Student Support
Student Support
It’s our mission to provide access to opportunities in higher education for those who might not otherwise have that pathway open to them. That mission encompasses not only admissions and enrollment but also the entire student experience at Thaddeus Stevens College.
It’s just as important to support students during their time on campus as it is as they’re preparing to arrive and after they graduate.
Students, families, and mentors can be assured of the variety of ways students can be supported while they are enrolled. Whether through our commitment to learning accessibility, career pipelines, or day-to-day necessities, there are people, systems, and facilities throughout our locations available and dedicated to student success.
Accessibility
The Office of Accessibility at Thaddeus Stevens College encourages students with disabilities to achieve their full potential by fostering self-advocacy, independence, and the use of technology. Students must make requests rather than parents, and the College’s Accessibility Services determines reasonable accommodations. Specific documentation is required, and many different supports can be put in place with direction from the Accessibilities Coordinator and support throughout many college departments.
Mental Health Counseling
Life can sometimes be overwhelming or stressful, and the Counseling Services Office at Thaddeus Stevens College helps current students develop coping strategies to improve their opportunities for success in college and life. Interventions built on each individual student’s strengths help each person move forward and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Counseling services are provided at no additional cost and are offered in a confidential setting where students may freely discuss any concerns. Students may seek counseling for mental illness, depression, stress, anxiety, family and relationship difficulties, grief and loss, substance use, poor academic performance, or a particular life situation.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office at Thaddeus Stevens College assists more than 90 percent of students with financial aid. The aid can come from any of three sources individually or in combination: grants, scholarships, or loans. The first step to apply for financial aid is to fill out the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students currently enrolled can visit the Ellucian Tile page and select “Self-Service Portal” to view their Financial Aid information and status.
Career Services
The College’s Career Services office creates an environment of future success for students. The office hosts career and internship fairs, connects students directly with hiring companies, maintains job and internship postings, and supports students to help them prepare resumes and practice for interviews. This office works closely with employers from throughout the state to create opportunities and connections for students and supports students in a rewarding career.
Health Services
Whether caring for symptoms, answering questions related to health and wellness, or providing preventative health education, students at Thaddeus Stevens College will find support at the Health Services Center, part of Thad’s Resource Center. It’s located on Main Campus in Brenner Hall, across from Leonard building.
IT Services
The IT team at Thaddeus Stevens College is here to answer questions and provide support. We operate a Help Desk ticketing system you can use to submit a request for specific needs, and we also host content to provide you with needed information such as laptop recommendations for students, how to set up your Thaddeus Stevens College email on your phone, and how to reset your password. You can find this and more on our internal-only IT support page (College login required).
Safety and Security
The security guards at Thaddeus Stevens College are available to protect students, employees, and all buildings throughout our locations. Our security team manages our key card swipe system, often has a presence in residence halls, and has multiple permanent locations throughout the campus. You will often see security guards throughout our locations, and they may sometimes ask for ID as they go about their responsibilities of ensuring a safe and welcoming environment. They can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 717-391-7225.
Food Pantry
The College maintains a food pantry on Main Campus accessible by request to those who may be in need of food. About half of our student body are commuters and may not be able to access filling, nutritious options, and we understand the challenges of balancing intense lab and class schedules often with work or internship hours. Current students are able to submit a request to Student Services to come to Thad’s Pantry, part of Thad’s Resource Center in Brenner Hall, and select food items; information is kept confidential.
Clothing Closet
Not everyone may have access to the clothing they need for day-to-day or work responsibilities. In light of this, the College maintains Thad’s Closet as part of Thad’s Resource Center in Brenner Hall for students who may need clothing items. It is only open to current students, who can make an appointment by filling out a form. All information is kept confidential.
Student Emergency Assistance Fund
Students may find themselves in financial hardship because of an unanticipated event or emergency. In light of this, through generous donations and the College’s commitment to its mission to remove barriers to education, students can apply for funding assistance from the Student Emergency Assistance Fund. The fund is not intended to support recurring cost needs.
Learn more about the Emergency Assistance Fund and how to apply for it.
Library
The library is housed in the College’s Learning Resources Center, and includes quiet study rooms, our Academic Coaches, and a computer lab. Librarians are available during open hours to help students complete research.
Tutoring
Free tutoring is available for students in all courses. Appointments are not necessary, and all students are welcome. Tutoring labs have varying hours depending on the subject and can be found in the Academic Center in the Learning Resources Center.
Title IX and Student Complaints
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities. This can include sexual harassment or sexual violence. Students may also have complaints about other challenges on campus.
We’re here to help
Contact Us
Chris Metzler, Vice President, Student Services
Stacy Caldwell, Student Services Administrative Assistant