Welcome to Arizona State! This campus has many opportunities but can be nerve-wracking to navigate. Although ASU is one of the largest schools in the US, we have resources here to support you and create a home for all Sun Devils.
In my first year as a graduate student, the most common thing I heard from new students was that they didn't know how to navigate all the resources. The second thing they struggled with was creating community and making ASU their home. Starting graduate school is a big step towards amazing success and opportunity. With that comes a transition that can be disorienting. Let me share my top ASU resources for Graduate Students.
Academic Support:
- Dean of Students
The Dean of Students is the hub for anything and everything support. These staff members focus on supporting students in whatever advocacy needs they may have. The Dean of Students can help maintain academic support if you have been in a car accident, experiencing a mental health concern, have a family emergency, and more. They help students overcome barriers to academic success caused by life events.
Important Tip: Dean of Student employees are mandatory reporters of sexual violence. If you want to get support and have more power over your story, reach out to ASU Counseling Services or Victim Advocates! - Tutoring
Did you know that ASU tutoring is available for all students? If you are struggling to write your IRB proposals, thesis, and dissertation prospectus, or struggling to understand advanced statistics, tutoring is available for you. Most of these services are free of charge to ASU students and can be accessed in many ways!
Resources for Disabilities:
- Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning (SAIL)
SAIL Services is a resource for all your disability accommodation needs. This center can help you achieve academic success and inclusion on campus. This resource provides assigned advisors to help you receive support. Note that disabilities can be existing or acquired. If at any time you need more support, SAIL is available for you! - Accessibility Coalition
The Accessibility Coalition is a group of students on campus that represent people with disabilities. As such, they host events that promote student wellness whether their disabilities are apparent or unapparent. Additionally, they advocate for students who are struggling with disability-related discrimination. If you find that you are struggling or see a place where the campus can improve, reach out to the Accessibility Coalition!
Whole Person Wellness:
- ASU Counseling Services
Being a graduate student is not the same as being an undergrad student. You are someone who wears many hats and has many responsibilities. With many responsibilities comes great stress! If you find yourself struggling at any time, know that Counseling Services is available to you in person, virtually, and through Open-Call-Open-Chat. All of these are free of charge. Yes, you heard me right, 100% FREE! Same-day appointments are available by calling or walking into Counseling Services. You can schedule an appointment over the phone or online through your My ASU Health Portal.
- Health Services
Whether it’s flu season or a stress-induced head cold, Health Services is here to provide quality care. ASU Health Services is an integrative service that provides students with primary care. They can provide you with medical assistance and referrals. You can access health services through walk-in or telehealth appointments. You can schedule an appointment over the phone or online through your My ASU Health Portal.
- Off-Campus Health Care
Maybe ASU Campus services are not the best fit for you. Not to worry! ASU has a website called MiResource that is compiled of mental health care referrals and services. If you are looking for a prescriber or a new therapist that fits your needs, ASU vets specific healthcare service clinics to uphold student well-being and provide more choice and flexibility.
- Sun Devil Fitness and Wellness
A whole person's health could not be complete without physical wellness! If you are hoping to incorporate fitness into your grad school experience, your one-stop shop is Sundevils Fitness and Wellness. Release your inner Yogi, Pilates Princess, Pickleball enthusiast, or Fencer! They have it all! They are not just a gym, but a wellness department including nutritional education, health expos, and educational events! Be sure to keep up with them for giveaways!
- Pitchfork Pantry
Another aspect of school that is often unspoken is food insecurity. Sometimes we can experience guilt for choosing to return to school and still struggle to feed ourselves or those we provide for. Pitchfork Pantry has scheduled pop-ups for students and can help you apply for food stamps and other government assistance if you are interested.
Building Community:
- Sun Devil Sync
For some of us we are returning to college after years, others of us moved hundreds of miles away from our homes. Finding your community can feel intimidating (especially at such a large campus), but it doesn't have to be that way! ASU is a major hub for all clubs, organizations, and diverse student life. Through Sun Devil Sync, you can meet new people, join a sport, start a new hobby, experience new languages and cultures or connect deeper with your own, and so much more. Keep an eye out for Devils4Devils Community Circles!
- GPSA
GPSA might sound like a funny acronym, but it is the biggest support on campus for graduate students. This is the graduate student government that is involved in representing and uniting the community. These students put on meet n’ greets and mingling sessions, as well as academic and career support. They also utilize graduate fees in your tuition to continue to provide financial relief, so make sure to keep up with them frequently! Getting to know a GPSA representative can change your experience for the better at ASU. Instagram: asugpsa
- Join Devils4Devils
Devils4Devils is an organization on campus that focuses on the well-being of students (college and high school). This group is known for bringing students together and sharing resources on campus. This group is made up of undergraduate and graduate leaders. This is one club that is worth checking out because of all they do on campus and in the community. They connect with other organizations on campus and are sure to help you find your place here at ASU.
That’s it! My top resources here at ASU for Graduate students. ASU might be a big place, but there are ways to make it feel smaller. Keep an eye out for the places that feel more like home, that just might be your place here at ASU!
Good luck, enjoy the ride, and know we are here cheering you on every step of the way (no matter what you might need)!
Emily Hinsberger
ASU Alumni, Undergraduate and Graduate