Dec 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Success by Design: Academic Support



Success by Design at Quincy University embodies our Franciscan values and commitment to every individual’s unique journey. We believe success should be intentional and meticulously planned. Our dedication to the college experience is profound, as we collaborate with students to create personalized success plans. This ensures they graduate on time, discover their passions, and are well-prepared for life.

Success by Design embraces holistic student care, encompassing residence hall programming, health and wellness services, career readiness, financial assistance, and campus ministry for students of all faiths. Every undergraduate at QU benefits from the guidance of both a student success coach and a faculty advisor. Together, they develop and regularly update a tailored student success plan. With no limits on support, our faculty and staff are dedicated to accompanying students every step of the way.

J. Kenneth Nesbit Student Success Center

The J. Kenneth Nesbit Student Success Center (SSC) offers a variety of assistance to enhance the quality of students’ undergraduate experience. Through the Success by Design model, programs in six major areas are provided: Student Advocacy, Academic Advising, Academic Enhancement, Disability Services, Career Development and Service Learning.

Student Advocacy and Advising

The Success Coach Program is located in the J. Kenneth Nesbit Student Success Center (SSC). Following the Success by Design model, success coaches serve as student advocates. The mission of the Success Coach Program is to enhance the student experience at Quincy University. Each undergraduate at Quincy University is assigned a success coach. Your success coach, a reliable point of contact from registration through graduation, provides consistent support to help you achieve your goals. 

Full-time students with declared majors are assigned faculty advisors within their field to assist in planning their degree programs and preparing for employment or advanced education. Undeclared students are assigned a general advisor as their primary academic advisor to help them declare a major. 

Both success coaches and academic advisors are invested in helping students succeed, but their roles are different. Academic advisors play a crucial role in assisting students in exploring their academic interests, finding additional information and support resources, course selection, and crafting study plans that align with their educational objectives.  Success coaches help students balance school and life by emphasizing their academic and personal strengths while aiding in overcoming potential challenges.

QU Navigate

QU Navigate is our student success management system designed to help proactively manage student success. It links faculty, advisors, professors, staff, and students in a coordinated network designed to help students navigate their way from admission to graduation. QU Navigate provides smart guidance at the most pivotal moments students encounter in college.

The QU Navigate mobile app is a powerful tool students use to contact and make appointments with members of their success team, stay on top of important deadlines and to-do’s, find and create study groups, and locate important campus resources. Students can download the app from the Google Play or the Apple App Store. Search for “Navigate Student” and select Quincy University. Students use their QU credentials to login. QU Navigate is also available in a desktop version.

QU Navigate enables faculty and support staff to access data and create connections to guide and support students from admission to graduation. Faculty and staff access QU Navigate by using the desktop login links located in the portal on the QU Navigate tab.

Academic Enhancement

Students seeking opportunities to enhance academic experiences may collaborate with staff in the SSC. Collaboration opportunities include:

  • Interactive Technology Hotspot - In addition to a large computer lab, the SSC offers access to collaboration technology hubs, tech-savvy work spaces, and black & white and color printing options.
  • Peer Tutoring - Quincy University provides tutoring services at no additional cost to undergraduate students. The SSC is home for our peer tutoring program. Tutoring is scheduled through the WC Online program and usually occurs on a one-on-one basis. Peer tutors are available for most 100 and 200 level classes.
  • Supplemental Instruction - Peer-led, student-driven supplemental learning is offered to students through the Supplemental Instruction Program. Supplemental Instruction is provided to students in some of the most historically challenging 100-200 level courses. The SSC houses two Supplemental Instruction Classrooms.
  • Academic Support - Students can meet with either their success coach or primary academic advisor to receive academic support. These could include: time management, study skills, testtaking tips, and other skills to enhance their Success by Design plan. Students conditionally admitted to the University or on academic probation are required to participate in academic success courses, taught by the success coaches.
  • Disability Services - Students with documented need for physical and/or educational assistance will seek accommodations through the Vice President for Student Development. The Vice President will work with faculty to provide appropriate learning and testing environments. The SSC offers private test proctoring rooms, as well as assistive technology. A recent diagnosis with needed accommodations specified from a professional in the field is required.
  • Academic Advisor - Each new student is provided an academic advisor. Advisors receive training in working with college students on issues such as developing an individual Success by Design plan, academic success, selecting a major, and adjusting to life as a college student.

Career Development

The QUEST Center provides career assistance from the initial steps of selecting a major to help in finding a job after graduation. The Director provides individualized help to students and alumni.

  • Career Information - Career guidance software is available to assist students in making career decisions and obtaining a variety of career information including job outlook, and salaries.
  • Career Services - During the school year, the Center welcomes recruiters from businesses, and various governmental agencies. The Center also provides students information on part-time, full-time, internship, and summer employment opportunities. Assistance is also provided in developing resumes, cover letters, and interview skills.
  • Internships - The Center can help students find practical or job-related experiences to supplement their learning. The Quincy area provides many opportunities for students to explore career choices and develop marketable skills. Our local community offers opportunities for all our majors.
  • Exploratory Majors Program - Students who have not declared a major or are uncertain about their choice of major may work individually or in groups with the Director. Students complete a series of activities that allow them to explore their interests and skills and find majors and careers that correspond to them. CDE 110 Career Development  and access to career exploration software are also provided.