- Academic Programs & Support
- Academic Success
- Student Retention
- Mentoring and Persistence to Success
Mentoring and Persistence to Success (MAPS)
What is MAPS?
If you are a first-generation college student, from a low income background, or navigating
college on your own, MAPS is for you!
MAPS is a program for WCU students that provides you with academic support in order
to help you reach your goals. All students benefit from a support network that can
help you navigate your academic journey, celebrate your successes, and cheer you on
through graduation!
Learn more about our services below and choose how MAPS can be a part of your support
network.
If you join Compass Coaching, you can be matched with an Academic Coach who will help you with study skills, time management, test prep strategies, and personal organization. You can meet with your Academic Coach regularly or just when you need help.
To apply for Compass Coaching, students can Apply by completing the COMPASS INTAKE SURVEY. All applicants who meet eligibility requirements will be considered for the Compass program. However, our program accepts a limited number of students each semester.
Check out Compass Coaching..
Peer mentoring is for students new to WCU! If you join Peer Mentoring, you will be connected with another WCU student who has been here longer. Your Peer Mentor helps you learn about classes, campus life, and events. You will have regular contact with your mentor during your first academic year. For more information, contact MAPS at 828.227.7171 or maps@wcu.edu.
Professional Mentoring is for juniors and seniors at WCU! If you join this program, you will be matched with a faculty or staff member to help prepare you for your transition to post-graduate life. Students will prepare for life after college, increase networking opportunities, gain valuable information about their educational field, and build professional skills. For more information, contact MAPS at 828.227.7171 or maps@wcu.edu.
Join the First Gen Club to make friends and find community! The club has regular meetings, social events, and educational activities throughout the year in order to build our first-gen community and share resources that will lead to your success. All first-generation college students are welcome to join and attend! For more information, visit engage.wcu.edu or contact MAPS at 828.227.7171 or maps@wcu.edu.
WCU has partnered with Baptist Children's Home to open HOMEBASE! HOMEBASE is used for RISA programming as well as other student outreach services including a food pantry and free printing. It is located next to campus just past Hunter Library. Please visit www.homebasewcu.org for more information!
Support from Family
Family members are an important part of our students' support networks while in college. Here are three tips to help your college student succeed:
- Remind them that they belong: Some students feel like they don’t fit in or aren’t good enough. This is called “imposter syndrome.” Let your student know that they do belong at WCU and that it’s okay to ask for help. Over 30% of WCU students are among the first in their family to navigate college—your student is not alone!
- Encourage them to ask for help: College can feel overwhelming, especially for first-generation students. WCU has many people—teachers, staff, and other students—who want to help! MAPS is a great place to start if your student isn’t sure where to go. The Compass Program gives one-on-one support from a staff member who acts as a guide and advocate.
- Expect Some Changes:
As your student grows more independent, your relationship might change. They may not call as often or come home on weekends. This is normal! They’re learning how to manage school, life, and responsibilities on their own.
Even though they may not be as available for family duties as they were before, it doesn’t mean you’re any less important. They’re just learning how to balance everything while working toward their goals.
BONUS TIP: If you support your student and encourage them to ask for help, you'll stay close, even through the changes! Please contact MAPS if you have questions or concerns about your student.
Who is Eligible?
- First-Generation - students whose parents/guardians have not completed a four-year degree, even if a sibling has.
- Low-Income - students who identify as being part of a low socioeconomic status or receive a Pell Grant.
- Independent - students who are financially self-supporting, former foster or orphaned youth, emancipated as minors, adult learners, students with their own dependent(s), and other contemporary situations.
Appointments
- Schedule appointments in the Advising and Tutoring portal in MyWCU under the service "Retention Resources and MAPS"
