.
(sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_success_center/)
d. Students directed for help: Students can find help through the "Student Affairs" tab on the
homepage, which is one click away. From there, they can access specific department pages with
contact information and resources. Or Students are directed to the Student Success Center, which
is accessible within two clicks from the homepage.
(sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_success_center/)
e. Academic support services: UofSC offers tutoring, supplemental instruction, writing support,
academic coaching, and academic success workshops. Some programs may be required for
specific student populations (e.g., student-athletes).
f. Freshman retention rate: 86%
g. Six-year graduation rate: 70%
h. Department in charge of student success: Student Success Center
Website: sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_success_center/
II. Ivy League: Harvard University
a. Institution name: Harvard University
b. Co-curricular support services (Student Affairs):
1. Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS): Provides mental health support,
counseling, and crisis intervention.
Website: camhs.huhs.harvard.edu
2. Office of Career Services (OCS): Assists students with career exploration, internships,
job search, and graduate school preparation.
Website: ocs.fas.harvard.edu
3. Harvard University Health Services (HUHS): Offers primary care, specialty care, and
health promotion services.
Website: huhs.harvard.edu
4. Office for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: Promotes equity, inclusion, and belonging
on campus.
Website: edib.harvard.edu
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5. Office of International Education (OIE): Supports international students and scholars.
Website: oie.fas.harvard.edu
6. Accessible Education Office (AEO): Provides accommodations and support for students
with disabilities.
Website: accessibility.harvard.edu
7. Office of Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (OSAPR): Offers resources and support
for survivors of sexual assault.
Website: osapr.harvard.edu
8. Athletics Department: Offers intercollegiate and recreational sports programs.
Website: gocrimson.com
9. Religious and Spiritual Life: Supports diverse religious and spiritual practices and
communities.
Website: chaplains.harvard.edu
10. Housing and Residential Life: Manages on-campus housing and residential communities.
Website: huhousing.harvard.edu
c. Services aimed at retention: Bureau of Study Counsel: Offers academic counseling,
peer tutoring, and skills workshops aimed at supporting student retention and success.
(bsc.harvard.edu/)
d. Students directed for help: Students are directed to the Office of Student Life,
accessible within two clicks from the homepage. (osl.fas.harvard.edu/)
e. Academic support services: Harvard offers academic advising, tutoring, writing support,
counseling, and mental health services. Some programs may be recommended or required
depending on individual student needs or academic standing.
f. Freshman retention rate: 98%
g. Six-year graduation rate: 97%
h. Department in charge of student success: The Dean of Students Office, along with various
other departments like the Bureau of Study Counsel, CAMHS, and the Academic Resource
Center, play a role in supporting student success. (bsc.harvard.edu/ and osl.fas.harvard.edu/)
III. Faith-based: Brigham Young University (BYU)
a. Institution name: Brigham Young University (BYU)
b. Co-curricular support services (Student Affairs):
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1. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Provides mental health support,
counseling, and workshops.
Website: caps.byu.edu
2. Career Services: Assists students with career exploration, internships, job search, and
graduate school preparation.
Website: careers.byu.edu
3. Student Health Center: Offers medical care, immunizations, and health education.
Website: health.byu.edu
4. International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS): Supports international students and
scholars with immigration, cultural adjustment, and other resources.
Website: iss.byu.edu
5. University Accessibility Center (UAC): Provides accommodations and support for
students with disabilities.
Website: uac.byu.edu
6. Title IX Office: Addresses issues of sexual misconduct and discrimination.
Website: titleix.byu.edu
7. Student Honor Association: Promotes academic honesty and integrity.
Website: honorcode.byu.edu
8. BYU Athletics: Offers intercollegiate and recreational sports programs.
Website: byucougars.com
9. Religious Education: Provides religious instruction and spiritual guidance.
Website: religion.byu.edu
10. Family Services: Offers resources and support for students and families in various areas,
including marriage, parenting, and finances.
Website: familyservices.byu.edu
c. Services aimed at retention: Student Academic and Advisement Services: Offers academic
advising, tutoring, and retention programs to help students succeed and stay enrolled.
(advisement.byu.edu/)
d. Students directed for help: Students can find help through the "Student Life" tab on the
homepage, which is one click away. From there, they can access specific department pages with
contact information and resources. https://catalog.byu.edu/colleges/student-life
e. Academic support services: BYU offers tutoring, writing assistance, academic advising,
mentoring, and supplemental instruction. Some programs may be recommended or required
depending on individual student needs or academic standing.
f. Freshman retention rate: 90%
g. Six-year graduation rate: 78%
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h. Department in charge of student success: The Dean of Students Office, along with various
departments like CAPS, Career Services, and the UAC, share responsibility for supporting
student success.
IV. HBCU: South Carolina State University (SCSU)
a. Institution name: South Carolina State University (SCSU)
b. Co-curricular support services (Student Affairs):
1. Counseling & Student Development Center: Provides individual and group counseling,
crisis intervention, and outreach programs.
Website: scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/counseling-self-development-center.aspx
2. Student Health Services: Offers medical care, health education, and wellness programs.
Website: scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/health-services.aspx
3. Career Development Center: Assists students with career exploration, resume writing, job
search, and interview skills.
Website: scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/career-center.aspx
4. Campus Ministry: Supports spiritual and religious development through worship services,
Bible studies, and fellowship opportunities.
Website: scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/campus-ministry.aspx
5. Student Activities & Leadership Development: Organizes campus events, clubs, and
organizations, and fosters leadership skills.
Website: scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/student-activities-leadership-
development.aspx
6. Housing & Residence Life: Manages on-campus housing, promotes community living,
and provides residential support.
Website: scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/housing-residence-life.aspx
7. TRIO Student Support Services: Provides academic support, financial literacy
workshops, and career counseling to first-generation and low-income students.
Website: scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/trio-student-support-services.aspx
8. Student Conduct & Community Standards: Upholds campus policies, addresses student
conduct issues, and promotes a safe and respectful environment.
Website: scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/student-conduct-community-
standards.aspx
9. Campus Police: Ensures the safety and security of the campus community.
Website: scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/campus-police.aspx
10. Office of Institutional Equity & Title IX: Handles complaints of discrimination,
harassment, and sexual misconduct.
Website: scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/institutional-equity-title-ix.aspx
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c. Services aimed at retention: Academic Success Center: Offers tutoring, academic coaching,
and retention programs to support student success.
(scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/academic-success-center.aspx)
d. Students directed for help: Students can find help through the "Student Life" tab on the
homepage, which is one click away. From there, they can access individual department pages
with contact information and resources.
e. Academic support services: SCSU offers tutoring, supplemental instruction, writing support,
and academic advising TRIO Student Support Services: Provides academic support, financial
literacy workshops, and career counseling to first-generation and low-income students. Website:
scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/trio-student-support-services.aspx
f. Freshman retention rate: 70%
g. Six-year graduation rate: 46%
h. Department in charge of student success: The Academic Success Center, based on its role in
providing comprehensive academic support and retention programs.
(scsu.edu/administration/student-affairs/academic-success-center.aspx)
V. Community College: Midlands Technical College (MTC)
a. Institution name: Midlands Technical College (MTC)
b. Co-curricular support services (Student Affairs):
1. Academic Advising: Helps students choose programs, plan courses, and achieve
academic goals.
Website: midlandstech.edu/student-resources/academic-advising
2. Career Services: Provides career counseling, job search assistance, and internship
opportunities.
Website: midlandstech.edu/student-resources/career-services
3. Counseling Services: Offers personal counseling, crisis intervention, and support groups.
Website: midlandstech.edu/student-resources/counseling-services
4. Disability Services: Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
Website: midlandstech.edu/student-resources/disability-services
5. Library Services: Offers research assistance, access to resources, and study spaces.
Website: midlandstech.edu/student-resources/library
6. Student Life: Organizes student activities, clubs, and events.
Website: midlandstech.edu/student-resources/student-life
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HIGHER EDUCATION SCAVENGER HUNT
7. TRIO Student Support Services: Provides academic support, financial literacy
workshops, and career counseling to first-generation and low-income students.
Website: midlandstech.edu/student-resources/trio-student-support-servic
8. Tutoring Services: Offers free tutoring in various subjects.
Website: midlandstech.edu/student-resources/tutoring
9. Veterans Services: Assists veterans and their dependents with accessing benefits and
transitioning to college life.
Website: midlandstech.edu/student-resources/veterans-services
10. Student Government Association: Represents student interests and advocates for their
needs.
Website: midlandstech.edu/student-resources/student-government-association
c. Services aimed at retention: Student Success and Retention Services: Provides academic
advising, tutoring, and retention programs to help students succeed and stay enrolled.
(midlandstech.edu/student-resources/student-success-retention)
d. Students directed for help: Students can find help through the "Student Resources" tab on
the homepage, which is one click away. This section contains links to all the student support
services offered. https://www.midlandstech.edu/student-resources
e. Academic support services: Student Success and Retention Services: offers tutoring,
academic advising, library services, and the TRIO Student Support Services program.
(midlandstech.edu/student-resources/student-success-retention)
f. Freshman retention rate: 60%
g. Six-year graduation rate: 20%
h. Department in charge of student success: The Student Development division appears to be
primarily responsible for student success, overseeing various departments that provide co-
curricular support and contribute to student well-being and engagement.
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HIGHER EDUCATION SCAVENGER HUNT
VI. Online, For-profit: University of Phoenix (UOPX)
a. Institution name: University of Phoenix (UOPX)
b. Co-curricular support services (Student Affairs):
1. Academic Success Coaching: Personalized support to help students stay on track and
succeed in their courses.
Website: phoenix.edu/academic-success-coaching
2. Career Services: Assistance with career exploration, job search strategies, resume
building, and interview preparation.
Website: phoenix.edu/career-services
3. Online Library: Access to a vast collection of digital resources, research tools, and
academic support.
Website: phoenix.edu/library
4. Writing Center: Support for writing assignments, including feedback and guidance on
grammar, style, and structure.
Website: phoenix.edu/writing-center
5. Technical Support: Assistance with technology-related issues and questions regarding
online learning platforms.
Website: phoenix.edu/contact-us
6. Student Community: Virtual spaces for students to connect, collaborate, and build
relationships with peers.
Website: phoenix.edu/student-community
7. Financial Aid Advising: Guidance on financial aid options, eligibility, and application
processes.
Website: phoenix.edu/financial-aid
8. Military and Veteran Support: Resources and benefits for military personnel and veterans.
Website: phoenix.edu/military
9. Disability Services: Accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
Website: phoenix.edu/disability-services
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10. Mental Health Resources: Information and referrals for mental health support and
counseling services.
Website: phoenix.edu/mental-health
c. Services aimed at retention: UOPX emphasizes academic and career support services as
integral to their student success and retention strategy. (phoenix.edu/students/center-for-student-
success.html
d. Students directed for help: Students can find help through the "Students" tab on the
homepage, which provides access to various support services. Specific contact information may
require additional clicks within each service section.
e. Academic support services: UOPX offers academic success coaching, tutoring, writing
center support, and online library resources. These services are not mandatory but strongly
encouraged to enhance the learning experience and promote student success.
f. Freshman retention rate: 60%
g. Six-year graduation rate: 26%.
h. Department in charge of student success: The Center for Student Success is responsible for
student success; its role in providing comprehensive academic support and retention programs.
(phoenix.edu/students/center-for-student-success.html). However, various departments, including
Student Services, Academic Affairs, and Career Services, collectively contribute to supporting
students throughout their academic journey.
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Summary and Recommendation
The landscape of student support services across different institutions paints a stark
picture of unequal access and resources, with potential implications for student success and
social mobility. Public flagship universities, such as the University of South Carolina, and elite
Ivy League institutions like Harvard, resemble well-oiled machines, offering comprehensive
support networks encompassing every aspect of student life. From state-of-the-art counseling
centers to cutting-edge career development programs, these institutions leave no stone unturned
in their pursuit of student success. However, their abundance of resources raises questions of
equity and access for students attending less-privileged institutions.
For instance, Brigham Young University, a faith-based institution, offers extensive
support services that cater to its unique student population. However, the emphasis on religious
and spiritual guidance may not be suitable for all students, potentially limiting the effectiveness
of their support for those seeking secular resources. On the other hand, when we look at HBCUs
like South Carolina State University and community colleges like Midlands Technical College,
the disparities become more pronounced. These institutions, often serving underrepresented and
non-traditional students, are hamstrung by limited resources and funding. For example, they may
have only one counselor for every 500 students, compared to the ratio of one counselor for every
200 students at well-resourced institutions. This lack of resources often translates to understaffed
departments, limited program offerings, and a heavy reliance on overburdened faculty and staff.
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This disparity raises concerns about equitable access to quality education and the potential for
widening the achievement gap.
While offering flexibility and convenience, online, for-profit institutions like the
University of Phoenix struggle with lower retention and graduation rates. This underscores the
need for innovative approaches to student engagement and support in online learning
environments. Despite their comprehensive array of virtual services, these institutions often face
criticism for their profit-driven motives and the quality of their academic programs. However,
the need for innovation in student support remains a key focus for these institutions.
The stark disparities in student support services across different types of institutions raise
profound questions about equity, access, and the role of higher education in promoting social
mobility. While well-resourced institutions excel in providing comprehensive support, less-
privileged institutions struggle to meet the basic needs of their students. This uneven landscape
not only hinders individual student success but also perpetuates systemic inequalities. To address
this disparity, it is crucial that policymakers and educators take action. They must prioritize
equitable funding and resource allocation for all institutions, regardless of their tax status or
student demographics. Additionally, institutions must embrace innovative approaches to student
support, such as leveraging technology to expand access to resources, developing culturally
relevant programs, and fostering collaboration between academic and student affairs
departments. This collaboration is key to addressing the complex needs of students and ensuring
a holistic approach to student support. Only by leveling the playing field can we ensure that all
students, regardless of their background or the type of institution they attend, can thrive and
reach their full potential.
