Faculty Toolkit for Student Success
It takes an entire campus community to help our students succeed. Faculty members are often the first to notice when students appear to struggle with some aspect of university life. These resources allow instructors to help students navigate the many support options available at Illinois State University. The first to places students should go are:
My.IllinoisState includes areas students should go to gain access to and learn about the most frequently used tools on campus.
Students can search for answers to questions at Help.IllinoisState.edu.
Dean of Students
The Dean of Students Office provides a variety of resources to assist students.
Redbird Care Team
If faculty do not know where to refer a student, they are encouraged to submit a report to the Redbird Care Team, and the staff will route the submission to the appropriate office or committee.
Dean on Duty
Dean on Duty - Each weekday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., an Associate Dean of Students is available to listen, assist students in gathering information, serve as a referral source, and help students navigate through the University.
Student's Attorney
Students' Attorney - Students' Attorney provides students with the legal information and guidance they need to help resolve their concerns and focus on what's most important - their education.
Technology Support
All students are encouraged to take the Introduction to Technology Quickstart Orientation, found here: IllinoisState.edu/Quickstart.
Additionally, technology support can be found at Help.IllinoisState.edu/Technology, which includes hundreds of help articles on ISU technology, including Canvas, My.IllinoisState.edu, email, and WiFi. Phone and live chat support with the Technology Support Center is available through that site as well. Walk-up support, computer repair, and tech purchases are available at TechZone, located on the first floor of the Bone Student Center, as well as at TechZone.IllinoisState.edu.
Two software packages are available at no additional charge: Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and Adobe Creative Cloud. Students can install these programs on their personal computers.
Students who do not have access to the technology they need to be successful in their coursework should contact the Technology Support Center at Help.IllinoisState.edu/Technology or (309) 438-HELP (4357) to discuss options.
Academic Support
The most centralized set of academic support resources on campus are housed in University College, including tutoring and workshops at the Julia N. Visor Academic Center.
According to data from Enterprise Data Analytics, there is a high correlation It between students' active use of Canvas and retention. Faculty are encouraged to reach out to student early who do not appear to have logged on to Canvas. Find out how to see reports on students' activities in Canvas Community support pages.
Additional resources
You can share these learning online tips for students.
Milner Library has several services for students. Please contact Milner staff with any questions.
A guide to teaching and learning through student absences.
Health and Well-Being Support
Financial Support
Should a student express concerns about finances or a need for financial support, please refer those students to the Office of Financial Aid. Financial Aid has knowledge of a variety of grants, scholarships or other aid programs that can assist students in paying for items such as access codes, textbooks, course material fees, etc.
Food Security
All Illinois State students can use the School Street Food Pantry if they are experiencing any food insecurity.
Mental Health
In addition to clinical services, Student Counseling Services will offer a range of "telereach" workshops and other outreach and drop-in services over Zoom. Student Counseling Services will provide both individual and group telemental health services and will continue to provide emergency services 24 hours per day.
Students can either call (preferred) or come in to schedule an initial consultation appointment. Virtually all services will be provided over a Healthcare version of Zoom. Students who do not have a private space from which to engage in their Zoom session can schedule space in the Student Counseling Services suite in one of their "Zoom rooms." Expanded evening services will likely be available as well and emergency "walk-in" services will be offered via Zoom and may be accessed either from the student's home or from one of the Zoom rooms.
Health Services
Student Health Services remains open for telehealth and in-person appointments.
Career Services
Career advising will be conducted through Zoom as will career readiness programs, workshops, career chats, and networking events. In particular, Career Services will have a platform for virtual career fairs in production by the start of the academic year.
Supporting our Diverse Student Populations
Students with Disabilities
Student Access and Accommodation Services has a number of resources to help faculty communicate with persons with disabilities and/or medical/mental health conditions.
International Students
International students are facing a particularly difficult time. In a quickly changing landscape, the Office of International Studies and Programs can best advise international students on options.
Undocumented Students
The Committee Assisting Undocumented Student Achievement (CAUSA) is a faculty, staff, and student group interested in raising awareness and supporting undocumented students and their families at Illinois State University. The committee has organized seminars to educate the campus community about struggles faced by undocumented students and their families. You can find important information on their website about resources available to support these students.
Veterans and Military Connected Students
Veterans and Military Services has a resource page on how faculty can help these students.
First-generation Students
LGBTQ+
LGBT/Queer Studies and Services Institute
For more information on Safe Zone, contact David Giovagnoli
Student Involvement
Now more than ever, it is important that students be connected with other students on campus. Campus involvement begins with exploring on Redbird Life.
Many students benefit from participating in Registered Student Organizations.
Diversity Advocacy Organizations
Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC)
The Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC) is a social organization comprised of students who have an interest in Asian culture.
Association of Latin American Students (ALAS)
The Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) is a social organization comprised of students who have an interest in Latin American culture.
Black Student Union (BSU)
Black Student Union aims to coordinate activities that strengthen cultural and political awareness as well as assist in developing skills necessary to become a professionally organized body of students that address issues pertinent to African Americans.
Pride
Pride is a student group on campus which strives to provide a safe social and educational atmosphere for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people of Illinois State University.