The new Center for Advocacy and Student Experience is the first place students should turn to when they need help at The University of Toledo.
Bringing together several support areas within the Division of Student Affairs, the new center located in Thompson Student Union Room 2518 is staffed to connect students with resources within the office and also to services across the University depending on their specific needs.
Celebrating the new Center for Advocacy and Student Experience, a group of UToledo leaders cut the ribbon on the newly remodeled space located in Thompson Student Union Room 2518. From left are Dr. Scott Molitor, interim vice provost for academic affairs and acting dean of the College of Graduate Studies; Dr. LaTasha Sullivan, director of the Counseling Center; Dr. Gregory Postel, UToledo president; Dr. Sammy Spann, vice president of student affairs and dean of students; Sara Clark, assistant dean of student experience and belonging; Dr. Julie Fischer-Kinney, assistant provost for student success and retention, Rocksy, Rocky, and Rod Theis, director of public safety and chief of police.
“We are 100% focused on increasing our students’ sense of belonging to ensure they are successful here at UToledo. We are here to help,” said Dr. Sammy Spann, vice president of student affairs and dean of students. “It can be difficult to navigate a large complex institution like a University, so it was important we create a place where students can come to for help with anything – whether it be here on campus or in their personal life – and we will help make those connections for them.”
The Center for Advocacy and Student Experience will use a model of creating a care plan for each student who seeks help with a minimum of five touchpoints to stay connected with them to resolve their concerns.
For example, if a student is experiencing a death in their family, the staff can assist with notifying their professors, arranging a follow-up from a Success Coach after the memorial services to check in and connect the student with the Counseling Center. The staff also will make connections to other offices across the University and external agencies to assist students.
Inside the newly remodeled space is staff from the Office of Student Advocacy and Support and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. It is located adjacent to the new location of the Rocket Fuel Food Pantry.
During the open house for the new Center for Advocacy and Student Experience that connects students to resources in their times of need, Sara Clark, center, assistant dean of student experience and belonging, shows the new location of the Rocket Fuel Food Pantry to UToledo President Gregory Postel and Dr. LaTasha Sullivan, director of the Counseling Center.
Aligned with its increased focus on student belonging, the Division of Student Affairs has been reorganized to better align services under two assistant deans. Sara Clark, the assistant dean of student experience and belonging, is responsible for student advocacy and support, student conduct, multicultural student success, career services and the Center for International Studies and Programs. Demond Pryor, the assistant dean for engagement and success, is responsible for student involvement and leadership, operations for the Student Union and Recreation Center, Upward Bound and Toledo Excel.
Contact the Center for Advocacy and Student Experience in Thompson Student Union Room 2518 or by calling 419.530.HELP (4357).
