Mentoring and Persistence to Success (MAPS)
What is MAPS?
If you are a first-generation college student, from a low income background, or navigating
college on your own, MAPS is for you!
MAPS is a program for 蘑菇短视频students that provides you with academic support in order
to help you reach your goals. All students benefit from a support network that can
help you navigate your academic journey, celebrate your successes, and cheer you on
through graduation!
Learn more about our services below and choose how MAPS can be a part of your support
network.
If you join Compass Coaching, you can be matched with an Academic Coach who will help you with study skills, time management, test prep strategies, and personal organization. You can meet with your Academic Coach regularly or just when you need help.
To apply for Compass Coaching, students can . All applicants who meet eligibility requirements will be considered for the Compass program. However, our program accepts a limited number of students each semester.
Check out Compass Coaching.
Connect Crew is our peer mentoring program for students new to WCU! If you join Connect Crew, you will be connected with another 蘑菇短视频student who has been here for at least one year. Your peer mentor helps you learn about classes, campus life, and events. You will have regular contact with your peer mentor during your first academic year. For more information, contact MAPS at 828.227.7171 or maps@wcu.edu.
Connect To Next is our professional mentoring program for juniors and seniors at WCU! If you join this program, we will do our best to match you with a faculty or staff member to help prepare you for your transition to post-graduate life. Students will prepare for life after college, increase networking opportunities, gain valuable information about their educational field, and build professional skills. For more information, contact MAPS at 828.227.7171 or maps@wcu.edu.
Join the First Gen Club to make friends and find community! The club has regular meetings, social events, and educational activities throughout the year in order to build our first-gen community and share resources that will lead to your success. All first-generation college students are welcome to join and attend! For more information, visit or contact MAPS at 828.227.7171 or maps@wcu.edu.
Who Is Eligible?
- First-generation college students - students whose parents/guardians have not completed a four-year degree, even if a sibling has
- Students from low-income backgrounds - students who identify as eligible for federal need-based aid, including Pell Grant
- Independent students - students who are financially self-supporting, former foster or orphaned youth, emancipated as minors, adult learners, students with their own dependent(s), and other contemporary situations
Appointments
- Schedule appointments in the "Advising and Tutoring" portal in My蘑菇短视频under the service "Retention Resources and MAPS"
- Drop-in appointments are available in Killian Annex 214:
- Mon-Thur from 10a-4p
- Fri from 11a-3p
Support For Family
Family members are an important part of our students' support networks while in college. Here are three tips to help your college student succeed:
- Remind them that they belong: Sometimes students feel like they don鈥檛 fit in or aren鈥檛 good enough. This is called 鈥淚mposter Syndrome鈥� and we can help! Let your student know that they belong at WCU and that it鈥檚 okay to ask for help. Over 30% of 蘑菇短视频students are among the first in their family to navigate college鈥攜our student is not alone!
- Encourage them to ask for help: College can feel overwhelming, especially for first-generation college students. 蘑菇短视频has many people鈥攖eachers, staff, and other students鈥攚ho want to help! MAPS is a great place to start if your student isn鈥檛 sure where to go. The Compass Program gives one-on-one support from a staff member who acts as a guide and advocate.
- Expect some changes: As your student grows more independent, your relationship might change. They may not call as often or come home on weekends. This is normal! They鈥檙e learning how to manage school, life, and responsibilities on their own. Even though they may not be as available for family duties as they were before, it doesn鈥檛 mean you鈥檙e any less important. They鈥檙e just learning how to balance everything while working toward their goals. You'll stay close, even through the changes! Please contact MAPS if you have questions or concerns about your student.
Please view our monthly MAPS newsletter for updates and resources!
Be sure to check out our Instagram for updated newsletters while this website undergoes some long-term maintenance!
Additional Resources
