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OSU Ecampus success counselors help students make the most of their time

Four Oregon State Ecampus student success counselors lean with their arms crossed on an indoor balcony in the Valley Library. Hanging from the balcony below them, an orange and black sign reads "Everyone is Welcome."

By Heather Doherty  
October 17, 2016

Students choosing online education often juggle multiple commitments, and starting a new degree program can be overwhelming.

Whether you’re struggling to find balance, need help refining study skills or want a little extra motivation, Oregon State Ecampus student success counselors are just a phone call or email away.

“We can help students identify a system and set of supports that works for them as an individual,” says Amy Riley, student success manager for the OSU Ecampus Department and Learner Services, which houses the student success team.

Four members of the Oregon State University Ecampus student success team pose together in orange and black clothing.

From left to right: Bethany Ulman, Theresa Harper, Amy Riley and Tom Casey.

A national leader in online education, Oregon State Ecampus created the student success team as a way to support the diverse group of students who are transitioning to online learning, and in many cases, making the jump back into college after being away from school for a significant period of time.

The success counselors provide academic counseling services for undergraduate students to help them improve academic skills, identify resources and address obstacles to academic success at Oregon State.

“One of the best things about our services is that they are student-centered and holistic,” Amy says. “We may offer some suggestions, resources and tools, but it’s really about helping the student find out what will work best for them based on their unique situation and preferences.”

Appointments via phone or Skype last 45 minutes and are tailored to a student’s specific needs, often including topics of time management, work-life balance, stress management, goal-setting and identifying support resources.

The success counselors each focus their support based on students’ majors and work closely with those departments to ensure a more comprehensive support service, including new student outreach, first-term coaching and as-needed academic counseling appointments.

“One of the best things about our services is that they are student-centered and holistic.”

The goal is to deliver more intentional support for students, to help them navigate the transition to OSU, get them connected to their department and major in a timely fashion, and offer additional support for new students in their early terms at OSU.

“Although Ecampus students aren’t physically on campus, they are students of Oregon State University and deserve the same level of support wherever we are able to provide it,” Amy says. “I hope this service shows students that we do respect their commitment and drive, and we want to create a sense of community and support that can help them in their academic career.”

Read tips straight from the student success counselors on the Ecampus Student Success Blog.

Meet the team

Theresa Harper

Thrice a Beaver alumna – now a Beaver supporter

Theresa Harper knows firsthand what it’s like to balance school with family and work. She was once an online student herself. “It was nice to be able to work on my courses in the evening so I didn’t feel like I was missing out on too much family time,” she says. Read what advice Theresa offers to students juggling their own responsibilities.
Read more »

Bethany Ulman

Black and orange is in her genes

Bethany Ulman is a true Beaver at heart who always dreamed of working at her alma mater. Now that she’s fulfilling her dream, Bethany prides herself on building a strong relationship with each student she works with. Find out why Bethany says a listening ear is sometimes all students need to create their path to success. Read more »

Tom Casey

Home is where the heart is

A former football coach, Tom Casey has worked in the student success business for more than two decades at various colleges and universities across the U.S., helping students on and off the field. Learn how Tom channels his inner coach to help Ecampus students succeed. Read more »

Amy Riley

A passion for encouraging student success

Previously an online student, success counselor and now the student success manager, Amy Riley has extensive experience working with the online adult learner population. “I have an incredible amount of respect for what it takes to go back to school online or as a nontraditional student. I think I may actually learn more from the students I work with than they learn from me.” Learn what Amy says is the key to success in online learning. Read more »

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