Written by Ben Lane // Photo by Madison Meyer
Unlike Campus Life, clubs, campus organizations, recreational activities and other activities that offer a social outlet, several free resources exist to help students achieve academic, professional and personal success during their enrollment.
Examples include the Writing Center, Center for Professional Excellence (CPE), Media Center, Watson Center and STEM Center. The Writing Center, hosted by the English Department, allows students to attempt to improve their papers with the help of a student tutor.
“I’m here to help with anything writing related, from brainstorming on a paper topic to figuring out proper citation style,” junior Rachael Bull, who is in her third semester working for the center, said.
Bull said there is a misconception that the center is only for bad writers, but it is intended for anyone regardless of their writing skills.
“The truth is that everyone needs help with writing sometimes,” Bull said. “Even good writers get stuck or have questions, or maybe just need a fresh perspective on their writing.”
The writing center is located in the Brackett Library and is available by appointment seven days a week with walk-ins accepted as staff allows.
Other centers, like the Media and the Watson Centers, provide resources students may use for their projects. They, for various prices depending on the need, provide colored or black and white paper, spiral binding, large print formats, buttons and magnets, faxing, lamination, document scanning, and other materials that students may need for projects.
For the previous decade, Harding’s CPE focused on students and alumni of the College of Business Administration, but it transitioned into a resource for all departments on Sept. 1.
CPE executive director Brian Harrington said in an email that CPE provides career services and professional development for students and alumni.
“We can assist with the job search, review resumes and cover letters, and provide mock interviews,” Harrington said. “We also help facilitate networking between students and employers/alumni.”
The next career fair that CPE is hosting is the IMC Expo on Oct. 11, which will focus on marketing, sales and communication roles.
A staff of six professional counselors is available to students in the Counseling Center on the third floor of the McInteer building and is also of no cost to students.“Our goal is to assist students as a part of the University’s mission to promote student success in all areas of life,” the Counseling Center’s website said.
