Office for Student Success

Your go-to place for all things academic.

We offer intentional opportunities for students to deepen their learning, to make deep and lasting connections to the College's social and academic community and to empower students to become active citizens on the global stage.

Success Programs and Services

From day one, our network of partner offices, programs, services and resources will help you find success at the College of Charleston and beyond. Click below to learn more about our offerings and to find relevant resources.

Orientation

Director: Stephanie Auwaerter
Connect: orientat@cofc.edu
Location: Lightsey Student Success Hub Annex
Transitioning to college can be challenging for both students and their families. Students' first real introduction to life at the College of Charleston will be through orientation. In addition to making friends and learning your way around campus, you'll meet an academic advisor, plan your schedule and explore the various academic programs on campus.
Learn more about our orientation.
Parents and families can stay informed about everything going on at the College through our parent and family portal and email newsletter.
Academic Advising

Director: Karen Hauschild
Connect: advising@cofc.edu
Location: Lightsey Student Success Hub, 2nd Floor
The Academic Advising and Planning Center (AAPC) prepares undergraduate students to navigate all aspects of academic planning by promoting an atmosphere that encourages self-exploration and resource utilization in support of academic success, as well as the timely and informed pursuit of an academic major.
Learn more about the Academic Advising and Planning Center
Current students, visit The Hub to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Tutoring and Academic Coaching

Director: Lindy Coleman
Connect: cslstud@cofc.edu
Location: Addlestone Library, Room 116
Successful students know that collaboration and communication are keys to success. Through CSL drop-in labs and one-on-one appointments, along with our partnership with Knack peer tutoring, all students have access to the academic tutoring services they need!
The Center for Student Learning also offers SMART Coaching and Peer Academic Coaches for students seeking assistance in time and self-management, goal-setting, effective study strategies and more! You can request individual coaching appointments or use the drop-in coaching hours.

Learn more about the Center for Student Learning
Current students, visit The Hub to learn more.
Success Planning

Director: Amelia LeCompte
Connect: ASRO@cofc.edu
Location: Lightsey Student Success Hub, Lower Level
The Academic Success and Retention Office supports student success and retention by connecting students to success resources and through individualized student meetings. Academic Success and Retention also monitors our early alert system to support students when they need it the most. The office helps all students meet their academic goals and to chart a path to successfully meeting the College's graduation requirements. You can schedule an appointment or seek help during drop-in hours.
Learn more about the Academic Success and Retention Office.
Current students, faculty and staff should visit The Hub for important forms and more information.
First-Year Experience

Director: Jen Wright
Connect: fye@cofc.edu
Location: Lightsey Student Success Hub, Lower Level Suite B53
The First-Year Experience (FYE) is an academic program designed to fully integrate new students into the academic and cultural community of the College of Charleston. All of the courses offered in this program gives new students an opportunity to work closely with top-level faculty. Through the FYE program, you'll connect with other new students, work with engaging faculty and create connections with peer mentors.
Learn more about the First-Year Experience program.
Peer Education

Director: Jennifer Smuniewski
Connect: cepe@cofc.edu
Location: Lightsey Student Success Hub, Lower Level Suites B66 and B53
The Center for Excellence in Peer Education (CEPE) is the hub for students who play a peer mentoring role in the First Year Experience and other programs on campus. Peer mentors meet with students one-on-one to provide academic, social and personal support to enhance student success. Every year, the office trains over 200 peer mentors to help them build skills in leadership, interpersonal communication and mentoring.
Learn more about the Center for Excellence in Peer Education.
The Schoen Veteran and Military Student Success Center

Director: Jessica Wilkes
Connect: wilkesjj@cofc.edu
Location: Lightsey Student Success Hub, Lower Level Suite B-24
The College of Charleston proudly supports active-duty military members, veterans, spouses, and military family members. Our office helps you navigate the admissions process, access and use your education benefits, and connect with other military-affiliated students across campus.
The Jerry Polis Veteran and Military Student Commons offers a welcoming space to study, relax, and meet with peers or a veteran mentor.
Ready to apply? Visit the Admissions site for veteran and military students to learn more about how to get started at CofC.
Life Design

Director: Rochelle Johnson
Connect: LifeDesign@cofc.edu
Location: 14 Green Way
"Life Design" empowers Charleston students to craft their personalized 'Charleston experience' and 'Life Launch' plan, ensuring their education reflects their passions, values, and aspirations. Life Design focuses on the development of the whole person, nurturing well-rounded individuals who can utilize interpersonal skills and are resilient. Students take control of their college and post-graduation paths by designing actionable plans with a bias towards action to try things and learn from experiences. Life Design equips students from all academic programs with transferable skills, including communication, design thinking, and empathy, which are highly valued in a wide range of careers. Students learn to explore possibilities and develop evidence-based solutions, which builds their critical thinking and problem-solving skill set. Intereseted in learning more? Click here!
CharlestonLIFE™

Director: Lisa Christian
Connect: CharlestonLIFE@charleston.edu
Location: Robert Scott Small Building, Rm. 233
CharlestonLIFE™ is a four-year, fully inclusive non-degree certificate program designed for students with mild intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) that focuses on academics, social development, independent living, and career development. Their goal is to help students become as self-determined and independent as possible. Find more about the program here.

Learn more about CharlestonLIFE™

Clyde the Chatbot Provides 24/7 Access

Communicating with students is a top priority for the College of Charleston. Using text messaging powered by artificial intelligence, the College launched Clyde the Chatbot, which will provide students with 24-hour access to resources.

Clyde the Chatbot