10 hidden helpers

Who are you gonna call when you need help at college?

Ghostbusters? Not a chance! You may once have thought such heroes would come to your rescue, but you know better now. As resourceful as you may be, you’ll no doubt need some assistance along the way as you adjust to your new life.

There is a host of people on whom you can call when you need to—or when you want to get a leg up on your successful academic career. You’ve already met some of the people, such as admissions and financial aid advisors. Those professional staff and faculty form an essential core of people that will help you get acclimated to your new environment.

But there are many others. Think of them as your college’s hidden helpers, your allies. These behind-the-scenes professionals can make a significant difference in your success. That can be the difference between “getting by” and excelling as a first-year college student.

Attention athletes!
Meet your sports information director (SID)! If you play on a sports team, even an intramural one, your SID is a “must-see.” While these staffers routinely report team scores, they’re always looking for athletes with special stories to tell to sports reporters.

“It is so exciting to watch student-athletes develop during their collegiate days,” says Eric McDowell, SID at SUNY College at Brockport. “We watch and see their talents in the classroom and on the playing fields, and it is an honor to promote them and to let people know how well they are doing in both venues.”

Make the 6 o’clock news
The director of public relations is always looking for student achievers to brag about to the media. PR people are good at sniffing out human-interest stories, but they aren’t all-knowing. Stop by their office or call or e-mail them with your story—maybe about one of your “invisible” accomplishments, such as your volunteer work at a local animal shelter.

Go Greek
Is a fraternity or sorority in your future? Then be sure to chat with the Greek coordinator first. This specialist can clue you into the type of Greek environment you want, such as one more academically inclined or one where athletes congregate. Also ask your Greek coordinator to explain the policies about drinking, living in a Greek house and rush.

Let justice be done
As a Next Step reader, you’re already smarter than the average college-student-to-be. Others aren’t as fortunate to be so well-prepared and might arrive on campus ready only to party. Late-night noise in your dorm, not to mention acts of vandalism or harassment, can happen in college. You can avoid falling victim if you are familiar with your college’s codes of student conduct and talk to the judicial officer about any violations that interfere with your right to peace and privacy.

Equality for all
The affirmative action officer (AAO) at your university ensures that students are treated equally regardless of gender, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.

Caution!
Accidents happen. A broken thermometer can spill mercury; a chem experiment can go awry. Leave the cleanup to the hazardous material officer on campus. Every college is required to have one for those potentially dangerous mishaps. It pays to know how to contact yours  just in case.

Mops, brooms and Mr. (or Mrs.) Clean
A friendly hello to the housekeeper in your residence hall will go a long way to help make your new home sparkling clean and comfortable. Get to know the folks who empty the trash and wash the floors, and they’ll be happier to call the maintenance team should the heat go on the fritz or your suite’s toilet clogs.

Yummy!
The catering or dining services director at most colleges can stir up all kinds of goodies for special occasions, like a birthday cake for your girlfriend or a pizza party for a club you’ve joined. Thanks to the dining services, you might even be able to surprise your parents when they come to visit with a delectable treat!

Take action!
Studies have shown that freshmen who become involved with clubs at school are more successful than couch potatoes. See the student activities director to discover the breadth of choices before you. “College is a time to try new things. Put yourself out there and explore,” says Kristin Holmberg, director of student activities at Reed College in Oregon. “Some students find their passion where they wouldn’t expect it. I’ve seen shy students blossom when they find their niche.”

Ouch!
You don’t have to be an athlete to experience the aches and pains of physical exertion. Should you twist your wrist in a friendly game of tennis, you can turn to the physical therapist on your campus. You can usually find one in the athletics department or health center. Let’s just hope this is a hidden helper you won’t need!

We hope you’ll let these real-life wizards work their magic for you as you discover the wide, wonderful world of college life!

Karla Linn Merrifield is a professional communicator who teaches composition at SUNY College at Brockport in Western New York.