NUS Student Support Services (SSS) is committed to providing comprehensive support to students throughout their academic journey at the National University of Singapore (NUS). One of the key aspects of SSS’s approach is establishing strong relationships with students, which is achieved through various initiatives and programmes.
What Are the Benefits of Building Strong Student Relationships?
Establishing solid student relationships is crucial for several reasons. It enables SSS staff to:
- Understand students’ needs, concerns, and aspirations
- Provide tailored support and guidance
- Foster a sense of belonging and community
- Empower students to navigate challenges and thrive academically, personally, and professionally
- Enhance student satisfaction and retention rates
How Does SSS Establish Student Relationships?
SSS utilises a multifaceted approach to build relationships with students:
1. Orientation and Welcome Events
- SSS staff actively participates in orientation and welcome events to introduce themselves, provide an overview of services, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
2. Embedded Services
- SSS staff are embedded within academic faculties, halls of residence, and other student spaces to enhance accessibility and visibility.
3. Outreaching and Proactive Approach
- SSS staff proactively reaches out to students through regular emails, social media, and other channels to share information about services and opportunities.
4. Student-Centric Programmes
- SSS offers various programmes and initiatives tailored to student needs, such as peer support groups, mentoring, and leadership development programmes.
5. Collaboration with Student Groups
- SSS collaborates with student clubs, associations, and student leaders to engage students and promote a sense of community.
What Are the Key Initiatives and Programmes?
SSS implements several key initiatives and programmes to foster student relationships:
1. Student Connect
- Student Connect is a peer support programme that connects new students with trained student mentors who provide guidance and support throughout the first year.
2. Peer Advising
- Peer Advising provides students with the opportunity to seek advice and support from fellow students who have experienced similar challenges.
3. Mentoring Programmes
- SSS offers various mentoring programmes that pair students with experienced professionals who provide guidance and career support.
How Effective Are These Strategies?
SSS’s strategies have proven effective in establishing strong student relationships. A recent survey revealed that:
- 90% of students felt supported by SSS
- 85% felt a sense of belonging to the NUS community
- 75% reported that SSS played a significant role in their academic success
Conclusion
NUS Student Support Services places great emphasis on building strong relationships with students. Through a combination of initiatives, programmes, and a student-centric approach, SSS effectively supports students throughout their academic journey, empowering them to thrive and succeed.
