Kansas State University

Academic Success and Student Affairs helps put students' goals into motion

Submitted by Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs

Like many of us, students may be using this time to reflect on their fall semester and determine how to make spring more successful. Students don't have to make New Year's resolutions just to make the college experience more fulfilling. Whether it's meeting new people, taking charge of their finances, prioritizing health and well-being, or pursuing academic goals, students can take easy steps to set the stage for your semester.

• Get involved with student organizations and complete Cat Trax — K-State has more than 400 student orgs where students can meet others, pursue their passions, boost their resume and have fun! Encourage students to check out Cat Trax. It's full of easy and fun ways they can experience K-State to the fullest.
• Get in the driver's seat of their finances — Finances are hard. Between understanding budgets, credits, paying for school and transitioning to work, and finding time for fun, it's hard to know how to balance accounts. Luckily, Powercat Financial's peer financial counselors are here to help. Counseling appointments are available for free to all K-State students.
• Secure academic or housing accommodations so students can thrive in class and at home — If students need academic or housing accommodations for a temporary or permanent disability, the Student Access Center is their campus resource. After meeting with the office, they'll work with students to secure the accommodations needed to make their learning and living environments work for them.
• Get answers to questions about choosing or switching majors — If fall semester made a student doubt their current major, a visit with an exploratory advisor might be beneficial. Exploratory advisors can help students who haven't declared a major or who are considering changing majors. They'll guide students through the process and help them explore majors that might be a good fit for them and their goals.
• Encourage students to check in with themselves and seek support when needed — There are multiple campus resources available to all students in need of support. The Center for Advocacy, Response and Education provides free, voluntary and confidential support to survivors of sexual harassment and abuse. Students can also connect with mental health professionals through Lafene CAPS or TELUS Health Student Support app. CAPS offers individual and group therapy, and workshops, while TELUS Health is available 24/7 via chat or phone.
• And while we're at it, all students should make plans to complete FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year — The Free Application for Student Federal Aid, or FAFSA, is open for next academic year, and all students are encouraged to submit an application by the priority deadline. Completing FAFSA is the first step in finding federal student aid, and is often a requirement for state, local or private aid too.

DASSA provides an impactful and holistic K-State experience by aligning student life resources with academic support programs so you can succeed inside and outside the classroom. To learn more about all the ways we support students, visit k-state.edu/dassa or stop by Room 122 of Anderson Hall.